How We Help
Getting the Most Out of Your Treatment
There are things you can do to help ensure you receive the best care. Here is how you can partner with your doctor.
Prepare for each doctor visit. Write down questions ahead of time so you don’t forget when you get to the doctor. Tell your physician about any other prescription or non-prescription drugs, vitamins, or supplements you are taking, or bring everything in if you think you’ll have trouble remembering. Educate yourself. The more you know about your condition and the medication you are taking, the more power you have.
Educate Yourself. The more you know about your condition and the medication you are taking, the more power you have.
Take notes. Writing down what your doctor tells you will ensure that you precisely follow directions.
Participate in decisions. Your treatment is about you. Reach an agreement with your physician and you will be more satisfied. If problems or changes arise in the future, discuss those with your physician so new plans can be made.
Once you agree on a treatment plan, follow directions. Even if you think a medication isn’t working, don’t discontinue taking it until you have talked it over with your physician.
Update your physician. Monitor yourself for possible side effects and discuss them with your doctor. Many people experience side effects, and it may be possible to switch to another medication. Let your physician know of any other physicians you see, other medications you take.
Spread good news. Don’t just tell your physician the bad news. They like to hear the positive, too.
Questions to Ask Your Physician:
- What is the likely course of my chronic pain condition?
- What is my long-term outlook with and without pain medication?
- How long will my pain and treatment last?
- What are the possible side effects of my medication?
- Should I take other medication to manage the side effects of my pain therapy?
- Is it possible I will become addicted to pain medication?
- How do I know if my pain treatment plan is working?
- How might my prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements interact?
- Is my condition hereditary?
- Is there anything else besides medication that I can do to help relieve my pain?
- What should I do if additional pain, symptoms or problems occur?
- Is it possible my pain could be a symptom of another illness?
- As I age, will my pain get worse?
- Can you suggest ways for me to remember when to take my medicine?
- What happens if I forget to take my pain medicine?
- If my symptoms worsen, what should I do on my own? When should I contact you?