12 Nice Things You Can Do For Someone In Pain

If you care about someone in chronic pain, you probably want to help. But many people aren’t quite sure how to go about it, and sometimes a general offer of "Let me know what I can do" isn’t enough.

So we asked four people affected by rheumatoid arthritis (RA) about the nicest things that friends and family have done for them.

If you have a loved one with RA or any other chronic disease, read on. You’ll be sure to find a few new ways to show you care.

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Make shots less painful

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When Elizabeth Gallo, 41, a yoga teacher and mother of two, was preparing to take an injectable medication, her future husband went along with her to the injection training. Even though he never wound up giving her the shots, Gallo says, just having him there made a big difference. "For some reason, it really took the pressure off," she says. "It wasn't as scary." More from Health.com: 15 Things Not to Say to Someone in Pain 10 Health Risks Linked to Rheumatoid Arthritis How to Prevent a Heart Attack if You Have RA

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When Elizabeth Gallo, 41, a yoga teacher and mother of two, was preparing to take an injectable medication, her future husband went along with her to the injection training.

Even though he never wound up giving her the shots, Gallo says, just having him there made a big difference. "For some reason, it really took the pressure off," she says. "It wasn't as scary."

More from Health.com:

15 Things Not to Say to Someone in Pain

10 Health Risks Linked to Rheumatoid Arthritis

How to Prevent a Heart Attack if You Have RA

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Comments

[Mike Donovan1215]

12:59 PM on 07/19/2011

One very important thing to note about this drug is that is termed to be a medical substance as because it is addictive in nature. This is the reason why several times, Codeine is said to be used on recreational basis and it tends to get highly addictive in nature.

http://www.findrxonline.com/talk/

[jack saint]

05:56 AM on 06/11/2011

To know how to help someone is such great thing. The person who suffers from pain, he knows the actual pain. In this situation this person needs some comfort, mind coolness, help to relieve from this pain and total support or warm of his/her partner to recover.

The things you said above is worth reading..which is really helpful..for someone..

[Lisa Shields]

11:43 PM on 05/23/2011

I read these, and find myself in tears.

They all are accurate, not just for those with RA, but ANY kind of pain.
Chronic pain takes away small bits of your life. It makes you feel angry and ashamed, because you can't be "fixed" and that makes those who care for us feel bad. So then we have the guilt of feeling worse. Telling people to "slow down" for you is embarrassing. Admitting that you need help? That isn't hard because of pride...it's difficult because you don't want to give in...not an inch to the hurt.

So thank you for doing this. It will make a difference to someone you know.

[Nalini Chilkov]

10:06 AM on 05/23/2011

And recommend Acupuncture!

[Jonny Born]

02:10 AM on 05/23/2011

There are some warning signs that others can look for if they do happen to suspect someone they love has developed an addiction to pain pills. These warning signs may not all be present but if a person does recognize one or two of them, it's their duty to help their friend or loved one so they can break the addiction.

[llisa]

03:17 AM on 05/22/2011

Thank you for listing some real helpful things people can do. So often I hear people say, "I'll pray for you." I think most people in pain could use a meal or a ride or any of your suggestions much more.