As a corollary to the idea that Central Pain patients seem "bad"
because they aren't being quiet and brave about their pain, is the fact that since there
is no satisfactory treatment for Central Pain, they may also need extra pleasure. Pleasure
is a partial antidote to pain. Psychologists tell us that people will work harder to
avoid pain than to obtain pleasure. What if the pain cannot be avoided. Does pleasure
have any role? Of course it does. Not degraded pleasure, which will only add to the pain
of the self, but wholesome pleasure of whatever variety. Central Pain patients should
spoil themselves silly if pleasure of any kind affords relief from the torment.
Such self indulgence is sure to add to the bad boy/bad girl image, but if it allows
enduring matters one more day at a time, then pleasant experiences are desirable, and may
well be vital to survival of intractable pain. Beautiful music, pictures, pleasant
company, and good food are desirable for someone whose skin and sense of touch can convey
only torment and no pleasure. Are the blind entitled to hear beautiful
music. Yes. Does it
compensate? No, but it is worth the try.
Spouses and loved ones of Central Pain patients demonstrate their compassion when they
consciously become aware that a life without any pleasure is impossible to endure. Efforts
to bring pleasure of any kind into the lives of Central Pain patients is compassionate
service. It will seem indulgent to many, but it may well be lifesaving.
