"Beyond Pain" is the first in a series of three programs about helping people to live well as they face death. Winner of both the Gracie and Clarion Awards for Best Documentary Series.What people fear most about dying is being in pain. And there is good cause for this fear, because a large percentage of Americans die in terrible and unnecessary pain. Richard Buike understands this well. His cancer has wrapped itself around his nerve cells causing unrelenting pain.
It is possible for almost everyone to be pain free at the end of their lives. The most effective remedy is an array of morphine-type pain medications. But the fear of addiction, the War on Drugs, government regulation and a lack of education keep doctors from using these drugs effectively -- or at all.
While Richard's days are numbered, he still has a life to live. After a career as a dispatcher for the Southern Pacific Railroad, Richard now owns a model train store. He has found a doctor who is willing to put him on a level of pain medication that would be considered phenomenally high in any other situation. And Richard continues to hang out at the store with his railroad buddies.
Others are not so fortunate. William Bergman died a terrible death, consumed by pain, while his family stood by watching helplessly. After he died, the family complained to the Medical Board which refused to act. Then they took their case to court. A stunning verdict by the jury has helped raise awareness of the need to take pain seriously for people facing death.
As the population ages and many of us confront the passing of parents and loved ones, we need a more thoughtful public conversation about end of life care. How can we help people live well in the face of death? Can we make the process of dying a meaningful experience free from excessive fear and pain? Heart-to-Heart raises these questions and explores some of the answers.
