Managing ovarian cancer pain is different for various people and may involve a combination of medications depending on the type of pain. Surgery is also sometimes used to address pain, and a nerve block can be effective in some cases. On an individual level, many people find that supplementing these techniques with imagery, relaxation, and physical therapy can be helpful. When managing ovarian cancer pain, it is important to remember that discussing pain with your doctor is normal and you should expect any concerns to be taken seriously.
Medications used to treat ovarian cancer pain differ depending both on the type of pain and the severity. In very minor cases, nonprescription medications may be used to provide relief. Ovarian cancer pain may also be treated with antidepressants or anticonvulsants if the pain is of a specific type. More severe pain is usually treated with narcotics that may be taken for the duration of the pain. Sometimes, a person might experience isolated flare-ups, which can also be treated with special narcotics designed specifically for this purpose.
Certainly, surgery and ways of decreasing the impact of ovarian cancer overall can be effective at reducing pain in the long term. Ovarian cancer pain can also be treated specifically with surgery that stops pain signals from reaching the brain. These methods may be preferable in some cases, but medication is more common.
Most people find that additional techniques are helpful when managing ovarian cancer pain as well. Medicine can take care of many types of sensations, but the experience of being in pain or on drugs is taxing as well. Physical therapy can be helpful for reducing this problem in some cases, but not all people respond well. Managing pain often means dealing with the experience of pain, not only making unpleasant sensations go away.
In terms of managing the experience of pain, different people have very different approaches. For example, some people find that meditation and relaxation techniques are effective, while others are merely more focused on the pain when trying to think about something else. Imagery and biofeedback techniques prove effective in some cases, but may not be for everyone. Finding a route that helps with pain management consistently is a very personal journey, and trying different methods may be the best strategy.
Not everyone experiences pain the same way, and management that may be sufficient for one person will not always be acceptable for another. Different types of pain may be experienced in different ways as well. Finding a management strategy that will be successful for any individual relies on effective communication and developing a thorough language in which to talk about levels and types of pain. Communication allows for accurate suggestions, making pain management for ovarian cancer much easier.