Book Review: “The Truth About Chronic Pain” by Arthur Rosenfeld
Suffering from Chronic Migraines for several years, on an everyday basis, has left me with very few options. While narcotics are not the first line of treatment, they are there as a last resort, and to some, the only resort. For many, the idea of taking a narcotic medication, either as needed or as an extended release dosage, provokes many feelings. Many people are afraid of stigmas and discrimination, sometimes even coming from ourselves.
Many questions cross our minds like: Will I become addicted? Does this make me an addict? If I like the medications, should I feel guilty? Who should I tell about my medical treatments? Will religion condone my treatment? What if my doctor won’t prescribe me the medication, because he is afraid of being bullied by the law?” These are questions that I had, so a friend suggested that I read this book to help me with my questions and anxieties.
By reading views from other patients, doctors and specialists, as well as “thinkers on pain,” this book helps atients, their family and friends, as a reference that includes facts and emotional comfort, while trying to understand pain and how to treat it. Patients with back pain, sickle cell anemia, migraines, stroke victims, car accident victims, connective tissue disease, and those with other forms of pain are interviewed. In the second section; neurologists, a sports physiologist, massage therapist, neuroradiologist, dentist, psychiatrists, alternative therapists, and
doctors from pain clinics are interviewed for their insight on how chronic pain is an inherit part of their practice. In the third section; professors, a self help author, a theologist, director of medical ethics, a nurse, the chief liaison for the DEA, a teacher of Zen, and a Rabbi are all interviewed for their views on the medical necessities that are ssociated with chronic pain.
After reading this book I felt much more comfortable about my position on these drugs, given my situation and treatment options. I felt that I had an educated and calm response to those that questioned my treatment plan. This
book is a powerful reference for all patients, especially those that don’t look sick. I highly suggest “The truth about Chronic Pain” by Arthur Rosenfeld to anyone who, as the cover mentions, want to “face it, understand
it,” and most importantly, “overcome it.”
© 2007 by Amy-Beth Maran butyoudontlooksick.com
