Summer 2001 ~ Newsletter
Pain Management
Newsletter Navigation:
Quick Navigation:
From The Editor
by Brett Vebber
Pain is an issue that passes the childhood population of Cystic Fibrosis patients almost unnoticed. Though a child may not have pain now, exercises and techniques can be done that can prevent future pain. What do I mean by this?
I hear more and more adults complaining of pain, yet some of these complaints can be prevented or alleviated with education. Back pain, for instance, is one that even I have from time to time. Having a hard time breathing normally with Cystic Fibrosis has caused me to lean forward without ever really noticing it. Recently, the physical therapy staff gave me proper techniques and exercises to help keep my back straight. All of those sit-ups in school did not help my back at all! These techniques do not fix things, but I believe I could have reduced my current pain if I was aware of the consequences of poor postures years ago.
Being at the hospital, I hear of several types of pain ranging from sinus headaches to IV's. The reason why this topic was picked for this issue of Heart To Heart is educate people on how to reduce pain and to help parents of be aware of pain and seek tips to control it. Many children with CF grow up sick so they hardly ever complain. Hopefully parents will become more proactive in asking their children about pain and teaching them to deal with it correctly using medical advice.
Please continue to correspond with us as we try to build a strong community with one another. The next issue will focus on teens and CF. If you have questions or comments, please mail them to:
Children's Hospital ACC, Suite 620 c/o Brett Vebber 1600 7th Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35233or, you can e-mail me at: BVebber@peds.uab.edu.