Pain Management Suggestions, Techniques, and Research Sites
Disclaimer:
Information or materials on this website are not intended to treat or replace your doctor’s advice nor do we endorse any particular product, technique, or idea. It is highly recommended that patients contact their haematologists or health care provider for adequate care and treatment.
© Copyright 2016 Storma Sire
Information or materials on this website are not intended to treat or replace your doctor’s advice nor do we endorse any particular product, technique, or idea. It is highly recommended that patients contact their haematologists or health care provider for adequate care and treatment.
© Copyright 2016 Storma Sire
Here are some suggestions to investigate:
Preventative Measures for Sickle Cell Anemia
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Drinking plenty of water is key to preventing an attack.
- Take it easy. Stress and overexertion are Sickle Cell triggers.
- Temperature control. Extreme temperature and barometric pressure changes can trigger a Sickling attack. In the winter keep warm (clothes, infrared sauna or heating pad, hot bath, etc). Beware stepping into a hot bath when you're super cold - allow the body to warm up a bit in the shower before soaking in a hot tub or you may trigger a Sickling crisis / attack. In the summer keep cool (use air conditioning or fans when needed). Try not to get too cold too fast, this too can trigger a crisis / attack.
- Oxygen. Don't forget to breathe. This may sound obvious, but when we are stressed out we breath shallow and over a long period can deplete the cells of oxygen.
- Regular doctor check-ups. Don't forget your doctor appointments. Go there with a list of things to ask or discuss. Early detection is vital. When a diagnosis is severe be sure to get a second and third opinion just in case.
- Diet and exercise are also vital components to preventing Sickle Cell crisis. Having good circulation from light exercise or walking is crucial too. The body and our cells need nourishment from healthy food.
Before a Crisis / Painful Episode
Sometimes we can tell when a Sickling episode is about to strike (ie. fatigue / exhaustion, body pain, fever, etc). Here are some suggestions on what to do:
Sometimes we can tell when a Sickling episode is about to strike (ie. fatigue / exhaustion, body pain, fever, etc). Here are some suggestions on what to do:
- Its all about timing: be prepared before hand. Have some things at the ready in the event of a painful episode especially if you live alone.
- Drink plenty of fluids (water, lemon water, herbal / caffeine free tea, etc). Have bottles of water and non-caffeinated tea at the ready to track your fluid intake.
- Get plenty of rest. Don't push the body, it needs to take it easy.
- Have medications at the ready and close by. Prepare a medication schedule with your doctor for emergencies and pain management.
- Have emergency contact information ready (doctors, nurses, family or friends, transportation if needed, etc). Be sure to contact a friend or relative and let them know what is going on. Ask them to check in on you if possible via phone or visit if you live alone.
- Temperature control. If you are cold, keep comfortably warm (ie. try bundling up, try wrapping yourself in a towel and laying in a hot / warm bath, try an infrared heating mat, try sipping tea, try a vaporizer with aromatherapy / essential oils, etc). If you are hot, keep comfortably cool (ie. try an air-conditioner or if it is humid try a dehumidifier, if the air is dry use a humidifier (this will also prevent you from dehydrating), try a fan placed in front of a window, try sipping cool refreshing foods and drinks, etc).
- Staying calm is critical. Listen to relaxing or calming music. Try aromatherapy. Read a book or watch something you enjoy.
- Have plenty of snacks and food prepared. Sometimes people want to know how to help us when we are sick. Asking for someone to help us with food preparation could be an excellent way get the support you need and allow family and friends to be useful.
- Massage can be very helpful to promote circulation. This is something else that you can ask people you are comfortable with to do for you.
During a Crisis / Painful Episode / Attack
No one other than another person with Sickle Cell knows the pain of a Sickle Cell crisis. The pain can be unimaginable, so don't underestimate your symptoms and pain. It is vital to be proactive right away at the first signs of a crisis. Here are some suggestions:
No one other than another person with Sickle Cell knows the pain of a Sickle Cell crisis. The pain can be unimaginable, so don't underestimate your symptoms and pain. It is vital to be proactive right away at the first signs of a crisis. Here are some suggestions:
- Make sure pain medication is taken regularly. Talk to your doctor about a pain management program and medication schedule.
