Blisstree » palliative-care

Pain “may” be undertreated in cancer?

Marijke Durning, RN — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 19:41:11 +0000

What’s with the “may”?? Pain is very often undertreated in cancer and it’s unforgivable in my opinion. (as my friend would say, “Come on Marijke, tell us how you *really* feel!”) I saw this when I worked in the hospitals and had patients with cancer pain, and I saw it when I worked in palliative care and saw patients arrive who had been in agony because of undertreated pain.

Click here to read more.

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Post from: Blisstree

Pain “may” be undertreated in cancer?

Think pain meds are hard to get here? Try getting some in Uganda

Marijke Durning, RN — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 18:13:23 +0000

Uganda is a small land-locked country in eastern Africa that has seen more than its share of troubles. Setting political issues aside, the rising rate of disease calls for more health care, including the need for pain control.

Although much of the focus on health care and palliative care in Africa is on people who are dying of AIDS-related disease, those who are dying from cancer are suffering unnecessarily, in the opinion of the World Health Organization (WHO). Unlike the Western world, in Africa, people aren’t diagnosed with cancer in the early stages where it can be treated. Instead, they are often diagnosed when the cancer has advanced to the point that there are no treatment options other than comfort care. However, because of the lack of palliative care, the poverty, and the lack of medications, even the comfort care, the treatment of chronic pain or cancer pain, may not be possible for many.

Here is an eye-opening article: Uganda: Why Are Patients Not Getting Their Medicines?

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Post from: Blisstree

Think pain meds are hard to get here? Try getting some in Uganda

Help My Hurt presents: 25 useful blogs on pain and illness

Marijke Durning, RN — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 15:57:05 +0000

One fun thing that comes from writing this blog is I get an incredible store of great information. I get lists of blogs, news stories, and a whole lot more.

Since December, 2007, here are some blogs I’ve enjoyed and recommended:

How To Cope With Pain

Cranky Fitness

OneHealthPro

Nickie’s Nook

Life With Chronic Pain

the Vagina Dialogues

Type A with R. A.

Life in the Autoimmune Lane

One Year of Writing and Healing

RSD/CRPS=Pain

Chronic Babe

Lotsa Helping Hands

Resources for caregivers:

National Family Caregivers Association

Partners Against Pain

Mobility Limited

National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization

National Family Caregivers Association

National Institute on Adult Day Care

Arthritis Foundation National Office

Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Association, Inc.

National Institute of Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease Information Clearinghouse (NAMSIC)

The Caregiver Network, Inc. (not updated since 2004, but still has good information)

Caregiver.com

National Organization for Victim Assistance

National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship

I hope you find at least some of the blogs useful and/or enjoyable. As always, feel free to let me know of any that you feel should be added to the list.

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Post from: Blisstree

Help My Hurt presents: 25 useful blogs on pain and illness