Pain Control at the End of Life

The tragedy of needless pain and suffering--and what you can do to prevent it

resources for end of life challenges

All too often we hear of uncontrolled pain and suffering as a rationale for physician assisted suicide. And many of us wonder - and worry - about ourselves and our loved ones.

What choices will I have? Will I die in pain? Will someone I love die uncomfortably or with uncontrolled suffering? How can I prevent-or stop-the suffering of myself or a loved one? Without resorting to lethal means?

These questions are natural. And the answers are very, very important. Not a one of us have ever died before - and part of being human is wondering, and sometimes worrying, about what will happen before we die.

Can we live with real dignity and die naturally and comfortably? Is it possible? Is it attainable? How?

The answers to these questions lie at the crux of the assisted suicide debate. And the fear surrounding these questions is very, very real.

This fear, which is for the most part based on a lack of knowledge about dying, or on an unfortunate past experience with a loved one's death, is being exploited by radical suicide proponents who construct a 'straw man' of needless suffering and unrelenting pain, then 'market' the premature ending life by lethal means as a 'compassionate solution.'

One wonders at the strange and twisted rationale that 'markets' killing the patient rather than accessing the good care needed to control the pain or relieve the uncomfortable symptomsas if the only acceptable 'choice' is a lethal cocktail. Obviously nonsensical, but nevertheless effective. Fear, unfortunately, works. So, what about unrelenting pain? And needless suffering? Are dying people doomed to suffer until lethally overdosed via physician assisted suicide? Is the solution to pain to be found in the elimination of the sufferer?

The answers? No, no, no. And no again.

No one needs to die in severe uncontrolled pain. Or un-alleviated suffering. Not now. Not ever.

End-of-life pain and suffering can - and should - be treated, minimized, relieved, and controlled. And valid personal care choices can - and should - and already are - honored. We don't need assisted suicide. Life-affirming choices are already plentiful and effective.

No one, no one, needs the so-called 'choice' of assisted suicide to die naturally and with real dignity. Excellent end of life care is already available through a combination of hospice and palliative care and community resources and support. But it takes time, effort, expertise.

And advocacy. Many times a seriously ill person needs a compassionate advocate to speak out on his or her behalf, someone to help attain and maintain the kind of good medical care that is possible, but sometimes, because of a disorganized or chaotic medical system, difficult to access. When a person is seriously ill or dying it is essential for a nurse or other health care provider, family member, friend, neighbor, or acquaintance to 'step up to the plate,' and advocate for improved care, better pain control and more comprehensive symptom management.

Who knows? That true compassion advocate could be you.

This web site offers general information rather than medical, social service, or mental health advice. For specific information about medications or to obtain pain control assistance or symptom management for you or someone you care about, please consult with your physician, hospice professional , or other qualified health care provider.

For more information on our important disclaimer.