- Don't forget to breathe. Sometimes we clench up when we are in pain. This depletes the cells of oxygen which can be counterproductive.
- For some, a painful crisis can have a kind of contraction where the pain levels go up and down. During the down cycles see if a very gentle massage may help. If it is making the pain worse, then stop; if it make you feel better it may help with circulation.
- Make sure someone knows you are not well. Set up an emergency plan with someone, just in case.
- Stay calm. Listen to relaxing music, watch a movie or listen to an audio book while the painful episode runs its course. Rest when you can.
- Go to emergency if the pain is too much too bear. Have wallet, keys, health care card, emergency phone numbers, cell phone, medications, snacks, water bottle, iPod, book, etc ready to go with you. Let someone know where you are.
- See if it is possible to call ahead to the hospital before you go in, so the hospital can prepare themselves.
In Emergency
- Stay calm. Do what you can to keep calm and breathing deeply.
- Sometimes we Sicklers hide our pain. After a lifetime of battling severe pain we wear it well. This works for us and against us as nurses and doctors may underestimate the situation when we are in emergency and wait too long to give pain medications, oxygen, or hydration / IV. There can also be a stigma against Sicklers as well - doctors or nurses don't believe you, or think your a drug seeker, or forget about you in the din of chaos in the emergency rooms. It is vital to communicate things with health care professionals as best we can. And always bring your own prescriptions / pain medications, just in case.
- Ask your doctor and pain management specialist to create a pain management program and medication schedule that you can take to the hospital with you. Make sure you doctor signs and dates it with their contact information on it to prevent delays in the emergency room.
- Some pain medication they administer may have side effects, so make sure they let you know what they are giving you and whether you have any allergies to opioids. Some people are allergic to opiods and may have difficulty breathing, so make sure you communicate what you are feeling to the doctors and nurses. Suggest to them to be put on oxygen, just in case.
- Your immune system may sometimes be low, so make sure the people around you aren't sick with colds or flus if you can help it. Bring a small bottle of hand sanitizer and some alcohol wipes to disinfect sinks and toilets you will be using. If you are at the hospital consider wearing a mask to protect yourself. There are some aromatherapy oils that are anti-viral and/or antibacterial (ie. Manuka oil, eucalyptus oil, blood orange oil, cinnamon oil, lavender oil, clove oil, lemon oil, thyme oil, pine oil, tea tree, sage, rosemary oil, peppermint oil, oregano oil, basil oil, etc) , consider putting a small amount in your mask or on a handkerchief if you think you may be exposed to colds, flus, or superbugs. When returning home from the hospital and you think you may have been exposed, wash your hands when you get home and wipe down your keys, bag, ipod, book, or anything else you may have touched (ie. wallet, library books, new purchases, etc) with disinfectant. This may sound extreme, but colds and flus seem to be stronger and more resistant. If our immunity is already low then it is worth the extra effort to be cautious.
- When everything is sorted and you are more comfortable try to sleep, listen to relaxing music, talk with a friend, or visualize yourself getting well again.
After a Crisis / Painful Episode
Congratulation, you have survived to live another day. Here are some suggestions on a smooth recovery:
Congratulation, you have survived to live another day. Here are some suggestions on a smooth recovery:
- After a painful episode we may feel tired and irritable. Try not to do anything stressful or labour intensive. Try not to make any big decisions either.
- Drink plenty of water. Eat lots of nutritious food. Get plenty of good quality sleep. Ask you doctor about taking melatonin if you have trouble sleeping. Melatonin can also help with raising immunity as well. Make sure it won't interact with any drugs you may be taking.
- Your immune system may sometimes be low, so make sure the people around you aren't sick with colds or flus if you can help it. If you take public transit, or have doctor appointments, or you know people at your work who may be sick consider wearing a mask to protect yourself. There are some aromatherapy oils that are anti-viral and/or antibacterial (ie. Manuka oil, eucalyptus oil, blood orange oil, cinnamon oil, lavender oil, clove oil, lemon oil, thyme oil, pine oil, tea tree, sage, rosemary oil, peppermint oil, oregano oil, basil oil, etc) , consider putting a small amount in your mask or on a handkerchief if you think you may be exposed to colds and flus while you are out. When returning home from being out in public and you think you may have been exposed, wash your hands when you get home and wipe down your keys, bag/purse, ipod, book, or anything else you may have touched (ie. wallet, library books, new purchases, etc) with disinfectant. This may sound extreme, but colds and flus seem to be stronger and more resistant. If our immunity is already low then it is worth the extra effort to be cautious.
