> -----Original Message-----
> From: Lawrence Kestenbaum
> Sent: Monday, May 06, 2002 11:12 AM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Grim news, and icky medical details
> 
> 
> What's the difference between childhood and adult 
> tonsillectomy?  Adults get more pain, they told me.  So 
> you'll need a lot of pain management.
> 
> I envision some bureaucratic office with the title PAIN 
> MANAGER on the door.  Or a whole floor of a state office 
> building as the Bureau of Pain Management.

The new attention being given to pain management is A Good Thing. When I
had my shoulder surgery 13 months ago, I appreciated it. When you come
out of anesthesia, they will ask you "How much pain are you in on a
scale of 1-10, with 1 being slight discomfort, and 10 being 'I'd rather
be dead than continue this way'?" I suggest you aim high on your
response; don't be a manly stalwart just to impress the cute nurses,
should you be lucky enough to be surrounded by same.

The theory is that if they keep the pain suppressed, it can be managed.
Once it gets away from you, then you can never return to the former
"comfort" level. And it is all relative. So it becomes a dance with
relative comfort and avoiding addiction.

Err on the side of pain management; enjoy being drowsy and get your
rest.

Good luck; I'll have you in my thoughts.

_________________________________________________________
Dan Becker,  Exec. Dir.,   "Help me, Mr. Wizard!  I don't 
Raleigh Historic            want to be here anymore!"
Districts Commission                 - Tooter the Turtle
[log in to unmask]  
919/890-3678

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