How to Reduce the Pain Caused by Stomach Cancer

The pain caused by stomach cancer is as significant as the pain associated with its treatment. Indeed, stomach cancer is a serious form of cancer. Even stage 1 stomach cancer can require a total gastrectomy. You can find comfort by using these simple guidelines to reduce the pain caused by stomach cancer.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Understand the pain that may accompany stomach cancer and its treatment. Many patients will complain of a dull ache or pain in the upper part of the abdomen as part of the diagnosis process. This pain may increase as the cancer progresses. Similar pain may also occur as part of the recovery from a full or partial gastrectomy.
2. Communicate your pain to your doctor and the hospital staff. Using a scale from 0 to 10, rate your pain in numbers with "0" being no pain and "10" being pain that is unbearable.
3. Keep up with the dosage of your pain medication. If you skip a dose because you are feeling fine, you may find that the pain will be less easily controlled. Pain medications work most effectively when they are used before the pain becomes unbearable.
4. Explore alternative methods for pain relief. These may include meditation practices which focus your mind's energy away from the pain you feel as well as breathing and bio-feedback practices which work to decrease your stress level and the anxiety associated with pain.
5. Reduce the pain caused by stomach cancer by avoiding physical exertion. Rest has been shown to aid in the recovery from cancer treatments as well as assist in the general healing process.

Tips & Warnings

• Communicate the effectiveness of prescribed painkillers with your doctor in follow-up appointments. If you feel you are not getting the relief you need, ask you doctor if there are other medications which might provide more relief.
• Appoint a family member or friend as your advocate in the hospital. This person may act on your behalf to ensure that your wishes regarding care and pain prevention are followed through.
• Many patients fear that they will become addicted to pain medication, though the risk is actually quite low. However, if you feel that your friend or loved one is demonstrating addictive behavior, seek assistance and intervention from a trained medical professional. This individual's behavior may be indicative of serious problems such as clinical depression.