Tips To Help You Prepare For Your First Pain Clinic Appointment
Whether you are recently recovering from surgery or have been dealing with chronic pain for years, there are several reasons why you will seek the services of a pain management clinic. Your first pain management appointment can be intimidating, especially if you aren't sure what to ask or what to expect. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for your initial pain clinic appointment.
Create a History of Your Pain Experience
If you are not already creating a pain diary, start before your appointment. Here are some items to include in your history that will help your physician create an effective care plan:
- Your specific symptoms
- The severity of your pain
- Any prescriptions, over the counter medications, and therapies you have tried in the past
- A current list of your medications. The physicians might want you to bring the bottles with you to the appointment.
Additionally, concentrate on your future by creating a list of goals you want to achieve through pain management. For example, you might want to return to work, enjoy more time with your family, or take a vacation.
Write Down Some Questions to Ask the Doctor
You might feel overwhelmed during your initial appointment. Writing down some questions you want to ask your physician can help your doctor create an effective plan and avoid confusion. Here are a few questions you might want to consider asking your physician:
- What kind of tests will you perform?
- What are your available treatment options?
- What types of medications do you typically prescribe?
- When will my treatments begin?
- What types of home treatments will you recommend?
Bring along a pen and notebook to write down any information the doctor gives you.
Consider Treatment Options
Finally, research some of the potential treatment options prior to your appointment. This will help you make an informed decision about your care plan. Here are a few potential treatments your physician might recommend:
- Physical therapy
- Prescription pain relief therapy
- Other medical interventions, such as steroid injections, epidurals, or spinal stimulation
- Surgery
In addition to medical interventions, your physician might recommend therapy to help you deal with any psychological symptoms you might be experiencing because of your chronic pain, such as depression or anxiety.
Your first pain management appointment can be overwhelming, especially if you are provided with a lot of new information about your condition. If you have any more questions about what to expect or how to prepare for your first appointment, contact your physician.
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