Information for Patients

Chronic pain affects thousands of people in the Ireland, so you're not alone. It can have a huge impact on your quality of life, and can also affect the lives of your family and those around you. Some Information on pain for sufferers and their families

What is Pain?
Pain is something that you feel physically – your body senses it, here we try to explain what causes pain.
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Types of pain
Pain is your body’s way of saying that something is or might become damaging to you. This section explains the difference between acute and chronic pain.
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Assessing your pain
To decide what to do, your doctor needs to assess you. The assessment of your pain will vary according to the type of painful condition and whether you are visiting your general practitioner or a specialist clinic.
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Treatment and procedures FAQs
This section aims to answer some general questions you may have about the different treatments.
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Other Therapies
It is often a good idea to try non-medication therapies in conjunction with medication. See your doctor for advice and for recommended practitioners.
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Self-help
Gaining control over your pain may take some time. Don't give up. People who actively take charge of trying to control and manage their pain feel better than those who don't.
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Palliative Care
Palliative care is the term used for symptom relief in a terminal illness, from which recovery is not expected. Pain relief is part of this, although pain may not be the main symptom, and other symptoms may be treated as well.
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If you are taking medication for your pain, try to follow these tips

• Ask your doctor to explain what the medication is, what it's for and how to take it.
• Read the instructions on the pack or in the leaflet before you start taking your medication.
• Always take your medication when you are supposed to. For example, if you have been told to take it three times a day, take it three times a day; don't wait until the pain gets really bad.
• If you are taking tablets, always take them with water,not hot or fizzy drinks.
• Swallow the tablets whole and never crush or chew them, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
• Make sure that you eat regularly -this means that there is less chance of you feeling sick.
• If you get side effects and they are bothering you,speak to your chemist, nurse or doctor.
• Always keep your medication in a safe place.