Communication is a ‘two-way street'. As important as it is for us to communicate effectively with you about your treatment, it is just as necessary for you to communicate with us about your symptoms. In fact, the better we are able to communicate with each other about your symptoms, needs and concerns, the better treatment we can provide.
When describing symptoms, it is best to do so in vivid detail. If you’re in pain, use descriptive adjectives. Is it a dull ache or a stabbing, white hot pain? Does it throb? Is the pain acute or chronic? If you place it on a scale of 1–10, we have a better idea of when the pain is changing. Don’t forget the ‘When, Where and Why.’ Tell us where the symptom occurs and how often it occurs, when you experience the symptom, how long it lasts, and what happens during an episode. Does anything help you feel better or worse? .
Some patients keep a “symptom diary.” Writing down your symptoms and observations takes the pressure off of you to remember every detail, and every little detail is important. Since not all pain is chronic, it helps to keep pain statistics. All these little details can help us put you on the road to recovery and not down a dead end street.
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