Chronic & Intractable Pain

The Intractable Pain Patient's Handbook for Survival
By: Forest Tennant, MD, DrPH; from Pain Treatment Topics, 2007, 36 pages.

PDF available here for download: IntractablePainSurvival.pdf (459 KB)

This first-of-its-kind handbook, exclusively available from Pain Treatment Topics, is specifically for persons with intractable pain, or IP. This is pain more serious than typical chronic pain conditions; such as arthritis, headaches, back pain, bunions, and others. IP involves severe and often disabling pain that never stops; and, it can also harm heart function, hormonal balance, and other body systems if undertreated.

According to the author -- Dr. Forest Tennant, who has more than 30 years experience as an IP-treatment specialist -- IP afflicts a small percentage of persons with chronic pain. Consequently, many healthcare providers do not know how to effectively treat IP, which requires a customized treatment plan often involving a combination of strong medications. This unique handbook takes a no-nonsense approach, explaining in everyday language how to communicate with healthcare providers, insurance companies, family, and others to receive proper care. Dr. Tennant also offers advice on medication options and safety, diet and weight control, how to adopt a positive attitude, and many other helpful suggestions for not only surviving IP but improving one's quality of daily living with this chronic and severe condition. Access checked June 29, 2007.