What Causes Pain?

Technically speaking, pain is defined as a stimulus transmitted throughout the body by the central nervous system as a result of nerves detecting bodily damage. When damage occurs, an impulse is sent along nerve pathways to the brain, which interprets the impulses as pain.

But that medical jargon means little to those who are suffering. What mesothelioma patients understand is that pain, no matter what causes it, can severely compromise their way of life.

Pain can affect many areas of the patient's life and the lives of those around them. Ignoring it or thinking you can or should be able to "handle it" on your own can lead to stress, anxiety, frustration and lots of unnecessary suffering. Severe pain can interfere with:

Eating
When you hurt, you don't want to eat. Eating properly, however, is important in fighting any disease, cancer included. Managing your pain means you'll probably be better able to eat normally.

Sleeping
It's essential to have a good night's sleep, especially when you're in the middle of treatments like chemo or radiation. Pain inhibits sleep and the lack of sleep causes other reactions as well, such as anxiety or loss of appetite.

Work
If you're trying to maintain your job or are attempting to work at home, consistent pain will no doubt interfere with that. This can cause a lot of anxiety, especially if you're dependent on the income from your job. Even if you're not employed outside the home, pain can make it difficult to do tasks around the house, such as cleaning or cooking.

Travel
If you've enjoyed leisure trips or visits to friends and family before your disease, you should understand that pain may make travel difficult.