 You have a right as a patient at Phelps Memorial Health Center to have your pain treated. Untreated pain can cause problems with eating, sleeping, and other activities. It can slow healing. We want you to be comfortable. It may not be possible to take away all of the pain. By selecting the right medication and adjusting it to the proper dose, we can help you reach a comfortable level of pain. We have a responsibility to ask about your pain control. If we forget, please tell us. You have to get our attention. Health professionals sometimes get so busy in treating your disease we forget to ask about pain as often as we should. We assume, often incorrectly, that your pain control is fine if you don't complain. We want you as our partner in the treatment of your pain. In a sense we all have responsibilities when it comes to pain management.
 Page 1 | Types of Pain
There are two types of pain, acute and chronic. Both are caused by a health problem or injury. Acute pain goes away when the cause is treated while chronic pain lasts at least three months. Chronic pain may also have no clear cause. Some things that you can do that will help us manage your pain: - Tell your doctor or nurse about all the medicines you take, including over the counter and herbal drugs.
- Mention other pain relief treatments you use, like relaxation, hot or cold packs, or message.
- Pay attention to the things that relieve your pain and the things that make it worse and tell your doctor.
- Follow the treatment plan that the doctor has for you.
- Be sure to tell the doctor what works and what doesn't work. He or she needs your input to make your treatment plan work.
Measuring Pain
It is very important you tell your nurse or doctor about your pain. You will be asked by your nurse or doctor to rate your pain. No pain is rated as a zero, the worst pain possible is rated as a ten. By giving your pain a number, you help your nurse or doctor understand what is going on in your body. 
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Medications
It may not be possible to take away all pain, but we can help you reach a level of pain that you can tolerate. There are many different types of medicines available to help with pain. Also, more than one medication may be used and the medicines may be changed as you feel better. Analgesics diminish the feelings of pain. They can be used for mild to moderate pain. They may prevent inflammation. Opioids are another type of analgesic, used for moderate to severe pain. Take medicines as directed by your doctor. You may want to take medicines before you start an activity to prevent pain. Controlling stress and worry will also help control your body's response to pain. More than medicine
A few other things that you can do to cope with pain. - Activity that keeps your body fit may help a great deal. Start slowly after talking to your doctor.
- Physical or occupational therapy can help you regain strength and prevent further injury.
- Message, chiropractic, or acupuncture may be helpful. After consulting with your doctor, look for licensed professionals.
- Distraction, medication, and relaxation are extremely helpful. Talk to your doctor about having a relaxation specialist work with you.
When to call the doctor
Call the doctor right away if you have unrelieved pain; if you have side effects like constipation or nausea that interferes with daily activities; or if you have extreme sleepiness or breathing problems. Page 3 | For more information, contact: American Pain Foundation
www.painfoundation.org
888-615-7246 American Pain Society
www.ampainsoc.org
847-375-4715 American Academy of Pain Management
www.aapainmanage.org
209-533-9744 American Chronic Pain Association
www.theacpa.org
916-632-0922 Hospice
Good Samaritan Health System
308-865-7090 Phelps Memorial Health Center
Robert Miller, R.Ph.
www.phelpsmemorial.com
308-995-2927 Phelps Memorial Health Center
1215 Tibbals Street
Holdrege, NE 68949
www.phelpsmemorial.com
308-995-2211 Page 4 |