- Make sure you are following any medication programs you doctor has prescribed.
- If you were given antibiotics or penicillin type drugs consider taking some probiotics (acidophilus, water kefir, milk kefir, active yogurts, viili, apple cider vinegar, cultured fruits or vegetables, etc), to replace the healthy flora that was killed while taking these drugs. 80% of our immune system is in our gut, so it is worth giving it a healthy boost if you have taken antibiotics or penicillin, or have been exposed to potential illnesses / superbugs from the hospital. Be sure to let your doctor know.
- Keep an eye on your symptoms and always let people know what is going on and how you are feeling, just in case.
- Give thanks to all who have helped you.
Awareness of Sickle Cell Triggers
It is helpful to know what your Sickle Cell triggers for painful crisis are. Here are some of the commonly know Sickle Cell crisis triggers:
It is helpful to know what your Sickle Cell triggers for painful crisis are. Here are some of the commonly know Sickle Cell crisis triggers:
- Extreme temperatures from hot to cold (hot summers, cold pools, cold weather, damp weather, etc)
- Barometric changes
- High Altitudes (in airplanes or high altitude countries)
- Dehydration
- Poor circulation
- Low oxygen (high altitudes, asthma, etc)
- Cigarette smoke, heavy pollution, chemicals, etc.
- Colds and flu season and other unrelated illnesses
- Overexertion (sports, extreme sports, over activity, etc)
- Stress
Creating Your Own Sickle Cell Self Care Program
A self care program can be a life saver when your not feeling well. During a crisis we can get distracted by the pain and not do the things that need to get done for our treatment and recovery. If we have all the information printed out we do not have to run around and search for phone numbers - everything is in one binder, book, or folder ready to go, so we do not have to think about things other then taking our meds on time and getting to emergency if needed. Dont forget to bring your self care program to the hospital with you. Here are some suggestions on making your own Self Care Program to use when you are unwell:
A self care program can be a life saver when your not feeling well. During a crisis we can get distracted by the pain and not do the things that need to get done for our treatment and recovery. If we have all the information printed out we do not have to run around and search for phone numbers - everything is in one binder, book, or folder ready to go, so we do not have to think about things other then taking our meds on time and getting to emergency if needed. Dont forget to bring your self care program to the hospital with you. Here are some suggestions on making your own Self Care Program to use when you are unwell:
- Important phone numbers (family, friends, doctors, nurses, hospitals, clinics, taxi cabs, etc)
- A list of your medications / medication programs (ie. what time medications are to be taken; what to take or do if the Sickle Cell crisis escalates).
- Add a list of foods and supplements that comfort, heal and nourish you.
- Add a list of music, movies, books, and other activities that relax and comfort you.
- Add a list of things you can do when a crisis / attack is about to start.
- Add a list of things that trigger your Sickle Cell crisis / attacks.
- Have an area in your self care program to journal your symptoms and experiences.
- It is sometimes nice to have a small box of things that make you smile or make you happy (ie. warm fuzzy socks, Spiderman band-aids, aromatherapy, a favorite keepsake, sentimental photos, etc).
When No One Believes You
Patients with Sickle Cell hide pain well due the the fact that most of us have suffered with Sickle Cell since birth, so naturally we suffer through pain well in order to not scare our friends or families. We hide pain to keep our loved ones from fearing the worst. But when we are in the hospital doctors and nurses usually underestimate the pain level we are in until it is too late. If we are in the hospital it is because the pain level is no longer manageable at home, so we are already in a state of extreme pain - but our faces do not show it. The pain seems invisible to health care providers. Here are some suggestions:
Patients with Sickle Cell hide pain well due the the fact that most of us have suffered with Sickle Cell since birth, so naturally we suffer through pain well in order to not scare our friends or families. We hide pain to keep our loved ones from fearing the worst. But when we are in the hospital doctors and nurses usually underestimate the pain level we are in until it is too late. If we are in the hospital it is because the pain level is no longer manageable at home, so we are already in a state of extreme pain - but our faces do not show it. The pain seems invisible to health care providers. Here are some suggestions:
- Have your hematologist and pain management specialist design a pain management program for your medications and treatment and have them sign it, stamp it, and have them put their contact information on it. Make several photocopies of it and give it to your spouse, trusted friend, or family member as well. Give it to your other doctors as well. Take a copy with you if you have to go to the hospital, that way you have more credibility and do not have to tell them what your medications and treatments are. Sometimes when we try to explain we wind up sounding like drug seekers, so bring your signed pain management program to help things go smoother for everyone.
