Do You Have Pain?

Pain is a universal phenomenon, affecting millions of people worldwide. It is the most common symptom that drives people to seek medical assistance. Many patients in the hospital complain of acute or chronic pain. 

 We believe effective pain management is a fundamental human right. We will do everything we can to adequately assess your pain and treat it effectively and safely. We have a multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and therapists who are skilled in pain management.  

You are the expert about how you are feeling. Be sure to tell your physician 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 and how many hours of relief you get

• Pain is personal. The amount or type of pain you feel may not be the same as others feel—even with the same illness, injury, or surgery.
• Typically, not all pain can be eliminated. Know that your healthcare team will discuss goals with you.
• You should expect a very tolerable level of comfort. Many educational materials are available to help inform you of possible alternative pain  management techniques, including non-medication treatments such as repositioning, music or aromatherapy.
• Talk to the physicians and nurses about the medicines you take at home. Your nurses and physicians will assess your pain and will reassess after each intervention.

Caution will be taken in prescribing and administering pain medications because pain medicines can have side effects, interact with other medications or have adverse reactions. You will be educated about any side effects that may occur with any pain management measures.