The Pain Management Network has a wealth of information for people living with chronic pain on their website. We found this particular resource worth sharing as it relates to navigating pain management and appointments. 

The below is an excerpt from the Communicating and building your healthcare team document on the aci.health.nsw.gov.au/chronic-pain website. Hit the links below to read and also download the full pdf.

Key messages

  • Be pro-active in making decisions about the management of your pain
  • Know your rights and responsibilities
  • Become an educated member of your healthcare team

Introductory notes

Living with a chronic condition means that you will have a different role with your healthcare providers than you would have if you had a short-term illness. Your role in managing your condition will be a more pro-active one where you will be involved in making decisions about many things that affect you, your healthcare management, your family, and your lifestyle.

Every day people are involved in making decisions that will affect how they manage their lives. Learning more about yourself, your beliefs, and what is important to you will help you to make choices that are right for you and that you are comfortable with. Deciding what things you find acceptable, and what things are not, will help you with your decision-making.

For instance:

  • Do you prefer a female or male healthcare provider?
  • Would you feel comfortable asking your healthcare provider for a second opinion about treatment and management? 
  • Should you find another healthcare provider if you are not happy or satisfied with your treatment and management?
  • Are there particular management strategies that have not yet been explored?
  • What strategies can be used to make visits to your healthcare provider more effective and improve outcomes?

These are all situations that require you to use decision making skills to get the best outcomes available to you. You don’t have to make decisions on your own. If you feel overwhelmed or unable to make an informed decision, you can share the responsibility by working together with other members of your family, your support network, or healthcare team. Learning to be more assertive and developing good communication skills will help you feel more comfortable in communicating with your healthcare providers and other people who are involved in your care.

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