Who is margo mccaffery

NSAIDs work well for acute pain. Besides pill form, they also come in patches, creams, or gels. The only difference is the routing administration. Once you take them, they begin to work in about 30 to 45 minutes and the analgesic effect usually lasts about 3 to 4 hours. Long-acting opioids, like controlled-release oxycodone OxyContin , are not recommended to treat acute pain. Regular, consistent use of opioid medications has been associated with developing dependency on them.

In the acute pain phase, they can be helpful in reducing pain but the potential for harm with long term use is real. If you have had surgery, keep in mind that as you recover, your need for opioids should decrease.

Opioids can also be associated with side effects like constipation, even with limited use. If you are taking opioids for pain, ask your prescriber about how to best treat constipation. They might recommend drinking a lot of fluid, eating fruits and vegetables, or starting a bowel regime. Avoid bulk formers such as psyllium Metamucil , as this can make your constipation worse. Medications in this classification can be helpful additions to a pain regime.

They can help reduce anxiety and depression that can occur because of a pain condition. Many of these medications also seem to help reduce the intensity of pain, particularly nerve pain. Examples of these medications are duloxetine Cymbalta , an antidepressant, pregabalin Lyrica and gabapentin, an anticonvulsant. Corticosteroids are given via intra-articular injections for example, cortisone or orally for example, prednisone.

Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs DMARDs , for example, cyclophosphamide Cytoxan , were developed for rheumatoid arthritis. Nutraceuticals — A food or part of a food that allegedly provides medicinal or health benefits, including the prevention and treatment of disease.

A nutraceutical may be a naturally nutrient-rich or medicinally active food, such as garlic or soybeans, or it may be a specific component of a food, such as the omega-3 fish oil that can be derived from salmon and other cold-water fish. These medications come in many formulations, including injections, sprays, pills, patches, liquids and suppositories. Opioids should be used to relieve moderate to severe pain. They are not considered a first-line agent for mild pain.

They help reduce the degree of pain intensity and therefore allow for movement and function. Risks : Oversedation and dependency are two significant risks of opioid therapy. Using these medications as directed is essential to help avoid substance dependence. The use of alcohol as well as benzodiazepines — for example alprazolam Xanax , diazepam Valium — in conjunction with these mediations is dangerous and should be avoided.

A major side effect of opioids is constipation. You will need to take something for example a stool softener , particularly as you get older. Other effects include sedation, nausea your doctor will often give something prophylactically to settle your stomach ; slowed thinking making you less sharp ; and increased tolerance to the medication. Note that tolerance does not mean that you will become addicted; addiction hinges on craving, while tolerance does not.

NSAIDs Benefits : Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs relieve pain and inflammation, but they will not help you heal. Risks : They do not affect the course of the disease. They can cause gastrointestinal distress, ulcers and bleeding. Nutraceuticals risks : Always tell your doctor if you are intending to use these including rose hips, fish oil, etc. General medication tips: If your medication has no apparent effect, talk to your health care provider. If you are having side effects from the medication, talk to your health care provider.

Consider the schedule — you may need to take it at night instead of noon, etc. Consult with your health care provider before stopping your medications. Ask your provider about how to safely taper and come off the medications if you have been taking them regularly Keep your medications is a safe place, clearly marked — in their original containers.

Remember the medication ordered is for you. Dispose of all unused opioid medication properly. Unused medications are best disposed of at a take back facility or pharmacy.

Nonpharmacologic options Your body is like a walking pharmacy. Options for Acute Pain Relief The main objective when relieving severe pain is the use of multimodal analgesia, which refers to a combination of solutions for pain relief; these include pharmacological and nonpharmacological sources.

Use thermal therapy — applying hot and cold compresses. If you have arthritic pain and bones are hurting, consider using heat.

Rest — this is a healing activity. Fatigue can enhance the feeling of discomfort and be demoralizing. Take rest periods as needed to restore energy. Nutrition — what you eat and absorb can impact on your immune system and overall well-being. Consider a nutrition evaluation to facilitate healing and recovery. Nerve blocks , performed by anesthesiologists, can numb the affected area by applying anesthetics.

Physical therapy — movement increases strength and confidence Assisted devices Stay connected! Join NursingCenter to get uninterrupted access to this Article. McCaffrey was best known for her groundbreaking definition of pain, which has been embraced by both health care professionals and pain sufferers worldwide: "Pain is whatever the experiencing person says it is, existing whenever he says it does.

McCaffery was born and raised in Corsicana, Texas. After receiving a bachelor of science in nursing from Baylor University in Waco, Texas, and a master of science in nursing from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, she spent most of her life in Southern California.

McCaffery became a consultant and educator on the nursing care of patients with pain in , conducting lectures and consultations throughout the world. She developed educational videos and wrote several award-winning textbooks and articles on pain management, including many articles for AJN.

With Betty R. Item is packed with care, shipped promptly. No international shipping at this time through ABEbooks. Ex-library paperback rebound as hardcover in good condition with the usual markings and attachments. Text block clean and unmarked. Tight binding. Used - Softcover Condition: Very Good. Item is in very good condition.

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