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Let's put an end to pain

Article Abstract:

Many patients suffer unnecessary levels of pain due to the reluctance of health personnel to use opioids. Regular administration of opioids, the best of which is morphine, can relieve moderate and severe pain in most cases. Patients become dependent on the opioid for their pain relief, but they do not become addicted, as some health workers believe. They can easily stop using the drug if the cause of the pain is removed. Other persistent myths which can be dispelled are that morphine depresses respiratory function and that high doses are fatal.

Health aspects, Management, Opioids, Analgesia, Morphine

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Hounded by pain

Article Abstract:

A nurse recounts her experiences of suffering from dermatomyositis, a rare autoimmune disease. Her feelings of great vulnerability when in intensive care are described, and her reluctance to be treated with steroids is detailed. The reaction of others to her condition, particularly as she looks perfectly well, is analyzed. Her long struggle to become well enough to return to nursing is recounted, and her frustration at being unable to control her symptoms for so long is detailed.

Care and treatment, Dermatomyositis

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