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PAIN MONITOR
November 2006
 This Veteran's Day, we are dedicating our November Pain Monitor to honor the men and women of the military. Today, as always, the American Pain Foundation advocates for the rights of those suffering from pain and supports people in their journey to better pain care.
As part of this tribute, APF has launched the "Freedom from Pain" media campaign as a part of ongoing efforts to raise awareness of resources for veterans in pain, members of the military and their families. Print, television and radio ads will be running across the country through the Veterans' Day holiday weekend, and spokespersons are addressing this issue with the media. Click here to see Dr. Chester (Trip) Buckenmaier's interview with WUSA-TV in Washington, DC.
Results from the American Pain Foundation’s survey of veterans and members of the military show that more than half of respondents (54 percent) said that they have been in pain for more than 10 years. Astoundingly, 70 percent rated the intensity of their pain between a 7 and 10 on a scale of 0 to 10 (0=none, 10=worst pain imaginable) on a daily basis. Click here to read survey facts.
“Toughing it out” by leaving pain untreated can lead to years of needless suffering, and can destroy lives and families. Our Veterans and Pain resources help address the unique needs of veterans, military personnel and their families. Click here to visit our Military/Veterans and Pain Section.
Pain can be tremendously isolating. If you’ve been in the military, you have had unique experiences that impact your pain journey. Join APF’s active online pain community and go to the special chat rooms for veterans and military. These rooms are moderated by veterans and filled with people who understand what you’re going through. Many times it is your peers who are there for you with support and assistance. Don’t do this alone. On Veterans Day, and any day or night, go to http://painaid.painfoundation.org/board_vet/index.php and talk with other veterans who understand.
If you know a veteran or member of the military who you would like to honor, click here to send an eCard.
APF is a non-profit organization. We depend on your generosity to support this and all of our programs. If you are able to make a donation, please click here.
THE NEWS
Device to Ease Pain of Amputees: MSU Biologist Plans "Smart" Mechanism to Release Medicine Around Prosthetic Limb
Hundreds of men and women have returned home from service in the Iraq war with one or more limbs amputated. Many heal and resume active lives with the help of high-tech prosthetic limbs. But often the pain and suffering doesn't end there.
Disabled Veterans Recharge Lives in New York City Marathon
Of the 38,000 runners in the New York City Marathon Nov. 5, 50 disabled veterans ran on the Achilles Freedom Team of 'wounded veterans'.
The Zen of Military Healing
A former Vietnam Veteran and co-founder of Beliefnet.com discusses his pain and how the military experience can be a source of healing.
New Gene May Help Predict and Treat Chronic Pain
Patients at risk for chronic pain following major surgery might be identified before going under the knife, according to a new study.
Knee Pain Experiment Delivers Only Transient Relief
Two non-traditional interventional approaches produced transient improvements in knee pain in older patients, according to researchers.
 Too Many Elders "Left in Pain"
Not enough is being done to improve the management of pain in elders, a charity says. Nearly a third of the 3,000 carers surveyed by the Patients Association said their patient's chronic pain was poorly managed.
Poor Sleep Contributes to Health Problems
New studies are discovering just how vital sleep is to overall health.
10 Steps to Combat Low Back Pain
The National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) has prepared a 10-step guide that people of all ages can use to reduce body stress, prevent back pain and improve quality of life.
Wait Times for Access to Pain Treatment in Canada: A "Sore Point"
Canadians who wait more than six months for access to appropriate chronic pain treatment are more likely to see deterioration of their quality of life and psychological well-being, including higher depression scores, according to the Canadian Pain Society.
 More Patients Seeking Medical Help Online
Britons are increasingly turning to the internet to get medical advice for embarassing ailments such as thrush, ringworm and urinary infections and also difficult conditions such as back pain, sciatica and irritable bowel syndrome.
Online Games Lift Spirits of Seriously Ill Kids
Serious illness such as cancer, cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anemia can be frightening and confusing for children, but the Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation wants to help educate today's tech-savvy kids about these diseases in a way that appeals to them: through the Internet.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
On September 6, 2006 the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) issued a proposed rule regarding multiple prescriptions of Schedule II medicines asking for public comment within 60 days. APF participated in a Consensus Response endorsed by 17 organizations and submitted its own response to the DEA.