- Call ahead to the hospital's hematologist on-call and your hematologist prior to going to the hospital and explain you are in extreme pain and cannot manage it at home.
- Bring your medications and pain killers with you to emergency just in case they take too long to give you the medications you need.
- Join a pain management support group and a Sickle Cell Support group to get encouragement and support. There are many, many - find one in your area.
- Find a therapist, counselor, or psychologist that specialize in trauma or pain management so you have someone to talk to. Dont feel ashamed of this - Sickle Cell related issues and the pain it causes can wear us down over time, so it is necessary to seek help to keep us on track; give us new coping strategies and way of looking at things. The pain (physically, emotionally, financially, etc) from Sickle Cell are overwhelming sometimes and they are valid issues worthy of seeing someone. You should always have someone to talk to that you trust and respect. Not all therapists are equal. Interview several until you have one that you like. Trust your gut.
- Find a spiritual advisor if you feel this will be helpful (ie. a Priest, Priestess, Rabbi, Lama, Guru, Shaman, or various spiritual teachers, etc). Again, trust your gut, not all spiritual advisors are equal or qualified, so take your time until you find someone that works for you. There are some advisors that specialize in pain such as meditation instructors that specialize in chronic and acute pain.
- Trust and have faith in yourself. Build teams of support all around you (ie. supportive health care professionals / specialists, friends, family, support groups, therapists, spiritual advisors, etc). If you have a doctor you do not trust, does not listen to you or does not believe you, find someone new asap. The goal is to have a trustworthy team of health care professionals that DO believe you and will work with you to keep you healthy using the most updated / current Sickle Cell medical information there is.
Addictions and Sickle Cell
Coming Soon
Coming Soon
Research Sites:
Pain Management Techniques / Suggestions for Sickle Cell:
Resource links
https://www.painbc.ca/chronic-pain/recommended-resources
Find a Physician
https://www.painbc.ca/chronic-pain/practitioners
Pain Clinics and Services
https://www.painbc.ca/chronic-pain/clinics-and-services
Pain BC Toolbox
https://www.painbc.ca/sites/default/files/PainBC-PainToolbox-2016-Digital.pdf
Pain Management Support Groups
https://www.painbc.ca/chronic-pain/support-groups
Yoga for People in Pain
https://www.painbc.ca/chronic-pain/webinar/yoga-people-pain-part-1-and-2-5-part-free-webinar-series
For Kids and Teens (and their Families)
https://www.painbc.ca/chronic-pain/kids-and-teens
Support for Family and Friends
https://www.painbc.ca/chronic-pain/support-friends-and-family
Clinical Trials Feeds.org
NIH Clinical Trials Results via RSS
http://clinicaltrialsfeeds.org/clinical-trials/show/NCT00599482#!
