Page 21 - HFA Dateline 2016 Q3 Fall

enjoying the fresh air are great. I’d Pain can be divided into three main categories:
recommend that to anyone: just go
outside and watch your kids play. Find 1. Neuropathic: Examples include nerve pain/damage.
something you enjoy to distract you 2. Nociceptive: Examples include arthritis, bone pain, tumor pain.
from the pain.

What tips would you share 3. Inflammatory: Examples include pain from infections and dental pain.
with others to be more Most hemophilia pain would be a combination of inflammatory and nociceptive.
successful when talking Opioid medications refer to medications such as morphine, oxycodone,
with healthcare providers Tramadol, Percocet, and hydromorphone. They do provide pain relief and are
about pain? probably some of the best pain medications we have, however they have many
Someone once said, "Some people think side effects, including:
that to be strong is to never feel pain.
In reality, the strongest people are the 1. Decreased REM sleep
ones who feel it, understand it, and ac- 2. Decreased testosterone
cept it." That’s my advice, in a nutshell. If
you are living with a bleeding disorder, 3. Decreased estrogen
you are going to have to deal with pain
your entire life, whether it be from vein 4. Risk of dependence
sticks, bleeds, or joint damage. Once you
accept that you will have to deal with 5. Risk of opioid-induced hyperalgesia (heightened sensitivity to pain)
pain, life will become a little easier for 6. Risk of depression
you. Try alternative therapies and dis-
tractions before turning to narcotics. If 7. Risk of infertility
you must look to opioids, be very care-
ful, they are addictive and can bring you It is critically important for you to have an ongoing conversation with your
and your family a whole other world of healthcare provider about your pain. The decision to use opioids is a serious
one so you need to have an open and honest discussion with your doctor to
pain down the road. n n
determine if they are right for you in your pain management. n n
David (AKA "Tigg") lives with his wife,
Christy, and two children Lily (15) and Dr. Kim Mauer works in the Comprehensive Pain Management Center and Adult
Zachary (8) in Tennessee. He has been Inpatient Pain Service at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU). She
actively involved with the bleeding regularly works with the hemophilia treatment center at OHSU, helping patients
disorders community both locally and manage the pain associated with hemophilia in both inpatient and outpatient
abroad for more than 25 years. settings. Her center is focused on well-being and health as well as integrative
care. Patients are treated not only with medications, but also acupuncture, chi-
ropractic care, nutrition, massage, and biofeedback. Dr. Mauer has been active
in chronic opioid research and education regarding the use of these therapies.

If you or someone you know needs help, call the Substance Abuse and
Mental Health Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Helpline, a confi-
dential and free information service available in English and Spanish
for individuals and family members facing mental health or substance
use issues, at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). The helpline is open 24 hours a
day, 365 days a year.

Fall 2016 | Dateline Federation 21