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Why Seeing is Not Always Believing
By Carol Sveilich, MA
Has someone ever said to you, "You look great!" while inside you felt fatigued or were in profound pain? People who live with ongoing pain and chronic health challenges face this sort of dilemma every day. Because chronic pain does not manifest outwardly, people sometimes have a difficult time believing that a person with a healthy appearance and lively demeanor can be experiencing so many profound symptoms and limitations. Click here to read more about the invisibility of pain from the perspective of a counselor and chronic pain survivor.

December 2004: Flare-up in Feet
By Nicole Hemmenway
Six and a half years ago, Nicole was diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) in her right hand and upper extremity. In January 2004, Nicole finally found a treatment that helped her and put her on the road to recovery. Because of their tireless support, Nicole's parents were honored as caregivers at the NPF's 2004 Triumph Dinner in October. Unfortunately, Nicole suffered a set back last month. Such flare-ups are unexpected and can send you reeling. Read more about how Nicole has dealt with this latest flare-up and her continuing triumph.

What You Need to Know about Clinical Research Trials
By Jim Hagen, MS
Has anyone ever asked you to participate in a "drug study" or a test of a new medical device to help relieve your pain? Have you seen advertisements in newspapers looking for people that have certain illnesses for which doctors will provide free treatment? As a person living with chronic pain who has tried everything to find relief, participating in clinical trials may be particularly appealing. Such trials may uncover the next best thing for treating chronic pain, but they are not without risk. Click here to read more about participating in clinical trials.

Creating Your Piece in a Patchwork Quilt — Defining One's Spirituality
By Nora Beck Smith, M.Div., BCC
Nora Smith, one of NPF's newest Clinical Directors and a chaplain with extensive experience in hospice, begins a new column that addresses issues around spiritual care in the medical arena. Nora writes, "I realize that the word spiritual has many differing connotations. People see spirituality in so many different ways. Some will look to religion, others to ethics or moral values. For a chaplain, spirituality is seen as a reflection process that seeks understanding of a person's ‘meaning making.'" Click here to read more about the role of spirituality in your experience with chronic pain.

Healing Steps to Wellness—Boosters for Your Healing Response
By Michael W. Loes M.D. M.D.(H)
Dr. Loes explores the role of fatigue in pain and health and offers some tips for reducing fatigue in this latest wellness column. Read more about how fatigue affects your cells and what you can do to prevent it.

FDA Approves Two New Pain Medications
The FDA has recently approved two new medications for managing pain – ziconotide intrathecal infusion (Prialt) and pregabalin capsules (Lyrica). Click here to learn more about these new treatment options and how they might help you.

News and more . . .
News this month covers the latest research on arthritis, migraine, CRPS, and more as well as the winners of the Endo Pharmaceutical's "Making a Difference Award." Click here to read about potential new treatment options and research. Also, click here to read about the winners of the Endo Pharmaceutical's "Making a Difference Award."

What's New Index
Click here for the What's New index.