Pain Relief and The Side Effects
That Little Voice
I recently heard that 80 percent of pain medications produced in the world are consumed by Americans. Apparently we are a nation that hates pain and will seek all types of remedies in order to eliminate or alleviate those dreadful uncomfortable feelings.
Having just lost a battle with an earache I admit I’m one of those 80 percenters who doesn’t want to wait on Mother Nature to work her magic. Instead, give me pills, the sooner the better. I do not want to languish in misery, reassuring myself that this too shall pass. No, give me the American way of immediate help... drugs.
But even I draw a line. When the pain medication causes more discomfort than the original ailment, it is time to reconnoiter, as my granddad was known to say.
I can be very critical of anyone who wants immediate gratification: wanting what they want when they want it. However, that criticism is cut short when it comes to my comfort. It’s one thing to want a new television and think I need it NOW. It is something entirely different if I hurt. Old folks and children best get out of my way if they are between me and a pain pill. I become an NFL rusher heading to the goal line, and it would be wise to give me a clear field.
What do people in other countries do about pain? Do they suffer patiently, waiting for the discomfort to run its course? Do they have special herbal remedies that work, but may take longer? Do they accept that life has its bumps and bruises, and it is unnecessary to give those bumps and bruises immediate attention?
There are those who say every ailment is tied to some emotional trigger, i.e. my earache has something to do with me not wanting to hear something. Or if I hurt my leg, I am resisting a movement forward. I can see that, but, (there is always a but) about the only thing I can think of that I don’t want to hear are any more political ads, and they ended two months ago. Maybe my ears are having a delayed reaction to all that auditory clutter.
I decided that if I’m trying to block out some sounds, the best way to do it would be to remove my hearing aids. So, if you see me and I don’t answer your greeting, know that I’m walking around avoiding sound in order to alleviate my earache.
Is rudeness better than a pain pill?