Patient Guide
Key Information for Your Stay
Don't Ignore Pain
Don't Ignore Pain
No one knows how much pain you are in but you. Tell your doctor or nurse when pain strikes, or if it comes back again after it goes away. Talk about your pain level throughout the course of your stay.
Ask yourself, then share with your nurse:
- Where does it hurt?
- When does it hurt?
- Does it keep you from doing things—like sleeping, dressing, eating?
You’re the expert on your pain.
Starting to get uncomfortable? Pain medicine not working? Speak up. You may need to get more of the current pain medicine you are on or switch to a different kind of medicine to get relief. Don’t try to ignore painful symptoms. Managing your pain will help with your healing process. Talk to your doctor or nurse when pain strikes.
Which words describe your pain?
- aching
- bloating
- burning
- comes and goes
- constant
- cramping
- cutting
- dull
- numbing
- pressing
- pressure
- pulling
- radiating
- searing
- sharp
- shooting
- soreness
- stabbing
- throbbing
- tightness
How bad is it on this pain scale?
