Chronic postoperative pain (also called chronic post-surgical pain, or CPSP) is more common than you might think. In some cases it is caused by nerve damage. Other cases may be caused by scar tissue. In some case of chronic postoperative pain, however, the cause is not apparent.
Coping With Chronic Postoperative Pain – Steps You Can Take
If you have chronic postoperative pain, you may be left feeling confused and frustrated. You may also be angry, or feel that you should not have had surgery in the first place. Some people respond well to chronic postoperative pain treatments; however, they do not completely relive pain for everyone.
If you are having trouble coping with chronic postoperative pain, here are some things that might help:
- Learn to relax. Stress and tension can increase pain intensity. While you can’t avoid stress completely, you can change the way you react. Learn some simple breathing techniques, and use them during times of stress or severe pain. You can also try distraction techniques to relax, like reading a book or watching your favorite program.
- Keep a pain journal. Write anything you want in your pain journal. Some people use them to document their pain, while others use them as a place to vent their feelings about being in pain. You can use yours for both. Sometimes, getting your feelings out of your system can help you better cope with your pain.
- Talk to someone. Talking about your pain can help. Some women with chronic post-mastectomy pain found that counseling helped them to cope. You can also talk to someone who has been through the same thing: introduce yourself at the chronic pain forum. Chances are that someone else there understands what you are going through.
Coping with Chronic Postoperative Pain – When to Get Professional Help
People with chronic pain syndromes are often prone to depression. Feelings of helplessness and disability are common factors that lead to depression in people who have chronic pain. For some people, it can even be difficult to separate chronic pain symptoms from those of depression.
What happens when the coping strategies don’t work? Then, it might be time to seek professional help. Are you having trouble focusing at home or work? Have you experienced personality changes? These may be signs of a more serious problem. Talk to your doctor about how you are feeling, and see what he can do to help.
Sources:
Ip, Hui Yun Vivian, Abrishami, Amir, Peng, Philip W et al. Predictors of Postoperative Pain and Analgesic Consumption: A Qualitative Systematic Review. Anesthesiology. September 2009. 111(3) pp 657-677
Macdonald L, Bruce J, Scott NW et al. Long-term Follow-up of Breast Cancer Survivors with Post-mastectomy Pain Syndrome. British Journal of Cancer. 2005 January 31; 92(2): 225–230
Macrae, WH. Chronic Post-Surgical Pain: 10 Years On. British Journal of Anaesthesia, doi:10.1093/bja/aen099
Samwel, Han J, Evers, Andrea W. M, Crul, Ben J. P, and Kraaimaat, Floris W. The Role of Helplessness, Fear of Pain, and Passive Pain-Coping in Chronic Pain Patients. The Clinical Journal of Pain. March/April 2006 - Volume 22 - Issue 3 - pp 245-251.
