The Pain Patient's Bill of Rights

[Tuckamore]

I was browsing the internet searching for articles and information on Chronic Pain. I know I have posted something similar several years ago but it may be time to do this again. As a Chronic Pain patient I often have to remind myself that I do have rights...and you do too!!!

I found this in the on-line Health Magazine. It may be an older article but these "Rights" remain true today. I hope you find it helpful.

Begin Quote:
"People living with chronic pain are often “people pleasers,” according to the American Chronic Pain Association. That means they may dismiss their own needs to assist others, or be hesitant to express their needs and ask that they be met.

One of the key steps to finding relief and living well is to know your needs and limits and have people meet and respect them. The ACPA acknowledges 15 basic rights to which every pain patient is entitled.

As a person suffering from chronic pain, you have a right to:

   1. Act in a way that promotes dignity and self-respect.
   2. Be treated with respect.
   3. Make mistakes.
   4. Do less than you are humanly capable of doing.
   5. Change your mind.
   6. Ask for what you want.
   7. Take time to slow down and think before you act.
   8. Ask for information.
   9. Ask for help or assistance.
  10. Feel good about yourself.
  11. Disagree.
  12. Not have to explain everything you do and think.
  13. Say "no" and not feel guilty.
  14. Ask why.
  15. Be listened to and taken seriously when expressing your feelings.
End Quote.

Wishing you a day of comfort,
~Tuck

[Tuckamore]

On my friends in pain, I agree with your both. I too have a supportive family but often they don't get it either. Saying No is very difficult for me.

Chronic pain robs us of so much. We should never feel guilty or have to explain our "No" but it's my guess most of us do. I know that when I do say No I'm often racked with guilt. Foolish guilt. When I say Yes than I can pay for days with a horrid flare. It's a catch 22.  

You're welcome Remar. I have a few other articles/letters regarding chronic pain. I'll post a few of my favorites in the future.

Take Care,
~Tuck

[remar]

I really have a problem with the saying no part. My family and friends are very supportive but if you don't have chronic pain it can be hard to understand why you don't feel up to doing something. Going out, having people over and even talking on the phone.
Thank you for posting this Tuck. I think a lot of us needed to read it.

[mariepi]

Good to revisit this at times. We pain sufferers and those around us tend to forget that we are not anymore super women. I too am tired to explain why I say NO. Tired to remind that I am not pristine anymore , I have the right to get old without having people telling me that 100 yo still climb Kilimanjaro. I just don't feel like doing it. that's all.
Thanks Mariepi