How to Reduce the Pain Caused by Testicular Cancer
Pain associated with testicular cancer--a disease in which malignant cells have grown in the testicles--may be caused by the disease itself or by the treatment of it. You do not have to live with this pain. Today, there are ways to treat the pain associated with cancer and manage your symptoms to allow you to be more comfortable during and after your treatment.
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Instructions
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Find out who is affected. The majority of patients affected by testicular cancer are young, white men under the age of 35. While the pain caused by testicular cancer can be quite severe, the disease is among the most treatable of cancers.
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Communicate your pain on a scale of 0 to 10, where "0" means no pain and "10" is the most excruciating pain you could feel. By qualifying your pain in terms that are easily understood by doctors and hospital staff, you can help them create a more successful pain control regimen for you.
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Stay on top of the pain by keeping up with your medications. If you allow pain to become too intense before taking your next dose, your medicine will not work as well.
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Do not worry excessively about becoming addicted to pain medication. Many people allow these concerns to limit their use of effective pain medication and suffer more because of it. It is very rare for patients to become addicted to pain medication.
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Manage any side effects caused by pain medication. You may suffer from nausea, vomiting, drowsiness or constipation. Drink plenty of fluids. A diet of clear liquids may help. Do not operate a car or other machinery if you find that pain medications make you drowsy.
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Go easy on yourself. Both the pain and the treatments associated with testicular cancer may reduce your energy temporarily. Reduce your commitments and adjust your lifestyle to accommodate fatigue or side effects.
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Tips & Warnings
Ask your doctor to review your pain medication during your appointments after treatment. Medications may require adjustment as you recover.
It is your right to have access to immediate care in an emergency care facility whenever you need it, regardless of your location or insurance carrier.
An important part of controlling pain is being aware of your total well-being. Anxiety and depression may contribute to feelings of pain in those who are suffering from cancer. They should be treated separately, if necessary.