Clinical Trials.gov
Far Infrared Radiation for Sickle Cell Pain Management
http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT00599482
Far Infrared Heat and Your Health
http://infraredheatheals.wordpress.com/2012/12/05/sickle-cell-anemia-the-battle-for-pain-relief-what-far-infrared-therapy-users-are-saying/
Earthing Techniques for Blood Cells and Pain Management:
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/heart-health/201005/earth-rx-amazing-solution-pain-and-stress
http://www.groundology.com/ca/scientific-research
http://www.holisticprimarycare.net/topics/topics-o-z/psyche-some-a-spirit/1198-earthing-restoring-health-from-the-ground-up
http://healthimpactnews.com/2013/grounding-helps-thin-dangerously-thick-blood-and-fights-inflammation-and-disease/
http://www.drbriffa.com/2013/05/03/new-study-on-earthing-finds-potential-benefits-for-the-circulation/
http://www.heartmdinstitute.com/health-topics/alternative-medicine/grounding-earthing/106-grounding-healthy-heart
http://www.hindawi.com/journals/jeph/2012/291541/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22757749
Pain Management Research:
Spirituality and Chronic Pain: Finding Meaning in the Misery - Video / Online Webinar by Pain BC
Part 1 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJqTYwu60ec
Part 2 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WCVSawhb3A&feature=youtu.be
Chronic Pain Self-Management Programs - Free 6 week workshops:
http://www.selfmanagementbc.ca/chronicpainprogram
St. Paul's Hospital Pain Programs
Outpatient - http://www.providencehealthcare.org/pain-outpatient-clinic
Inpatient - http://www.vch.ca/403/7676/?program_id=13515
http://www.vch.ca/403/7676/?program_id=13497
People in Pain Network
http://www.pipain.com/dr-pam-squire.html
http://bcpaintoolkit.pipain.com/
Okanagan Interventional Pain Clinic
http://www.okpainclinic.ca/oipc/index.jsp?nav=services
Canadian Pain Coalition
http://www.canadianpaincoalition.ca/index.php/en/
Pain BC
http://www.painbc.ca/content/pain-clinics-and-services
http://www.painbc.ca/sites/default/files/images/McGowan_Pain_Summit_June_3_PSM_session_0.pdf
The Pain Toolkit
http://www.paintoolkit.org/
Vancouver Coastal Health: Complex Pain Clinic - Vancouver General Hospital (VGH)
https://www.vch.ca/403/7676/?program_id=1062
The Vancouver Sun: Chronic Pain - Managing it, Living with it
http://www.vancouversun.com/Health/Empowered-Health/What+your+pain+never+stopped/8244723/story.html
Queen's University Department of Psychology: Pain Day Event - Chronic Pain Service Integration
http://www.queensu.ca/psychology/painlab/2013painday.html
Canadian Institute for the Relief of Pain and Disability
http://www.cirpd.org/painmanagement/chronicpain/pages/default.aspx
Journal of the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians
http://www.painphysicianjournal.com/
American Chronic Pain Association
http://theacpa.org/
Stanford School of Medicine: Chronic Pain Self-Management Program
http://patienteducation.stanford.edu/programs/cpsmp.html
EMSC National Resource Center - Pediatric Pain Management Toolbox
http://www.childrensnational.org/emsc/pubres/oldtoolboxpages/pediatricpain.aspx
http://www.childrensnational.org/EMSC/EducationTraining/VideoAudioPodcasts.aspx
My Therapy Online
http://mytherapyonline.ca/
The Pain Community
http://paincommunity.org/
Partners Against Pain - Caregivers
http://www.partnersagainstpain.com/pain-management/caregiver.aspx
Body in Mind - Research into the Role of the Brain and Mind in Chronic Pain
http://www.bodyinmind.org/about-bim/
The British Pain Society
http://www.britishpainsociety.org/book_understanding_pain.pdf
Drugs for Pain Management
UpToDate
Acute pain management in adults with sickle cell disease
http://www.uptodate.com/contents/acute-pain-management-in-adults-with-sickle-cell-disease
PainDoctor.com
Opioid Medications
http://paindoctor.com/treatments/pain-medications/opioid-medications/
Dr. Andrew Weil, M.D. - Integrative Medicine
http://search.drweil.com/search?site=DrWeil&client=DrWeil_search&proxystylesheet=DrWeil_search&output=xml_no_dtd&q=chronic+pain+management&btn_search=SEARCH
http://search.drweil.com/search?q=marijuana&spell=1&access=p&output=xml_no_dtd&ie=UTF-8&client=DrWeil_search&site=DrWeil&oe=UTF-8&proxystylesheet=DrWeil_search
The International Association for the Study of Pain
Opiod Side Effects
http://www.iasp-pain.org/AM/AMTemplate.cfm?Section=HOME&TEMPLATE=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&CONTENTID=7618&SECTION=HOME
Medscape
WebMD - Pain Management Health Center
Opioid (Narcotic) Pain Medications
http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/guide/narcotic-pain-medications
PainEdu.org
Pain Medications: How Long is too Long?
