For some men with prostate cancer,
pain is one of the main symptoms that make them to go to their doctor
in the first place. Pain can be caused by the tumour spreading to
other parts of the body such as the bones. The pain may be constant
or only present now and then.
Your doctor will try to find out what is causing
the pain. Surgery, radiotherapy, hormone therapy and chemotherapy
can all help to ease pain. There is also a lot of good painkilling
(analgesic) medication available today. Your doctor will decide
on which painkiller is best suited to the type of pain that you
have. If the medication does not kill the pain tell your doctor
or nurse. You may need to try out different painkillers before you
find what suits you best. There are other ways to treat pain such
as nerve blocks and epidural injections.
What
you can do
If you are in pain tell your doctor or nurse about it straight away. Be honest about the level of pain that you are in. There is no need to suffer in silence or play down the amount of pain that you have.
Try to describe the pain as clearly as you can. Is it a dull pain? A sharp sudden pain? A pain that is always there? One that comes over you in waves? Is it mild or severe? Do you wake up in pain during the night? It may be helpful to write down the times when you get the pain and what makes it better or worse. You could show this record to your doctor or nurse as it may help to explain your problem.
If you
only have pain from time to time, take the painkillers when
you need them. However, if the pain is there most of the time
or all of the time, take your painkillers regularly. This is
most important to keep your pain under control.
Even though
your pain may be well controlled most of the time, you may notice
that the pain is worse at night and wakes you up. Discuss this
with your doctor or nurse. You can get extra medication to help
with 'breakthrough pain'.
Some painkillers
have side-effects, especially the strong ones. These side-effects
may include constipation (unable to pass a bowel motion), feeling
sick (nausea) and drowsiness. If you have constipation it's
a good idea to take a laxative every day. A laxative and drinking
plenty of clear fluids such as water and fruit juice will help
keep your bowel habit regular. Your doctor or nurse will give
you something stronger if your bowels have not opened for 2
or 3 days.
If you
are feeling sick your doctor may give you anti-sickness tablets.
These should be taken 30 minutes before your painkillers. This
nausea often improves as you get used to your medication
Drowsiness may
occur when you take a stronger painkiller. It usually wears off
after a few days. Do not drive or work machinery if you feel drowsy.