Consensus Statement
APF Response
SCIENCE & MEDICINE
An Examination of the Relationship Between Chronic Pain and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
John D. Otis, PhD; Terence M. Keane, PhD; Robert D. Kerns, PhD - JRRD
Effects of Chronic Osteoarthritis Pain on Neuroendocrine Function in Men (Abstract)
Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism
Study: Antidepressants Could Help Treat Osteoporosis (Abstract)
A new study suggests antidepressants can be helpful in treating osteoporosis.
APF Hosts Information Series in APF Pain Monitor
APF started its question and answer section in January 2004. These Q&A articles address frequently asked questions about pain, answered by Dr. Scott Fishman. These articles originally appeared on the DiscoveryHealth web site.
#35: Irritable Bowel Syndrome
COMPLEMENTARY/ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
Millions Use Alternative Medicine to Get to Sleep
A recent analysis of national survey data reveals that over 1.6 million American adults use some form of CAM to treat insomnia or trouble sleeping according to scientists at NCCAM.
 Acupuncture and the Military
The man who pioneered acupuncture in the military says it should be an option for the men and women serving their country.
Marine Finds Pain Relief Via Acupuncture
A Marine has found some pain relief through an alternative form of medicine, acupuncture.
Acupuncture, Turmeric May Help Ease Arthritis
Acupuncture and an extract of turmeric may both offer significant pain relief to some arthritis patients, two new studies suggest.
Hypnosis Helpful for Non-Cardiac Chest Pain
Individuals who experience chest pain that is not caused by a heart condition or heartburn may benefit from hypnotherapy, research suggests.
SPECIAL NOTICE
The American Alliance of Cancer Pain Initiatives (AACPI) has changed its name to the Alliance of State Pain Initiatives to reflect the growth of the State Pain Initiative (SPI) movement and the National Office in improving the management of cancer and other types of pain. The first state Cancer Pain Initiative was established in Wisconsin in 1986 to address the unmet pain management needs of persons with cancer pain. Since then, advocates for better pain care established similar organizations in many other states. State Cancer Pain Initiatives soon became widely recognized as an effective force in improving the management of cancer pain, and many expanded their educational, outreach and advocacy efforts to address the under treatment of other types of pain.
The tremendous growth and success of the State Pain Initiative movement precipitated the forming of the Alliance of State Pain Initiatives (formerly AACPI) in 1996 with a National Office located at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. The National Office facilitates the sharing of resources among SPIs, develops innovative pain management improvement programs, organizes an annual national meeting, and serves as the collective voice for the SPIs on national issues. The new name honors the collaborative spirit of the SPIs who generously share their time and efforts to help promote pain relief nationwide. Check out the new website at http://www.aspi.wisc.edu/ and don't forget to update your links and bookmarks.
EN ESPANOL
Administración de Beneficios del Veterano: Hoja de Información de los Beneficios
Este recurso incluye los enlaces a las hojas de datos que proveen información básica de cada uno de los programas de beneficios de VA: beneficios de VA para el personal en servicio militar activo, beneficios de compensación por discapacidad, subvenciones de equipos de adaptación especial y de automóviles, compensación mensual especial para discapacidades graves, beneficios de rehabilitación profesional, beneficios de rehabilitación profesional hacia conseguir empleo, compensación asistencia para veteranos sin hogar y mas.
Benefits Fact Sheets contain links to basic information on each of the VA's benefit programs, including a summary of VA benefits, VA benefits for active duty personnel, disability compensation benefits, special monthly compensation for serious disabilities, vocational rehabilitation benefits, automobile and special adaptive equipment grants and more.
