PAIN

“Randy”, fifty-eight, suffers from lung cancer. His cancer has now spread to his bones causing him tremendous pain. Randy lives with his sister, “Pamela” , who is his primary caretaker. Randy’s brother, “Bill”, lives nearby and is also very involved. The three siblings are very close and supportive to each other.

Randy’s pain started to increase several days ago. Pamela called his doctor, who changed the medication, to no avail. Randy’s pain continued to where he was not sleeping at night, keeping Pamela up as well. All were so tired and frustrated. Pamela felt so guilty not being able to do anything for her brother. She was frustrated by his doctor as the changes in the medication was not helping. Things were getting worse. Pamela then called hospice for help.

Fortunately the nurse was able to go out the same day Pamela called. Being new at the hospice, I was able to shadow the nurse during the visit. One immediately saw Randy’s suffering and pain by the tight grimace on his face. Pamela’s face reflected her brother’s stressful expression.

The nurse immediately called the hospice medical director and got orders for higher dosages of medications. Before too long, Randy’s pain subsided. Randy initially gave his pain level a “10”, the highest ranking number. By the time we left the home, Randy’s pain was down to a tolerable “2”. Randy was able to close his eyes and sleep for the first time in several days.

Pamela’s face also reflected relief and calm. Pamela couldn’t thank us enough for being there and giving her and her family the support they needed. As the nurse and I walked out to her car, Randy’s brother called out in thanks again. We encouraged the family to call hospice with any other pain changes or questions. It is a good feeling to give a family exactly what they need. Kudos to the hospice nurse and doctor.

PAIN

　
He has been in pain for days.
Long waits for the doctors to call.
Tweaking medications with no relief.
They were desperate as to what to do.

One saw his discomfort
by the tight grimace on his face.
Sitting stiffly in his recliner;
clutched fists by his side.

The nurse immediately called the doctor.
She helped to readily adjust the meds.
Quickly upping the dosages.
Hoping to ease his tremendous pain.

She hated to see her brother in pain.
“This has been going on for days.”
Her helplessness; her stress
clearly showing in the tightness of her face.

His pain started to decline.
He felt relief for the first time in days.
His face relaxed as he slowly fell asleep.
His sister’s face now reflecting his own.

They thanked us as we walked to the car.
Knowing his suffering will be no more.
A good night sleep for the first time in days.
Grateful for all that the nurse had done,
“I didn’t know an angel drove a tan SUV”.