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The perception of pain is as individual as the perception of happiness - elusive yet very important in our lives. It is a personal experience causing major changes in people's lives. The proper treatment of pain is a major issue for all health care providers and for those who experience pain.

How do I talk with my doctor or nurse about pain?

Speak up! Tell your doctor or nurse where you hurt, is it in one place or several? Does it move around? Describe how much your pain hurts. Use a scale from 0 to 10, zero means no pain at all and 10 means the worst pain you can imagine. Describe what makes your pain better or worse. Describe what your pain feels like. Use words like sharp, stabbing, dull, aching, burning, tingling, etc. Explain how the pain affects your daily life. Can you sleep, work, exercise? Tell your doctor about past treatments for pain, what worked and what did not work?

What rights do I have regarding pain management?

You have the right to have your report of pain taken seriously and to be treated with dignity and respect by all health care professionals. It is your right to have your pain thoroughly assessed, promptly treated, reassessed periodically, and treatment adjusted as needed. You have the right to actively participate in decisions about how to manage your pain. If your pain persists, request a referral to a pain specialist. You also have the right to get clear and prompt answers to your questions and refuse a particular type of treatment if you choose.

Will I become addicted to pain medication?

Some people fear addiction. Studies show that patients being treated for pain very rarely become addicted. Sometimes a person's body will get used to the medication and require a larger dose. This is common and called tolerance. Talk to your doctor or pain specialist if this happens or if you have any other concerns.

Is the most expensive medication the best?

Studies show that most patients can get very good pain relief with simple and inexpensive treatment methods. Talk with your doctor about your concerns regarding cost and effectiveness to assist in your treatment plan. Ask about alternative methods of pain management like guided imagery, relaxation and biofeedback, and self-hypnosis to compliment your medication.

Can all pain be relieved?

Sometimes, it may not be possible to relieve all pain. If this is the case, the goal should be to reduce the pain to the level that the patient says is his/her goal. The goal is also to achieve the best pain relief with the least side effects.

Who do I call if I have questions about my pain management?

For special help with pain management issues, encourage your physician to call the Pain Management HotLine at (913) 588-3692 or you can call yourself. Someone will assist you with your concerns.


	Kansans Should Expect Good Pain Management by Carolyn Carter, RN, MN
	The perception of pain is as individual as the perception of happiness - elusive yet very important in our lives. It is a personal experience causing major changes in people's lives. The proper treatment of pain is a major issue for all health care providers and for those who experience pain. *How do I talk with my doctor or nurse about pain?* Speak up! Tell your doctor or nurse where you hurt, is it in one place or several? Does it move around? Describe how much your pain hurts. Use a scale from 0 to 10, zero means no pain at all and 10 means the worst pain you can imagine. Describe what makes your pain better or worse. Describe what your pain feels like. Use words like sharp, stabbing, dull, aching, burning, tingling, etc. Explain how the pain affects your daily life. Can you sleep, work, exercise? Tell your doctor about past treatments for pain, what worked and what did not work? *What rights do I have regarding pain management?* You have the right to have your report of pain taken seriously and to be treated with dignity and respect by all health care professionals. It is your right to have your pain thoroughly assessed, promptly treated, reassessed periodically, and treatment adjusted as needed. You have the right to actively participate in decisions about how to manage your pain. If your pain persists, request a referral to a pain specialist. You also have the right to get clear and prompt answers to your questions and refuse a particular type of treatment if you choose. *Will I become addicted to pain medication?* Some people fear addiction. Studies show that patients being treated for pain very rarely become addicted. Sometimes a person's body will get used to the medication and require a larger dose. This is common and called tolerance. Talk to your doctor or pain specialist if this happens or if you have any other concerns. *Is the most expensive medication the best?* Studies show that most patients can get very good pain relief with simple and inexpensive treatment methods. Talk with your doctor about your concerns regarding cost and effectiveness to assist in your treatment plan. Ask about alternative methods of pain management like guided imagery, relaxation and biofeedback, and self-hypnosis to compliment your medication. *Can all pain be relieved?* Sometimes, it may not be possible to relieve all pain. If this is the case, the goal should be to reduce the pain to the level that the patient says is his/her goal. The goal is also to achieve the best pain relief with the least side effects. *Who do I call if I have questions about my pain management?* For special help with pain management issues, encourage your physician to call the Pain Management HotLine at (913) 588-3692 or you can call yourself. Someone will assist you with your concerns. Back Top Next Site Map
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