During your hospital stay, your comfort is important to us. Western Reserve Hospital offers the following guidelines for pain management.
What Is Pain?
Pain is an uncomfortable feeling that tells you something may be wrong in your body. Severe discomfort can be controlled by working with your nurses and doctors to relieve your pain.
How to Manage Pain
Both drug and nondrug treatments can be successful in helping to prevent and control pain. Studies show addictions to pain medications happen infrequently. Report your pain as soon as possible, as it is better managed if recognized early.
Methods of Pain Relief
Information about pain relief methods will be discussed with you as appropriate to your condition. Your doctors and nurses will discuss with you which of these treatments may best meet your individual needs.
Answering Your Questions About Pain Management
Patients often have many questions about the pain they experience during a hospital stay. Here are answers to some of the most common pain management questions:
How do I know if I can have something for pain?
You will have a whiteboard in your room for nursing staff to update and notify when pain medication use is available.
What if I don’t have pain relief?
If your pain is not relieved, please notify your nurse.
What if I am allergic or have side effects to medication?
Your physician can provide you with several options and alternatives for pain management. One of them will work for you.
What if I have had a problem with drug and alcohol dependence?
Share your concerns with your nurse and your doctor so that a plan specific to your needs is developed. You may require careful assessment to manage withdrawal problems. We will assist in minimizing and discomfort of withdrawal.
What if I am an older adult?
Medication may work differently in older adults, but your physician will monitor you carefully and will be able to adjust your medication and dosage.
How will my pain be managed when I go home?
When you are discharged, your physician may put you on a plan to continue your pain relief in your home setting. If you have concerns about managing your pain, please discuss with your physician.
When explaining your pain, follow these helpful tips:
- Use language such as: "On a scale of one to 10, the pain in my arm is moderate and feels like a 5."
- Describe the type of pain you are experiencing. Is it burning, stabbing, throbbing or a dull ache?
- Describe where the pain is located on your body. Point to it if you can.
- If this is a new pain, be sure to let your medical staff know.