The summer has gone by all too quickly, but much to my surprise I got much more accomplished around my house than I thought possible. At the beginning of the summer the projects that needed to be completed seemed all but impossible. Although much still needs to be done, several large projects have been completed much to my satisfaction and surprise. I wish I could take credit for this accomplishment. I could not possibly have completed these tasks alone. The arrival of my daughter who just completed her
Master’s Degree and one of my sons who came home for a lengthy visit after
completing a college summer school course made all the difference. With their help
our finished attic is again habitable, all the leaders and gutters have been thoroughly
cleaned, and other assorted tasks and errands have been dispatched with great
efficiency. Given my work schedule these projects and others seemed daunting.
With the proper assistance they were not only manageable, but were completed with
success.
Is it really any different when a pain practitioner treats a challenging patient?
Many of our patients have numerous and multifaceted problems. They are far more
complex than the code books and manuals would lead one to believe. Such patients
suffer from chronic pain, often quite severe, almost all have had to modify their activities
greatly, and quite a few have actually lost their jobs and face the real possibility of
financial hardship. Many have become depressed, often requiring medication and
counseling. Quite a few have had great difficulty with interpersonal relationships,
some even having to endure the stress and pain of divorce. When such patients come
for treatment the possibility of success can seem remote indeed. However, through
teamwork such patients can make real progress resulting in an outcome that is
not only desirable but actually attainable. How is one to know when and how to
assemble an effective team and to monitor progress? This multidisciplinary approach
can be quite successful, but where does one start? For example, when does the internist
refer a patient for acupuncture? What is the best way for a chiropractor to coordinate
care with a neurologist? What is the role of a psychologist or counselor in the
treatment of patients with chronic pain?
Every situation is different necessitating individualized treatment.
I truly believe the Academy can be a tremendous resource for virtually every
clinician charged with the treatment of patients suffering from chronic pain. Not
only are the didactic sessions at the annual meeting useful, but the interactions among
professionals of many different disciplines in the exhibit hall, the restaurants, and in
other informal gatherings can enrich the knowledge base of each pain practitioner.
The networking that occurs through the Academy has been a particularly useful way
for me to treat many of my patients. I’m sure each and every pain practitioner can derive
great benefit from such collaborations.
The teamwork thus engendered can make an impossible task one that is manageable,
albeit difficult.
Pain practitioners face many challenges in the years to come. They must be aware of
new trends in the treatment of pain, as well as the ever evolving regulations governing that treatment. They need to keep themselves healthy and avoid “burn out” in order to be
able to best treat patients and stay balanced.
Well-trained professionals should derive satisfaction from their work and be able to
provide for their families. Together we can accomplish this and much more.
Learn all you can about multidisciplinary pain treatment! Our Academy can help
through its annual meeting, audio tapes, textbook and other educational materials.
Communicate with other members, whether to discuss difficult cases, to ask advice or just to socialize. In numbers there is strength. Our Academy is made up of thousands of highly talented professionals. Let’s learn from each other; teach each other; be there for each other! Remember it is your Academy. Make it work for you! Together we can do great things. The health and well-being of our patients depend on it.
