Patient Guide

How to Help with Pain

You are the expert about how you are feeling. Be sure to tell your doctor or nurse when you have any kind of pain. To help describe your pain, be sure to report:

• When the pain began • Where you feel pain • How the pain feels—sharp, dull, throbbing, burning, tingling

• If the pain is constant, or if it comes and goes • What, if anything, makes the pain feel better • What, if anything, makes the pain feel worse • How much, if any, pain your medicine is taking away If your medicine helps with the pain, how many hours of relief do you get? What You Can Do If your current pain treatment is not working, talk with your caregiver about finding other methods that will help reduce or relieve your pain. Some things you can do to help relieve your pain: • Hold the incision or painful area with a blanket or pillow when coughing or moving • Walk if your doctor allows • Take your mind off the pain by watching a movie, reading, and change position often in bed. Because your comfort is important to us we will frequently ask you to rate your pain from 1-10.

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