Pain medicine : the official journal of the American Academy of Pain Medicine
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Exploring Lived Experiences of Chronic Pain Through Photo-Elicitation and Social Networking.
To understand how patients' use of photo-elicitation and online social networks (Facebook) enhances their understanding of what it means to live with pain. ⋯ Photo-elicitation is an innovative way to shed light on patients' lived experience with chronic pain. Despite some technical challenges, Facebook support groups utilizing photo-elicitation can provide a readily available platform that can facilitate interchange of patient experiences and might help patients communicate with their providers.
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Associations between chronic pain, opioid use, and sexual problems are acknowledged, but population-based investigations are sparse. Our study aimed at investigating the associations between chronic noncancer pain (CNCP), opioid use, lack of/low sexual desire, and dissatisfaction with sexual life. ⋯ Long-term opioid therapy for CNCP requires special attention due to its potential in suppressing sexual desire.
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To elucidate perspectives on opioids and opioid use from hospitalized veterans with comorbid chronic pain using qualitative methods. ⋯ Although participants were not specifically questioned about opioid medications, discussion of opioids was prevalent in discussions of chronic pain. Findings suggest the potential utility of engaging hospitalized veterans in conversations about opioids and alternative pain management strategies.
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Observational Study
Clinical Course and Impact of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Confined to the Knee.
Although complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) of the knee is comparable to CRPS of the ankle/foot at time of diagnosis, no reports are available concerning the course of knee CRPS. Therefore, this study investigated the clinical course in terms of the symptoms and signs, health-related quality of life (HR-QoL), and work status of patients diagnosed with CRPS of the knee. ⋯ CRPS of the knee changes in terms of symptoms over time, but significantly less than CRPS of other locations. A change in work status was reported in 82% of the patients due to their CRPS, and in 91%, the pain interfered with their daily life. CRPS of the knee is a painful condition with persistent symptoms causing a diminished HR-QoL.