http://www.painedu.org/articles_timely.asp?ArticleNumber=10
American Society of Hematology Education Program
Current Issues in Sickle Cell Pain and Its Management
http://asheducationbook.hematologylibrary.org/content/2007/1/97.full
SickleCell.md - The resource to the sickle Cell Disease Patient
Opiates for pain in dying patients and in those with sickle cell disease
http://www.sicklecell.md/blog/?p=25
The British Medical Journal (BMJ)
Drug Related Deaths Continue to rise in the UK - Sickle Cell Disease patients Dying from Opiates: Why No Co-operation Among Doctors?
http://www.bmj.com/rapid-response/2011/11/02/sickle-cell-disease-patients-dying-opiates-why-no-co-operation-among-docto
The Journal of Family Practice
Sickle cell disease: Gaining control over the pain
http://www.jfponline.com/home/article/sickle-cell-disease-gaining-control-over-the-pain/ec8473b7fd9821183da4c6a984fd2e6e.html
University of San Francisco (UCSF)
UcSF Study Finds Medical Marijuana Could Help Patients Reduce Pain with Opiates
http://www.ucsf.edu/news/2011/12/11077/ucsf-study-finds-medical-marijuana-could-help-patients-reduce-pain-opiates
West Indian Medical Journal
The prevalence of marijuana smoking in young adults with sickle cell disease: a longitudinal study
http://caribbean.scielo.org/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0043-31442006000400004&lng=en&nrm=iso
International Association of Cannabis as Medicine
Science: Survey on medical use of cannabis in Sickle Cell disease.
http://www.cannabis-med.org/english/bulletin/ww_en_db_cannabis_artikel.php?id=202&search_pattern=sickle,cell#2
University of McHill
Preparing the ground for a promising medicine
http://www.mcgill.ca/reporter/33/13/ware/
United Patients Group
http://www.unitedpatientsgroup.com/PatientsRoom-Analgesic-Documents
The American Alliance for Medical Cannabis
Sickle Cell Disease and Cannabis
http://www.letfreedomgrow.com/cmu/Sickle_cell.htm
Patients with Sickle Cell Disease Find Relief from Cannabis, Study Says
http://norml.org/news/2005/09/22/patients-with-sickle-cell-disease-find-relief-from-cannabis-study-says
The following sites are meant for medical professions, but if there is an article of interest that you want clarification on or a copy of the entire article feel free to show your doctor these article for them to explain further or provide access to full article / abstract.
US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Heath:
Pain Management Techniques / Suggestions for Sickle Cell:
Resource links
https://www.painbc.ca/chronic-pain/recommended-resources
Find a Physician
https://www.painbc.ca/chronic-pain/practitioners
Pain Clinics and Services
https://www.painbc.ca/chronic-pain/clinics-and-services
Pain BC Toolbox
https://www.painbc.ca/sites/default/files/PainBC-PainToolbox-2016-Digital.pdf
Pain Management Support Groups
https://www.painbc.ca/chronic-pain/support-groups
Yoga for People in Pain
https://www.painbc.ca/chronic-pain/webinar/yoga-people-pain-part-1-and-2-5-part-free-webinar-series
For Kids and Teens (and their Families)
https://www.painbc.ca/chronic-pain/kids-and-teens
Support for Family and Friends
https://www.painbc.ca/chronic-pain/support-friends-and-family
Clinical Trials Feeds.org
NIH Clinical Trials Results via RSS
http://clinicaltrialsfeeds.org/clinical-trials/show/NCT00599482#!
