Skip to content

In crisis right now? Dial 988, then press 1

(352) 709-3004
ENES
The Veterans Project emblem: a gold circular badge reading Veterans Project across the top and Saving 22 across the bottom, with wings, a flame, a profile, a medical caduceus and a POW-MIA banner inside.Veterans ProjectEducation · Not sales

In his own words

Living in Pain 24/7

Translated from the piece he wrote in Spanish. The original is at “Viviendo en el dolor 24/7”.

On pain that does not let up — and on what the medicine prescribed for it does to an older body.

Juan Armando AliceaVeteran and founder, Veterans Project

We all know that dealing with pain is not an easy task, especially if you leave it unattended , it can have some significant consequences.

  • Sleep deprivation
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Social isolation

This is in addition to the physical and emotional limitations.

Opioids are more potent in older people and their side effects are longer. Which means it is more dangerous for older people because the liver and the kidneys metabolize and excrete medications less efficiently. Also confusion, sedation is common..

In 2015 about 12 million Medicare patients received the opioid pain reliever oxytocin, Vicodin, Percocet.

This information is according to the National Institute of health.

Veterans Project publishes general education. Nothing here is medical advice, a diagnosis, or a recommendation to start or stop any treatment, and nothing here replaces your own doctor, who knows your history and can examine you.

In crisis right now? Call 988, then press 1 — free, confidential and answered around the clock. Or reach us at (352) 709-3004.

More at the education libraryTalk to us