Am I being unreasonable to expect someone to take or even try painkillers ( paracetamol or Ibuprofen) if severe joint pain ( arthritis)is distressing them to point they struggle to walk, are almost in tears and family activities have to be planned ( aka completely limited) around their lack of mobility?
Important to note the reason they don’t take painkillers is because they ‘don’t like idea of them’ and ‘I just never have’ ( not due to previous side effect or concerns re long term impact). Their Gp recommends pain relief and exercise.
I would highlight I do not want to leave anyone out if their mobility restricts them- I have other elderly relatives who have restricted mobility and am happy to limit activities for them. Push them in wheelchair, have them lean on me heavily etc. I myself have chronic pain/ health issues so in some incidents, I will encourage my partner and others to go ahead and enjoy the activity - I will sit close to the car ( I bring a book and reassure the family party I don’t mind missing out - even if that’s not true)
Maybe that sounds hypocritical- but difference is I sit out to try not to restrict others. In cases I can’t sit out I take painkillers to try and negate impact of pain- negate impact on others
As let’s be honest- if other people see you in pain, sweaty pale of course it’s concerning for them
Maybe I am being judgmental as I am more sympathetic /more motivated to limit family activities if the person themselves have tried to help themselves (in my eyes via pain relief)
I just don’t understand- can anyone who is adverse to painkillers please explain their point of view?
I understand pain is a symptom so sometimes it’s a warning sign you should listen to. But equally if everyone with arthritis declined pain relief and avoided movement as a means of management- surely that’s worse for your overall health?
I appreciate I am biased - as painkillers are quite normalised for me. I would have passed out from pain every month for over a decade - so relied on painkillers to help me get through the day
Also to note - I don’t expect someone adverse to painkillers to take them regularly but what would be harm in taking two prior to even the bigger special family day?
Can someone help me understand this family members position ? I want to be empathetic but just don’t get it
Also so I am not drip feeding I know pain relief if not a solution. I try to support the person - take to appointments, encourage their physio, became their carer after an operation while they rehabilitated.