Evaluating New Pain

[Guest guest]

a,

You wrote, " I just had a pseudocyst aspirated now a week later I have a

sharp pain in the same spot. .. Should I write it off as normal pancreatic pain

or should I try to get thru on the phone to my doctors? "

Pain, generally, is nature's way of telling us something is wrong. Of

course, when we are in chronic pain, that theory often flies out the window.

That

does not mean we should simply disregard all pain, as something to be

expected. We should always evaluate any pain, particularly new pain, using the

" normal' pain we are always in as a point of reference. Is there is any change

in

intensity, quality, duration, what provokes it, does it radiate, does it hurt

more when the ball of your hand touches it or when your hand is removed

(rebound), are there any other new associated symptoms, i.e., fever, chills,

nausea, rash (petechiae).

Just as important to evaluate the pain, prior to calling the doctor, we

should also evaluate the efforts done to alleviate and minimize the pain. What

was the response to 30 minutes of meditation, visualization, affirmation,

prayer, warm compress (if appropriate), medication, diversion (music, book,

talking to a friend, answering posts on the message board), aromatherapy bath

soak,

back rub, reflexology, therapeutic massage, petting a cat/dog, having your

hair gently brushed, etc.

If there is a change in pain following any type of surgery or procedure then

it is always important to notify your healthcare provider, and preferably

the practitioner or his/her nurse practitioner who performed the procedure. It

is important to be safe, since there is a possible risk of complications

following any invasive procedure.

Remember, however, that a new onset of pain isn't always a sign of a

complication. One common 'problem' that can occur following an invasive

procedure is

the development of adhesions, i.e., scar tissue. These can cause internal

pulling that can be painful. Hormonal changes can also have an affect on the

pancreas resulting in pain sensation.

Karyn E. , RN,

Exec. Director PAI / 1-

Ask about the 2005 Symposium on Pancreatitis!