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Pain from mesothelioma is one of the major challenges facing patients and their doctors, and it can have a significant impact on their quality of life. Pain is a universal problem that affects millions of people regardless of social, economic and cultural considerations. In a 1997 survey found one in five adults reported experiencing some form of chronic pain, and 40% of people with chronic pain say the pain affects their ability to live a normal life. The American Academy of Pain Medicine estimates that over 80 million Americans live with serious pain. Cancer pain is a chronic, progressive pain that increases in severity over time. Many mesothelioma patients have pain that is unfortunately not responsive to conventional medical management. You really need to read a lot of Mesothelioma Information to stay informed. Appropriate treatment is paramount and reduces pain and suffering, decreases hospital stays and saves money by reducing overuse of health care resources. Pain is a personal experience and unique to each individual. Pain may include a range of physical and mental sensations, such as aching, tightness, numbing and burning. These sensations may vary in severity, persistence, source and duration. Symptoms of early stage disease may be experienced by a discomfort or mild pain in the chest area or in the back. As the disease progresses it destroys soft tissue and nerves, and the patient experiences the most discomfort. Eventually, as the tumor spreads, it grows into the chest, the chest muscles and ribs, causing tissue destruction and severe pain. Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy are used to stop the spread of the disease and thus easing the pain however these treatments are not completely pain free. Also take a read of this article titled Detecting Mesothelioma Cancer if you are unsure about specific cancer symptoms. Palliative care is not always the best option for mesothelioma pain sufferers. Also, many patients are not at a stage of being only concerned with palliative care and simply need relief from the pain and discomfort associated with many stages of the disease. This can be modified through several different means such as: Acupuncture Although still not a very common practice in western cultures on the whole, findings reveal that this type of therapy can have a beneficial effect on the well-being of cancer sufferers. One study even reports average pain reduction of 36% for those who undergo regular treatments. Meditation This form of pain reduction is obviously cost effective and allows great freedom for the patient in the times it is used and the means, since it can be done at any given location once techniques are learned. The stress reduction that is also a bi-product of this therapy is of great benefit to the patient. Massage This is a means of pain management through which the touch of another brings relief by relaxing muscles and joints and bringing a greater overall sense of peace in the midst of a trying time. An increase of circulation is also a benefit and even if only for a short time, the effects of this therapy can give a much needed respite from chronic pain. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation TENS Therapy TENS therapy is administered with the use of electrodes placed at particular points on the patient's body. The electrodes send a small battery-powered electric shock to the nervous system of the patient that initiates the release of a natural pain-reliever. Although some patients have anxiety about the use of any kind of "shock therapy," the safety of the therapy is proven and the lack of side effects make it a welcome pain reliever for those who have aversions to medicinal forms of pain relief. Most Hospitals Pain Management team is a multidisciplinary team whose goal is to bring maximum physical comfort and quality of life to all patients. Treatment is tailored to the needs of the individual patient. The goal is to provide the greatest amount of pain relief with the fewest number of side effects and with the greatest ease of administration. Today, pain management specialists are providing more relief than ever before, thanks to superior pain management techniques. Some of these techniques include implanting devices, which deliver pain-fighting drugs directly to the central nervous system. Patients no longer responsive to the strongest oral or intravenous pain medications may have a special pain-killing mixture delivered intraspinally (inside of the dural membrane of the spinal cord, but still within the spinal canal). This intrathecal implant reduces the need for in-hospital pain care, allowing the pain to be controlled at home Eligible patients will have the opportunity to participate in a protocol studying the effectiveness of a three-drug intrathecal administered into the spine therapy in the management of pain due mesothelioma.
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