Managing Pain Before it Manages You , Margaret Caudill, M.D., Ph.D.		Maripat Welz-Bosna, R.N., M.S.N.
We keep a few of these books in the clinic where I work. For newly diagnosed patients it is often suggested that they take the book home to begin reading, or the patient is asked to purchase the book from us. We give this book an excellent rating. It is well organized and easily understandable for a patient to read. A patient could follow the book chapter by chapter, or skip to various chapters that appeal directly to them and their disease.

What type of patient would benefit most from this book?
A newly diagnosed patient who wants to learn more about the phenomenon of chronic pain, or a patient who has already been diagnosed with chronic pain and realizes that treatment is not just taking a pill/pills or having a procedure. This book helps a patient to realize that the treatment of chronic pain needs to be approached on a holistic level, and no one pill or procedure will be the cure. This book is great for a self motivated patient.

How would you recommend a patient use this book to enhance their care?
Often times chronic pain patients develop and start acting as a “victim”, whether due to lack of information given to them about their pain, or the system which treats their illness. This book may help these patients realize that they need to be more pro-active with their care and treatment, and help them to understand that the management of chronic pain depends on their attitude and state of mind.

Are there any features or sections of the book you liked most or least?
Chapter 2 [Understanding Pain] In this particular chapter Dr. Caudill gives understandable information on the different types of pain, how they differ, and their meaning. I particularly like the case examples that are used which I feel most chronic pain patients will be able to relate to. Through out the book there a specific exercises and questions for the patient to answer to help with understanding of their pain and the various treatments.

I also like the fact that in the beginning of the book Dr. Caudill explains to the reader how this book may help them, and also explains that this book has been used with pain patients and tested to be effective. It’s important for the reader to understand that this is a physician who happens to also be an author, who works with and helps to treat chronic pain patients.

Additionally, I like the worksheets, which are provided for the patient at the back of the book and the “Letter to Healthcare Professionals”. With this a patient and physician can work together throughout specific chapters, or the patient can fill out the worksheets and bring them into an appointment for discussion with the physician.

Lastly, this is a book which can be used in a group setting, such as a chronic pain support group.