Yvonnie Bailey- Davidson

Dear Counsellor:

I am an elderly person who has chronic pain, which is distressing at times. I have tried a variety of pain-killers with little relief.

These days I have become irritable and find fault easily. I am not good company because of my mood. Any suggestion?>- Norma

Dear Norma:

Unfortunately, pain in the joints affects many elderly people. As you grow older, the protective mechanism in the joints wears thin, resulting in pain. You need to see the rheumatologist and the orthopaedic surgeon to get an analysis of the severity of the pain and the limitations caused by the resultant disability. There are many different medications for pain relief and you should discuss the variety of medication options with your doctors.

Chronic pain causes an individual to get depressed and angry. They become irritable and inconsolable and begin to feel that they are a nuisance to others. This is because they are always complaining and seem ungrateful about what their relatives are doing for them.

Depression is manifested in the irritability and hostility towards others. The chronic pain causes demoralisation and helplessness. The fact that the pain is continuous with minimal relief causes the individual to be incapacitated.

Treatment of the depression can produce some relief of chronic pain. Discuss your depression with your doctor who will prescribe an antidepressant. Some people find that adopting certain postures causes some relief from the pain. Pay attention to your nutrition and take your supplements.

Contact Dr. Yvonnie Bailey-Davidson at 978-8602 or 791-1778, or by email at yvonniebd@hotmail.com.