Philosophical/theoretical question; maybe someone will be inspired to write a hu

1. 85

   DzyMsLizzyposted 11 years ago

   Philosophical/theoretical question; maybe someone will be inspired to write a hub...
   
   If you suffered from any illness which caused debilitating chronic pain, and if there was an experimental drug that could eliminate the pain, but which would also probably shorten your life, would you take that drug?

   report
2. 68

   L.L. Woodardposted 11 years ago

   First let me say I hope I am never in that position, but if I were, I think I would be sorely tempted to try the experimental drug. Living with chronic, debilitating pain must be exhausting physically and emotionally.
   
   Yes, I'm pretty sure I would grab at the chance to have a pain-free existence even if it shortened my lifespan. The better quality of life while alive seems as if it would be worth the trade-off in quantity of life.

   report
3. 82

   vandyneglposted 11 years ago

   Interesting question!  Because of my past "issues" and "physical ailments" I have been through, I have found that that there are so many alternatives to taking a medication.  Granted, there is a time and place for medicine, and even medicine needed on a daily basis.  When dealing with an illness causing chronic pain (I am thinking of several), there are amazingly many other ways to fight chronic pain, that include nutritional changes, physical manipulations (like chiropractic care, massage therapy, acupuncture, etc.), vitamin supplementation, cranial sacral therapy, yoga and exercise, and the list goes on.  We can easily put a "band aid" on our pain and ailments without taking care of the underlying issue.  My goal is to target the illness itself and not the symptoms.  HOWEVER, it is OKAY to take medicine for short term relief, but as a long term solution (when no other alternatives are tried), I have to say no.

   report
   1. 62

      Lor's Storiesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      What is cranial sacral therapy??? Really interested in that,
      I did all the other stuff. Now I'm looking at palliative care! I think,
      I love your answer.

      report
   2. 82

      vandyneglposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Lor's Stories!  Cranial sacral therapy is when there is gentle manipulation of the spine and cranium area to promote the flow of cerebrospinal fluid.  Said by many that it can ease pain and other ailments. I think everyone responds differently.

      report
4. 61

   PAPA-BEARposted 11 years ago

   No. I worked on district nursing for many years, pain was a massive input to clients quality of life. Some did register with drug trial units, and for a short while they were over the moon at the relief. However none lasted, there were always side effects, incompatability factors with other medication, and the trials proved inconclusive, the drug never saw the light of day. Think I would tap away with EFT.

   report
   1. 82

      vandyneglposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Hi PAPA-BEAR, I have looked into EFT, but haven't tried it yet....have you?

      report
   2. 61

      PAPA-BEARposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      yES i HAVE AND IT REALLY DOES WORK.

      report
   3. 85

      DzyMsLizzyposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      What is "EFT?"

      report
   4. 82

      vandyneglposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      EFT is Emotional Freedom Technique, sometimes known as Tapping.  I have not yet tried it and I have not done a huge amount of research in it; however, I hear that it is very helpful.  I believe it manipulates the pressure points on our bodies?

      report
5. 62

   Lor's Storiesposted 11 years ago

   Boy you picked a very good question.
   I have pain from too too many surgeries. I went to the ER on Sunday because my heart rate was up from the pain, I have scar tissue wrapped all over my chest and down my spine and around the stomach, yes I would take the drug so I could finish doing all the things I want to do. It doesn't matter to me how long you live it's how well you use the time you have.
   I know this scar tissue can eventually cause major health problems. It already has.
   But I would like a few months to really enjoy everything I can't now.
   Then I think I'd be happy. Happy to be remembered as the old me and not the one who has to sit on the sidelines and watch every one else have fun,
   I'm still young enough to enjoy life,
   And I really would make use of every second I had.
   I think I'd go back to Disney World!
   That's my one wish. No Europe. No fantasy island. Just to enjoy where I was happiest.
   And then if I did die, I would be prepared,
   I've already had practice for the chance of dying.
   So I guess that's my answer.
   My philosophy is quality not quantity of life,

   report
   1. 62

      Lor's Storiesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Nope I'll keep going and wait till they figure out my messy body.

      report