Salt is the seasoning that pulls a dish together and enhances its flavor, but a little extra can ruin it. Pain is that extra pinch of salt for a patient with cancer. It not only causes physical harm but also obliterates our internal identity. Living with chronic pain is often an immense challenge. It affects all dimensions of life by destroying one’s self esteem and has devastating effects on one’s confidence, work, relationships, leisure, and family. Pain is associated with sleep discomfort, emotional episodes, increased risk of anxiety, depression leading to mood swings, and irritability. Being a ‘Pain Medicine’ (PM) specialist, I am privy to the pain of many people. While some specialists shy away from this field, fearing their own burnout. However, my perspective is a little different.

 

My learning about pain medicine has invigorated me and given me more power with a reason to my life, and a deep desire to help patients experiencing constant chronic pain e.g. cancer pain. PM is the artistic work of an old science. By actively listening to patients and taking care of their symptoms, PM specialists can reduce their additional disease burden, thus improving their quality of life. This specialty focuses not only on the patient but also their families facing serious illnesses. Even in the best settings and in the best hands, cancer suffering is not uncommon. PM reminds us that the primary role of medicine is to alleviate pain and suffering, irrespective of whether the disease is curable or not. It helps us initiate clear and sensitive communication with patients, families, and colleagues by asking open ended questions to empower the patients and their caregivers to express themselves emotionally and gain more strength from each other. PM specialist helps to imprint their minds with positive reinforcement that their emotions are important, valid, and worthy of attention and expression.

 

I believe that the patients sufferings are like pearls in the sea, which enlighten us with the values of life by evading our egos, sensing others’ pain, and helping us be a good humans in the true sense. Hence, PM is the bridge between the healthcare delivery system and humanity. Cancer has become a huge global threat, but PM services are accessible to <2% of India’s population of 1.2 billion. I believe that continued advocacy of the palliative care needs of our patients through articles, open discussions, and working together as a multidisciplinary team will help to reduce their disease burden.

 

To conclude, just like salt on a platter, a balance should be commensurate with the pain and suffering of patients with cancer by early amalgamation of PM support in their disease journey. Ongoing training programs are needed for healthcare providers to understand the importance of PM and enhance compassionate care for cancer patients. (The writer is Director Prayatncare Pain Medicine Clinic, Raipur) n