A Human Right

“A Human Right” argues that quality pain treatment should be viewed not as a privilege but as a right. Many types of pain can be treated much more effectively, if not cured entirely, if we have the will to make it happen. But for this, we need a cultural transformation that involves (1) ramping up research efforts to discover better therapies for pain, (2) improving and extending insurance coverage so that people in pain can get the care that’s available, and (3) treating all people in pain with dignity and respect. The chapter concludes with a call for readers to become personally involved as advocates for a better approach to pain treatment. Chapter key idea: People in pain deserve respect and access to treatments that make their lives better.

The God Prescription

“The God Prescription” profiles Walt Alexander, a devout Christian who developed severe chronic pain after suffering accidental nerve damage during surgery. Walt’s faith in God and his support system within his family and his faith community helped him endure his pain and look for the good that could come out of it. Conversely, his pain experience also deepened his submission to God’s will and enhanced his compassion for other people who are in need. Walt’s experience illustrates a truth that scientific research has established: belief tends to affect a person’s pain experience in a positive way. Chapter key idea: Believing in something or Someone bigger than yourself invites healing into your life.

The New Scarlet Letter

“The New Scarlet Letter” tells about Hal Garner, a former NFL player whose life fell apart after he experienced a career-ending injury and began abusing his opioid pain medications. Branded with the “new scarlet letter” A for addiction, he went through estrangement from friends and family, the loss of income and property, embarrassing public exposure, arrest, and multiple stints behind bars. Finally, though, a combination of standard and innovative treatments helped him come off opioids and begin rebuilding his life. Chapter key idea: Opioids can become more curse than cure, but it’s possible to overcome addiction to these medications.

Friendly Fire

“Friendly Fire” tells the story of Jason Bing, a soldier who became dependent on pain medications prescribed for a service-related injury and who faced the stigma placed upon pain treatment and addiction within the U.S. military. His story illustrates the way that nearly all people in pain have to deal with prejudice and ignorance surrounding pain and opioids, regardless of what part of society they belong to. Chapter key idea: Cultural attitudes toward pain too often make a pain experience worse than it has to be.

Coming of Age

In “Coming of Age,” readers learn about Ali Goldsmith, a teenage girl who developed chronic regional pain syndrome after bunion surgery and thus grew into adulthood while experiencing constant pain. Ali tried a wide range of treatments, including an unconventional ketamine infusion, and experienced gradual improvement. Meanwhile, teachers and fellow students didn’t always understand her or know how to act around her. Ali and her whole family had to adjust to the fact that, because of her pain, she was different from other kids her age and had limitations. As she grew up, Ali transitioned from relying on her parents’ management of her care to taking responsibility for her own medical care as well as her overall well-being and success in life. Chapter key idea: The best advocate for a person in pain is the person in pain.

More than a Survivor

“More than a Survivor” details the horrifying mass shooting in which Carolyn Tuft received severe injuries and her daughter died, then goes on to tell how Tuft has dealt with her ongoing pain problem. Her story illustrates the suddenness with which a pain problem can come upon any of us. It also shows the struggles that people in pain often face in navigating a normal day and trying to get adequate pain treatment. Yet Tuft remains determined to get the most joy she can out of her days. Chapter key idea: Even in the worst pain situations, it’s possible to pursue a fulfilling life.

It’s Personal

“It’s Personal” makes the point that pain is a bio-psycho-social-spiritual experience. And because it is a broad-based experience, it requires a broad-based approach to bring healing. People in pain need to be both treated by a diversity of medical professionals and supported by the important people in their lives. By showing understanding and compassion, anyone who knows and cares about someone in pain can minister an inner sense of healing. Those who are in pain need others to listen to their stories and accompany them in their journey toward recovery. Chapter key idea: More than just a medical condition, chronic pain affects everything in a person’s life.

The Chilling Effect

“The Chilling Effect” takes a look at the issues surrounding opioids in our society today. An overzealous Drug Enforcement Administration is sometimes prosecuting the wrong physicians, thus creating a chilling effect in the medical community with regard to opioid prescription and making it harder for people in pain to get the help they need. Certainly there are serious risks that come with using opioids to treat pain. But the solution is not to use legislation and legal prosecution to hamper medical professionals who are doing their best for their patients. That approach is responsible for doing further harm to a population that is already hurting. The solution, instead, is to increase education about opioids while allowing physicians to use opioids according to the best knowledge and guidelines available at the time. Chapter key idea: Doctors have second thoughts about prescribing opioids when they know authorities are looking over their shoulders.

Everyday Saints and Unsung Heroes

“Everyday Saints and Unsung Heroes” focuses on Ann Peterson, the wife of a man whose intestinal damage and back injury combined to give him three decades of pain and deteriorating well-being. Ann cared for him diligently and lovingly through surgeries and treatments. Sometimes she struggled with knowing how much was too much to do for him. Her experience reveals the sacrifices that the best family caregivers make every day, along with the confusion and questions they sometimes face. Peterson’s caregiving role for her husband finally came to an end when he tragically took his own life. Chapter key idea: A caregiver accompanies another in the journey of pain and recovery.

Soul Mates

“Soul Mates” introduces readers to John Kay and Marsha Miller, two residents of the same small town in Utah. John developed chronic pain through two separate accidents on the job, and Marsha injured her back in a simple office mishap. Both saw their marriages and some of their other personal relationships fall apart after developing pain. But then one day they met in Dr. Webster’s office-and the friendship that resulted eventually ripened into love. As a married couple, they understood and helped each other through the ups and downs of their pain experiences. Chapter key idea: You may need only one person in your life to experience the joy of living again.