Clinical Trials.gov
Far Infrared Radiation for Sickle Cell Pain Management
http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT00599482
Far Infrared Heat and Your Health
http://infraredheatheals.wordpress.com/2012/12/05/sickle-cell-anemia-the-battle-for-pain-relief-what-far-infrared-therapy-users-are-saying/
Earthing Techniques for Blood Cells and Pain Management:
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/heart-health/201005/earth-rx-amazing-solution-pain-and-stress
http://www.groundology.com/ca/scientific-research
http://www.holisticprimarycare.net/topics/topics-o-z/psyche-some-a-spirit/1198-earthing-restoring-health-from-the-ground-up
http://healthimpactnews.com/2013/grounding-helps-thin-dangerously-thick-blood-and-fights-inflammation-and-disease/
http://www.drbriffa.com/2013/05/03/new-study-on-earthing-finds-potential-benefits-for-the-circulation/
http://www.heartmdinstitute.com/health-topics/alternative-medicine/grounding-earthing/106-grounding-healthy-heart
http://www.hindawi.com/journals/jeph/2012/291541/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22757749
Pain Management Research:
Spirituality and Chronic Pain: Finding Meaning in the Misery - Video / Online Webinar by Pain BC
Part 1 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJqTYwu60ec
Part 2 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WCVSawhb3A&feature=youtu.be
Chronic Pain Self-Management Programs - Free 6 week workshops:
http://www.selfmanagementbc.ca/chronicpainprogram
St. Paul's Hospital Pain Programs
Outpatient - http://www.providencehealthcare.org/pain-outpatient-clinic
Inpatient - http://www.vch.ca/403/7676/?program_id=13515
http://www.vch.ca/403/7676/?program_id=13497
People in Pain Network
http://www.pipain.com/dr-pam-squire.html
- Options for Developing a Personal Toolbox of Pain Solutions
http://bcpaintoolkit.pipain.com/
Okanagan Interventional Pain Clinic
http://www.okpainclinic.ca/oipc/index.jsp?nav=services
Canadian Pain Coalition
http://www.canadianpaincoalition.ca/index.php/en/
Pain BC
http://www.painbc.ca/content/pain-clinics-and-services
http://www.painbc.ca/sites/default/files/images/McGowan_Pain_Summit_June_3_PSM_session_0.pdf
- The Pain Toolbox: Tools for Self-management (Webinar)
The Pain Toolkit
http://www.paintoolkit.org/
Vancouver Coastal Health: Complex Pain Clinic - Vancouver General Hospital (VGH)
https://www.vch.ca/403/7676/?program_id=1062
The Vancouver Sun: Chronic Pain - Managing it, Living with it
http://www.vancouversun.com/Health/Empowered-Health/What+your+pain+never+stopped/8244723/story.html
Queen's University Department of Psychology: Pain Day Event - Chronic Pain Service Integration
http://www.queensu.ca/psychology/painlab/2013painday.html
Canadian Institute for the Relief of Pain and Disability
http://www.cirpd.org/painmanagement/chronicpain/pages/default.aspx
Journal of the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians
http://www.painphysicianjournal.com/
American Chronic Pain Association
http://theacpa.org/
Stanford School of Medicine: Chronic Pain Self-Management Program
http://patienteducation.stanford.edu/programs/cpsmp.html
EMSC National Resource Center - Pediatric Pain Management Toolbox
http://www.childrensnational.org/emsc/pubres/oldtoolboxpages/pediatricpain.aspx
http://www.childrensnational.org/EMSC/EducationTraining/VideoAudioPodcasts.aspx
My Therapy Online
http://mytherapyonline.ca/
The Pain Community
http://paincommunity.org/
Partners Against Pain - Caregivers
http://www.partnersagainstpain.com/pain-management/caregiver.aspx
Body in Mind - Research into the Role of the Brain and Mind in Chronic Pain
http://www.bodyinmind.org/about-bim/
The British Pain Society
http://www.britishpainsociety.org/book_understanding_pain.pdf
Drugs for Pain Management
UpToDate
Acute pain management in adults with sickle cell disease
http://www.uptodate.com/contents/acute-pain-management-in-adults-with-sickle-cell-disease
PainDoctor.com
Opioid Medications
http://paindoctor.com/treatments/pain-medications/opioid-medications/
Dr. Andrew Weil, M.D. - Integrative Medicine
- Pain Management
http://search.drweil.com/search?site=DrWeil&client=DrWeil_search&proxystylesheet=DrWeil_search&output=xml_no_dtd&q=chronic+pain+management&btn_search=SEARCH
- Opiates
- Cannabis
http://search.drweil.com/search?q=marijuana&spell=1&access=p&output=xml_no_dtd&ie=UTF-8&client=DrWeil_search&site=DrWeil&oe=UTF-8&proxystylesheet=DrWeil_search
The International Association for the Study of Pain
Opiod Side Effects
http://www.iasp-pain.org/AM/AMTemplate.cfm?Section=HOME&TEMPLATE=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&CONTENTID=7618&SECTION=HOME
Medscape
- Opioids for Chronic Nonterminal Pain - Side Effects and Complications
- Less Pain but Hormonal Effects With Long-Term Opioid Use
WebMD - Pain Management Health Center
Opioid (Narcotic) Pain Medications
http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/guide/narcotic-pain-medications
PainEdu.org
Pain Medications: How Long is too Long?
