If you have any pain, talk to your healthcare provider. You shouldn't have to suffer from any level of pain nor should you be afraid of addiction to pain medications. If it is uncomfortable enough for you to feel, it is necessary to share with your healthcare provider.
How we treat pain differs based on many factors. Some of the factors that affect the options for pain treatment include:
Do not self-medicate pain unless you have spoken to your healthcare provider. Medications like aspirin and Tylenol have substantial side effects when taken in “normal” dosage regimen. Never take more than 4000 mg (4 grams) of Tylenol a day. Tylenol is toxic to the liver. If you take other pain medication that has Tylenol as a component you may be at risk. Aspirin may lead to intestinal ulceration and bleeding requiring hospitalization and transfusions. Other medications with serious side effects for seniors include ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve). These medications can lead to increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
Pain is a unique experience for each of us. You do not have to be strong and face down pain. It is not an enemy. It is your body talking to you. If you have pain, report it to your healthcare provider. Pain is present for a reason, and it must be explored to make sure there is not some underlying condition that can be treated. As healthcare providers, we are taught not to judge the pain someone tells us about. We are there to find a cause if possible and help find the treatment that minimizes the pain experience.
There is no magic pill or solution for pain. As we age, our body experiences wear and tear. Tissues that are not as pliable as they once were, joints that are not cushioned like they used to be and arthritis due to use of weight-bearing joints can cause pain. Our goal as the team working with you is first to identify the level of pain that is acceptable to you. Your pain experience is yours alone, but we need to know what is acceptable to you to help you.
Do not be embarrassed or feel that you are a baby because you have pain. Pain is a very real symptom and should not be ignored. If we cannot find a curable cause, your healthcare team will work with you to find options that work for you. It may be medications, acupuncture, massage or meditation. Do not ignore pain; it impacts on many aspects of your life.