Lessons on living with chronic pain and how to manage it

What is it about?

After suffering an oral surgery injury, I became a chronic pain patient with neuropathic pain in my mouth. The experience has affected my quality of life. Using opioids for pain management exposed me to the complex issues in balancing pain management, preventing abuse and addiction, and struggling to cope. The article discusses relevant public pollicy, and hopes for change.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

Personal essay by a health care writer on the challenges of becoming a patient with a chronic condition to be managed. Reveals experience of shame, stigma and frustration. Counterpoint of public policy and its effect on treatment.