http://www.painedu.org/articles_timely.asp?ArticleNumber=10
American Society of Hematology Education Program
Current Issues in Sickle Cell Pain and Its Management
http://asheducationbook.hematologylibrary.org/content/2007/1/97.full
SickleCell.md - The resource to the sickle Cell Disease Patient
Opiates for pain in dying patients and in those with sickle cell disease
http://www.sicklecell.md/blog/?p=25
The British Medical Journal (BMJ)
Drug Related Deaths Continue to rise in the UK - Sickle Cell Disease patients Dying from Opiates: Why No Co-operation Among Doctors?
http://www.bmj.com/rapid-response/2011/11/02/sickle-cell-disease-patients-dying-opiates-why-no-co-operation-among-docto
The Journal of Family Practice
Sickle cell disease: Gaining control over the pain
http://www.jfponline.com/home/article/sickle-cell-disease-gaining-control-over-the-pain/ec8473b7fd9821183da4c6a984fd2e6e.html
University of San Francisco (UCSF)
UcSF Study Finds Medical Marijuana Could Help Patients Reduce Pain with Opiates
http://www.ucsf.edu/news/2011/12/11077/ucsf-study-finds-medical-marijuana-could-help-patients-reduce-pain-opiates
West Indian Medical Journal
The prevalence of marijuana smoking in young adults with sickle cell disease: a longitudinal study
http://caribbean.scielo.org/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0043-31442006000400004&lng=en&nrm=iso
International Association of Cannabis as Medicine
Science: Survey on medical use of cannabis in Sickle Cell disease.
http://www.cannabis-med.org/english/bulletin/ww_en_db_cannabis_artikel.php?id=202&search_pattern=sickle,cell#2
University of McHill
Preparing the ground for a promising medicine
http://www.mcgill.ca/reporter/33/13/ware/
United Patients Group
http://www.unitedpatientsgroup.com/PatientsRoom-Analgesic-Documents
The American Alliance for Medical Cannabis
Sickle Cell Disease and Cannabis
http://www.letfreedomgrow.com/cmu/Sickle_cell.htm
Patients with Sickle Cell Disease Find Relief from Cannabis, Study Says
http://norml.org/news/2005/09/22/patients-with-sickle-cell-disease-find-relief-from-cannabis-study-says
The following sites are meant for medical professions, but if there is an article of interest that you want clarification on or a copy of the entire article feel free to show your doctor these article for them to explain further or provide access to full article / abstract.
US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Heath:
- Pain management and symptoms of substance dependence among patients with sickle cell disease.
- Sickle cell disease patients and patient-controlled analgesia
- Patient-controlled analgesia versus continuous infusion of morphine during vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell disease, a randomized controlled trial.
- Pain experience of children with sickle cell disease who had prolonged hospitalizations for acute painful episodes.
- Opioid selection during sickle cell pain crisis and its impact on the development of acute chest syndrome.
- Is morphine exposure associated with acute chest syndrome in children with vaso-occlusive crisis of sickle cell disease? A 6-year case-crossover study.
- Risk factors for acute chest syndrome in children with sickle cell disease undergoing abdominal surgery
- Acute chest syndrome after splenectomy in children with sickle cell disease
- Laparoscopic versus open abdominal surgery in children with sickle cell disease is associated with a shorter hospital stay.
- Cannabis for chronic pain: case series and implications for clinicians.
- Vaporized Cannabis for Chronic Pain Associated With Sickle Cell Disease (Cannabis-SCD)
- Cannabis use in Sickle Cell Disease
- A case series of patients using medicinal marihuana for management of chronic pain under the Canadian Marihuana Medical Access Regulations.