Explain Your Pain

Pay attention to your pain, and use these tools to tell your care team about it:

1. How long have you had your pain?

2. Where do you feel the pain?

3. Is your pain constant, or does it come and go? If it comes and goes:

• How often do you feel it?
• How long does it last?

4. What makes your pain worse or better?

5. If you were taking any pain medication before you came to the hospital:

• What medication(s) did you take?
• Did it help with your pain?
• Have you ever had a bad reaction to a pain medication?

6. Is your pain preventing you from taking a deep breath, turning in bed, walking, getting restful sleep, sitting in a chair, eating, or any other self- care activities?

7. Are there any other activities that are more difficult or that you can no longer do because of your pain?

Describe What Your Pain Feels Like

Use This Pain Scale to Let Your Care Team Know How Bad Your Pain Is: