Customer Reviews

Handbook for Pain Management, 1e

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This book should be at the top of every health professional's list. Many patients who suffer with intractable pain -- whether from AIDS or scoliosis -- will find it heartening and hope-inspiring. It clears up preconceptions and myths which are ubiquitous and extremely damaging to patients. It tackles head- on one of the oft-voiced Gut Fears in Prescribing, that of "turning the patient into an addict." Concisely yet comprehensively, it pioneers largely uncharted territory ranging from pain that is never adequately treated becaused it is classified as "nonmalignant" to that old bugaboo, "substance abuse." (A major point made under the latter heading is that people with substance abuse problems or drug dependency can still suffer pain!)

While providing a high-level discussion of the many different options available to clinicians treating pain, this volume is especially stellar in its treatment of narcotic therapy for chronic pain. Along the way, it answers questions that may never have been asked but should have been, such as "Why does my patient who says he's in pain look as if he isn't feeling anything?" (Answer: This is a hallmark of chronic pain, the chronic suppression of reactivity to pain.)

This volume is not a pharmacology treatise wafting about in the theoretical realms of academia. It is a report from the trenches. It tells real people how to deal with real pain, whether they are parents of toddlers or friends of seniors; whether they are health professionals, sufferers of pain, or both. Don't miss this one! -- It is a pragmagtically useful, exceptionally informative, all-round wonderful book.

Following an accident I suffered a spinal injury. The pain was profound and incapacitating such that suicide was actually an option. Although I went to "world class" pain physicians they offered little explanations or assistance and even less of the most important medication - hope. After years of experimenting on myself I came across this little miracle of a book. Not only was it the FIRST time I did not feel alone in my plight - but it was also the first time that I read/heard MY issues and options! The anguish over being "addicted" to pain medication further drove me to considering suicide. But this little book helped me see past the insanity of this logic to understand that chronic pain is just a chronic illness; like many others such a liver, heart or kidney issues that require regular mediations to manage the condition. My life turned around, I have one now. If you are in a similar situation get this book and keep it. And know there is no shame in having chronic pain, only in failing to find a way to live with it and live well. It is no surprise that a nurse wrote this book - I have found too many doctors have never suffered and don't comprehend what their patients truly need and don't take the time to research and find out. These authors did the research, took the time and have created a book that should be required reading for ALL in the medical field as well as those of us that need help to understand the condition and get our lives back!