The most feared symptom at the end of life is pain. Pain is common in advanced diseases, especially in the last months of life. Not every patient experience pain, but for those who experience it, experts advise that they should focus on relieving pain without worrying about the possible future outcomes of the drug: dependence or abuse.
Bearing so much pain can drain the patient, making him understandably angry or short-tempered. This makes it even difficult for families and other loved ones to communicate with their person easily.
What If the Pain Is Still Severe?
If your patient’s pain is too much, don’t hesitate to give as much pain medicine as prescribed by the doctor. Pain is easier to prevent than relieve, and severe pain is hard to manage. Try to make sure that the pain level does not get ahead of pain-relieving medicines.
If the pain persists, reach out to the health care professionals who might either increase the medicines or change. Palliative medical specialists are experienced in pain management for seriously ill patients; consider consulting with one if they’re not already involved.
Can You Give Morphine as A Painkiller?
Yes, Morphine is a potent drug used to treat severe pain. It can also be given to ease the feeling of shortness of breath. Superstitions claim that Morphine might lead to a quicker death. However, if presented in clinical settings and prescribed appropriately at the end of life, it does not hasten death. Successfully reducing pain and addressing concerns about breathing can provide needed comfort to someone close to dying. However, pain medication can confuse or get tired and even cause hallucinations. Talk with your health care team if you have any questions about the side effects of pain medications.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of End of Life Pain?
Pain can be in different ways and not physically alone, as many have assumed. It can also be spiritual and emotional. Some of the signs to look for include:
- Physical pain. Detecting physical pain can be a bit easier than all other pains. The signs and symptoms include frowning, grimacing, appetite changes, poor sleeping, groaning or moaning, crying, sighing, heavy breathing, etc.
- Emotional pain. This is an inner feeling of distress, discomfort, or unhappiness that a very ill patient experience. Feelings of sadness and grief related to losing the ability to be active and drawing closer to the end of life can occur. The symptoms might include forgetfulness, poor concentration, dull senses, lethargy, boredom, and low productivity.
- Spiritual pain. This is described as the pain of the human spirit. It includes loneliness, feeling separated or abandoned, empty, guilty, fearful, or even hopeless. Common symptoms include doubt, martyrdom, loss of direction, cynicism, apathy, hope, and isolation.
A Compassionate and Caring Team
For centuries, physicians have tried to relieve the pain of the dying. There are many options available today that provide very ill people with “better deaths.” Do you have your ailing relative or friend in Dallas, Richardson, Carrolton, Garland, and surrounding TX communities? The team at Ameriprime Hospice always want you to be comfortable. We have physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, social workers, and chaplains specially trained to help people with physical, emotional, and spiritual pain. For more information, contact us at (972) 787-0949) or on the contact form on our website.