http://www.vba.va.gov/benefit_facts/index.htm
WEBSITE OF THE MONTH
My HealtheVet (MHV) is the gateway to veteran health benefits and services. It is a powerful tool to help veterans better understand and manage their health and it provides access to:
- trusted health information
- links to Federal and VA benefits and resources
- the Personal Health Journal
- online VA prescription refill
UPCOMING EVENTS
Cancer Care Telephone Education Workshops 1:30 - 2:15 PM EST
November 17, 2006
New Trends in the Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer: Update from ASCO
November 29, 2006
Difficult Side Effects of Breast Cancer Treatment: Memory Changes, Lymphedema & Neuropathy
December 1, 2006
Caring for Someone with Colon Cancer
December 5, 2006
Advances in the Treatment of Lung Cancer
The teleconferences are free one-hour conference calls presented by cancer experts from around the country. They are an easy way to learn about cancer-related issues, including pain and symptom management. Pre-registration is required. To find out more and to register, please sign up online or call (800)-813-HOPE and ask to be connected to the CancerCare Education Department.
Free Audio Conference for Professionals: An Open Forum with the Palliative Care Leadership Centers (PCLC)
December 7, 2006 from 1:30 to 2:15 PM EST
Ask questions of Dr. Diane Meier, CAPC Director, and faculty of the Palliative Care Leadership Centers. The call will be devoted to answering your questions on a variety of topics, including:
How to move your palliative care program to the next level;
How to increase early referrals;
The 8 essential elements of palliative care program development;
How to build the business case for CFOs and other key stakeholders; and more.
Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. To find out more, please visit http://www.capc.org/support-from-capc/audio-conf/12-07-06.
RESOURCES
Veteran's Resources are available on the APF website. Click here.
 New APF Publication is Now Available!
APF’s Treatment Options: A Guide for People Living with Pain is an invaluable resource. Written and reviewed by leading pain specialists, our guide provides credible, comprehensive information about medications, psychosocial interventions, complementary approaches, rehabilitation therapies, surgical interventions and much more. Download the PDF version now!
VOICES OF PEOPLE WITH PAIN
Special Online Chats for Veterans
The American Pain Foundation & PainAid have hosted four online chats for Veterans. Click here to read the transcripts. More to come soon.
PAINAID for Veterans
Click here to read or participate in what other veterans are talking about in APF’s online discussion for veterans. It’s easy and if you want, you can just read what other people have written and don’t have to participate unless you chose to.
The first page will ask you to login (register) with a “user name” and password (make something up that you’ll remember). Once you do that, click the “login” button and you’ll be taken to a Forum called, “Discussion for Veterans and their Caregivers”. Click on that title (it will light up and underline as you scroll over it) and you will go to another page that shows you the different topics that have been talked about within the veterans/caregivers forum. It shows you the heading of the topic, the number of times someone has responded to a question, and the number of times someone has looked at particular discussions (views), as well as who last posted a comment and when they posted it. You can click on any topic (again, as you scroll over the heading it will light up and underline and you can click on it to open), and either just read what other people have written or enter your own thoughts. You can also start a discussion topic of your own.
Give it a try. Talking to other people can help lessen your sense of isolation and you can get great tips. You can also participate at any time of day or night, so if something is keeping you awake, try talking to others who may also be sleepless.
Be sure to check out the VETERAN VOICES section of our website to veteran's stories or to submit your own!
Thank you to our medical/science editor, Peter J. Vicente Ph.D., ABPP.
Secure online donations can be made by clicking here. If you prefer, you can mail your donation to: American Pain Foundation, 201 N. Charles Street, Suite 710, Baltimore, MD 21201. Contributions to the American Pain Foundation are tax-deductible. Look here for many more ways that you can help us in our efforts to eliminate the undertreatment of pain and help someone you love.
It's not too late to join our mailing list by completing our "Get Involved" form. Please forward this to a friend who might be interested in our publications and projects.
Share with us how you’d like to get involved and ways you might be able to contribute your voice and skills to our joint efforts by completing our online Advocacy Survey. We welcome your participation and look forward to working with you!
The American Pain Foundation is an independent, nonprofit organization that relies upon private donations to fund its programs, services, and distribution of educational materials. There are millions of people who live with unrelieved chronic pain. If you can help, please make a donation to the American Pain Foundation. For other ways you can support APF’s work, please visit our website at www.painfoundation.org.
To make sure you continue to receive our newsletters and alerts, please add AmericanPainFounda@painfoundation.org to your address book or approved sender list. 
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