Have An Appointment With A Pain Management Doctor? Here’s How To Prepare For It
Do you often feel a knot in your stomach when you consider the prospect of seeing a doctor?
Do you often get perplexed when you sit across the table from your doctor?
Well, you are not alone. “Iatrophobia” or “white coat syndrome” is a common occurrence. Many people experience anxiety when it comes to seeing a doctor. And more so when a pain management clinic is involved.
Most people fear visiting a pain management clinic due to the fear of receiving injections or having to endure complex therapies.
If your fear of doctors keeps you from visiting Spokane pain clinic, we have some help in hand. Here are some tips that will help you prepare for your appointment with a pain management doctor.
- Take your medical history along with you
If you are visiting the pain management clinic for the first time, take your medical history along with you.
Before your appointment, create a pain diary that contains all the relevant information about your chronic pain, such as when your pain started, what are the sign and symptoms that you experience, what is the level of severity of your pain, what medications do you take (including over-the-counter, prescription, and supplements), names and contact details of other doctors you see, any allergies you have, and any relevant family history.
Don’t forget to carry all the medical and surgical records, test reports, and imaging results that deal with your current problem.
- Note down your queries and concerns
It is natural for people to forget to ask important questions during their appointment only to remember them once they have reached their home.
To ensure it doesn’t happen with you, jot down your queries and concerns in your pain diary. It would be better to keep a notepad and pain handy and note down any question that pops up in your mind related to your pain.
With this, when you will sit with your pain doctor, you will know what all to ask.
- Visit the clinic early
On the day of your appointment, visit the clinic at least 15 to 20 minutes early. It will give you ample time to check-in calmly, sparing the last-minute rush and stress. Once you reach the clinic, sit and practice deep breathing.
The receptionist or nurse may give you a pain questionnaire. Take your time to read it thoroughly and answer each question in detail. Steer clear from hiding details or providing wrong information as what you tell your doctor will determine the treatment you get.
- Answer the questions clearly
On your appointment, your pain management doctor may ask you certain questions.
Here is a list of questions that doctors generally ask during a pain management appointment. They might help you prepare for the appointment.
- When did the pain begin?
- Did you undergo any surgery, accident, or infection in the recent past?
- What are the symptoms you experience?
- Rate your pain on a scale of 0 to 10.
- Have you tried anything to help you with your pain? Medications, physical therapy, alternative therapy, medications, surgery, supplements, diet change, or natural remedies for muscle pain? How did it help you?
- Are there any pain triggers?
- What exacerbates the pain?
- Does the pain interfere with your daily activities?
- What medications are you taking currently? And more.
Stay calm and answer each one of these clearly.
Once the doctor makes the diagnosis, take a detailed account of your condition, including the causes, long-term and short-term effects, treatment options, self-management options, and ways to prevent further complications. That being said, doctors at pain management clinton md will take care of your case.
The bottom line
It is natural to get worried about your appointment with a pain management doctor. But remember that the doctor is only going to help you. So, stay calm and use these tips to prepare yourself for your pain management appointment.