Checklist: 11 Ways to Ensure Proper Pain Management

1. Don't wait until chronic pain is too severe to treat.
   Pain is easier to prevent than treat. Begin to understand the kinds of medications that you might take if you begin to have pain.
   
   
2. Talk with your physician about your concerns for good pain care.
   Be assertive, and tell your doctor you will accept being under-treated for your pain. In other words you must demand that your pain is managed and under control as musch as possible!!
   
   
3. Be your own advocate (stand up for yourself), or ask a family member or friend to be your advocate.
   You will need to keep this person informed of your pain on a regular basis so that they may help you.
   
   
   
   
4. Maintain a pain record, journal or diary.
   You can do this on paper (it is best to write in a small bound book that you keep by your bedside) or check out ReliefInSite.com, an online pain managment journal to help track your pain and medications! They have a free version and a more expansive paid diary! By tracking this information, your doctor will know how you've been feeling in between visits & he will be able to adjust your medications and/or treatments if necessary.  At the end of each day, note your pain level on the 1 to 10 pain scale, location, time of day, severity, and what relieved the pain. Share this information with your doctor or nurse.
   
   
5. Understand your doctor's orders for your pain medication.
   Make sure you understand the frequency, dose and type of medication. If you have questions, ask them.
   
   
6. Insist that you have enough pain medication for weekends or holidays.
   
   
7. Get the names and phone numbers of any doctors covering for your physician.
   
   
8. If you are hospitalized and your pain is not being treated, ask to speak to the medical director or nursing supervisor.