Pain experience

Everyone reacts differently to pain, and culture influences ways of expression. Most older people do not tell they are in pain (they prefer not to “complain”), or they use other words, such as “discomfort” or “an unpleasant feeling”. In addition, many older people think that pain is part of ageing. 

Neuropathic pain (due to diabetic mellitus) is sometimes feelable and sometimes not. Touching the leg/foot, for example, is sometimes hard to feel and to recognise as a result of a damaged nerve. It is also possible that the older person does not have any problems with the neuropathy itself, but with the consequences; for example, they might step on a pin and develop a wound,  but they do not feel it.

A professional can encourage older people to talk about their pain so it can be treated and remove misunderstandings.   They can teach older people  to recognize their pain, for example when someone indicates fatigue.

The professional must take the patient’s wishes into account. It can be difficult to put  own norms and values ​​aside in relation to “oversensitive” people or people who do not show pain emotions. Using pain medication is one way to cope with pain medication. Taking pain seriously by paying attention, performing ritual activities, prescribing relaxation exercises and placebos can relieve pain.

 

 

References: 

Verenso 2016. Multidisciplinaire Richtlijn Pijn. Herkenning en behandeling van pijn bij kwetsbare ouderen. Deel 2. VER-003-32-Richtlijn-Pijn-deel2-v5LR.pdf (verenso.nl)

Mahdi et al. (2020) Intercultural competence and Health Care. Royal van Gorcum B.V

Schim van der Hoeff-van Veen (2017) Geriatrie. BSL