What is pain?
? An uncomfortable feeling that tells you that something may be wrong
? Your body’s way of sending a warning to your brain
Is Pain a problem?
? Pain is a major health care crisis in the United States
? More than 130 million Americans suffer from chronic pain
? Chronic pain creates both physical and emotional suffering
? Pain can decrease a person’s strength, coordination, and independence
? Pain can create stress and even lead to depression
? The good news is that pain can be relieved or greatly eased with proper pain management!
? Research and experience have shown that pain management is best accomplished by a team of health care professionals working with you on dealing with pain.
? Be persistent, insist on your rights, and don’t give up.
The Truth is…
? Pain is not something you “just have to live with”
? You need to talk to your doctor about pain
? Pain medications rarely cause addiction
? Most side effects from medications can be managed
? If you act quickly with pain starts, you can often prevent it from getting worse
Remember…
? Pain is whatever the person experiencing pain says it is
? Pain exists whenever the person experiencing the pain says it does
? The experience and perception of pain differ from person to person and pain must always be taken from an individual’s vantage point
The Pain Care Bill of Rights
As a person with pain, you have:
? The right to have your report of pain taken seriously and be treated with dignity and respect
? The right to have your pain thoroughly assessed and promptly treated
? The right to know what may be causing your pain, possible treatments, and the benefits, risks, and costs of each
? The right to actively participate in decisions on how to manage your pain
You also have:
? The right to have your pain reassessed regularly and treatment adjusted if your pain continues
? The right to be referred to a pain specialist if your pain persists
? The right to get clear and prompt answers to your questions, take time to make decisions and the right to refuse a type of treatment if you choose
Although not always required by law, these are rights you should expect, and if necessary, demand for your pain management.
Topic: bill of rights, chronic pain, dignity, health care crisis, health care professionals, major health, pain 13, pain management, person to person, vantage point