Managing pain using complementary therapies and self-management techniques They will be able to review the problem and suggest other ways to reduce the pain. If the discomfort has not eased after 30 minutes phone the palliative care team.If you think nausea (feeling like vomiting) or constipation (no bowel action for several days) may be causing the pain, refer to sections on nausea and constipation below.Suggest a complementary or self-management technique such as those listed below.Try to take their mind off the pain by encouraging them to read, watch television or listen to music.Otherwise give the medication as directed on the container. If they have had as much as they are allowed, contact the palliative care service. If they have been given some medicines for pain, check first to see what pain medicines they have already taken that day.Ask them to lie on the bed or to sit down.In order to help the person manage their pain: Anything scoring more than 4 out of 10 is regarded as pain that needs attention. How would you rate the pain on a scale of one to ten? (1 being ‘no pain’ through to 10 being ‘excruciating pain’).When did you last have a bowel movement? (Constipation can cause pain.).Have any other lifestyle changes occurred?. ![]() Is the pain persistent, or does it come and go?.What type of pain is it – sharp, tingling or aching?.It helps to have this information if the pain does not ease and you need to call the palliative care team or doctor.Ask: If you are concerned about your loved one’s pain, use the following guide. Speak to your doctor or palliative care team if any of these side effects occur in the person you are caring for. Side effects of pain medication include constipation, nausea and vomiting, drowsiness or confusion, dry mouth or itchy skin. Pain medication can cause side effects but most of these are temporary or can be managed easily. Let your doctor know if the person you’re caring for considers taking any over-the-counter medication, herbal remedies or natural supplements as they may react with other medication.Įnsure there is a good supply of pain medication so it doesn’t run out. ![]() This can occur if the person is taking pain relief medications for a long time. Talk to the person’s doctor or pharmacist if you think the medicines are losing their ability to reduce pain or are causing side effects. Ensure the person follows the instructions for taking their pain medication. Pain relievers (or analgesics) are used frequently in end of life and palliative care. Although there have been many advances in treatment of pain, it may not always be completely eliminated. The palliative care team and the person’s GP aim to reduce the pain as much as possible. Some people may feel uncomfortable if they feel sick, tired, worried or restless and this can result in feeling more pain. Not all people who need palliative care suffer ongoing pain. We all feel discomfort in different ways and people experience pain differently. If they feel less pain, they can be more active, which also reduces the risk of complications. The person is likely to sleep better and have more energy during the day. If pain is well managed, quality of life will be better. Pain management is a key part of end of life and palliative care. Many people worry about the comfort of their loved one and their level of pain as end of life nears. Only do this if you feel comfortable doing so and if your relative is happy for you to do so Otherwise, contact your GP, a palliative care team member, or the Palliative Care Advice Service if you are concerned about symptom management. As a carer, you can help the person you are caring for by assisting them in recognising and managing their symptoms. Relief of symptoms is one of the major aims of the palliative care team. In most cases symptoms can be controlled to a comfortable level, but some symptoms may not disappear completely. ![]() Some common symptoms are pain, constipation, nausea, tiredness, breathlessness, fatigue and delirium. Every person is different and symptoms experienced at end of life vary.
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