Invisible Illness CFIDS/FMS

Hello Everyone,

I have not been feeling very well lately so my posts are not very long. I do hope they have been helpful. Here is some information on how our body controls pain:

Pain signals travel through a system of nerves in your brain and spinal cord. Sometimes your body tries to provide relief by producing chemicals that help block pain signals. These chemicals are called endorphins. They are morphine-like painkilling substances that decrease the pain sensation. Keep in mind that there are different factors, including our thoughts and emotions that cause the body to produce endorphins.

Let me give you an example, a Mother is driving her child to school and is in a sudden car accident, she is so worried about her child that she does not even notice she has a broken wrist, arm, etc. The concern for her child has caused the natural release of endorphins, which block the pain signal.

Our body also produces endorphins in response to external factors, such as medicine. Codeine is one example of a powerful pain-blocking medication. Other external pain control methods used are heat and cold treatments that can stimulate the body to either release endorphins or block pain signals in other ways.

You ask, what are endorphins? Any of a group of peptide hormones that bind to opiate receptors and are found mainly in the brain. Endorphins reduce the sensation of pain and affect emotions.

I want you to start thinking of ways to “Manage Your Pain”. Try thinking of pain as a signal to take a positive action rather than an ordeal you have to deal with.

The first step is to learn to manage the pain and take some positive actions to counter the pain. We have to learn to take control of the pain in order to help ourselves. Our mind plays an important role in how we feel pain and respond to illness. Some of use feel helpless and depressed, admit it, I have felt these emotions. It is understandable, however, we have to take control of these emotions.

These emotions cause people to decrease activity levels,  cause low self-esteem and increased pain. This is an example of how we can use Cognitive Behavior Therapy to help us build a sense of personal control by adjusting our thoughts and actions.

So what is it I am trying to communicate?

1). Keep a positive attitude

2). Do not focus on pain

3). Practice positive self-talk

4). Change your pain habits

5). Create a pain management plan

6). Take your medicines wisely

I am working on a pamphlet to help you manage your pain. As soon as I have completed it, I will add it so you can download it.

Hang in there!

I hope and pray that is information has helped someone today.

Fibro Viv

•  Don’t wait until chronic pain is too severe to treat. Pain is easier to prevent than treat. Begin to understand the kinds of medications that you might take if you begin to have pain.

•  Talk with your physician about your concerns for good pain care. Be assertive, and tell your doctor you will not tolerate under-treated pain.

•  Demand comfort care in your advance directive. Be clear and assertive.

•  Ask a family member or friend to be your advocate if you cannot speak for yourself. Keep this person informed of your pain.

•  Maintain a pain record. Note location, time of day, severity, and what relieved the pain. Share with your doctor or nurse.

•  If you’re receiving hospice care, identify your pain level for the nurse at each visit.

•  Understand your doctor’s orders for your pain medication. Make sure you understand the frequency, dose and type of medication. If you have questions, ask them.

•  Insist that you have enough pain medication for weekends or holidays.

•  Get the names and phone numbers of any doctors covering for your physician.

•  If you are hospitalized and your pain is not being treated, ask to speak to the medical director or nursing supervisor.

•  For end-of-life pain, expect medication amounts to increase rapidly.

I hope and pray that this post has helped someone today.

Fibro Viv