4 ms·

Believe it or not, this concept of having strong pain killers available to the public is somewhat American-centric. Much of Europe does not consider the need fo

by jb1991 3y ago

Believe it or not, this concept of having strong pain killers available to the public is somewhat American-centric. Much of Europe does not consider the need for strong pain killers available in society, and pain tolerance is quite different in, for example Germany or the Netherlands, where it has been nearly impossible to get anything strong for pain for many decades.

cyberpunk 3y ago
While it’s definitely more difficult to have more pain, it also guides your recovery much better. You are much more aware of what you should or shouldn’t be doing while you rehabilitate, instead of numbing everything. Unless it’s absolutely chronic pain, I think we’ve definitely over prescribed even in Europe. (Source: german)
TylerE 3y ago
That’s somewhat easier to stomach when you can pop down to the doctor, even ER, for breakthrough pain without being out a weeks salary.
chasil 3y ago
I've actually been offered fentanyl for medical procedures that involved moderate discomfort several times. I refused it and endured the pain. The physicians had never seen anyone do that before.
- jb1991 3y ago
  It's different for surgery, in a hospital, if that's what you are referring to. But for take-home use, it's nearly non-existent in much of Europe.
  - chasil 3y ago
    I don't think that fentanyl would ever be prescribed for home use, but I could be wrong. Hydrocodone was sent home recently with a family member after surgery, any this same person had oxycontin years before after a broken leg. I've only seen fentanyl as an injected solution in hospital settings, including my own.
currymj 3y ago
in Germany i think there is a general bias by medical professionals against using medicine at all for the treatment of symptoms, not only pain.
jijijijij 3y ago
I think your argument is only partly true. In Europe doctors prescribe a lot of ibuprofen, because opiates are considered "dangerous". However, ibuprofen is a really nasty medication causing kidney and stomach damage in many patients. I think especially for short term treatment, sometimes opiates would be better for public health. Also different medications treat different pain best, so choice shouldn't be limited by reluctance over false risk assessments. But I agree, being completely pain free shouldn't be an expectation unless you are terminally ill. Much less for acute or injury related pain. On a side note, in hospitals they probably wouldn't need as much pain medication, if they invested in better mattresses, lighting and food.

by jb1991 3y ago

cyberpunk 3y ago

While it’s definitely more difficult to have more pain, it also guides your recovery much better. You are much more aware of what you should or shouldn’t be doing while you rehabilitate, instead of numbing everything. Unless it’s absolutely chronic pain, I think we’ve definitely over prescribed even in Europe. (Source: german)

TylerE 3y ago

That’s somewhat easier to stomach when you can pop down to the doctor, even ER, for breakthrough pain without being out a weeks salary.

chasil 3y ago

I've actually been offered fentanyl for medical procedures that involved moderate discomfort several times. I refused it and endured the pain. The physicians had never seen anyone do that before.

jb1991 3y ago
It's different for surgery, in a hospital, if that's what you are referring to. But for take-home use, it's nearly non-existent in much of Europe.
- chasil 3y ago
  I don't think that fentanyl would ever be prescribed for home use, but I could be wrong. Hydrocodone was sent home recently with a family member after surgery, any this same person had oxycontin years before after a broken leg. I've only seen fentanyl as an injected solution in hospital settings, including my own.

currymj 3y ago

in Germany i think there is a general bias by medical professionals against using medicine at all for the treatment of symptoms, not only pain.

jijijijij 3y ago

I think your argument is only partly true. In Europe doctors prescribe a lot of ibuprofen, because opiates are considered "dangerous". However, ibuprofen is a really nasty medication causing kidney and stomach damage in many patients. I think especially for short term treatment, sometimes opiates would be better for public health. Also different medications treat different pain best, so choice shouldn't be limited by reluctance over false risk assessments. But I agree, being completely pain free shouldn't be an expectation unless you are terminally ill. Much less for acute or injury related pain. On a side note, in hospitals they probably wouldn't need as much pain medication, if they invested in better mattresses, lighting and food.