PainScale Community Discussion: What Do You Wish You Knew When the Pain First Started?

In recognition of Pain Awareness Month, the PainScale team asked members of the PainScale community the following question: What do you wish you knew when the pain first started? Here are the answers we received:

• Chronic pain does not discriminate: people of all ages can develop chronic pain.
• Pain medication is not the only treatment for chronic pain. Other treatment options, such as spinal cord stimulators, are available.
• Doctors can abruptly stop prescribing an individual’s pain medication.
• I wish I would have pushed my doctor to redo tests, not wait.
• I wish I knew about the information in my medical file right away, not 10 years later when I can’t change anything.
• Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are not the only pain medications available.
• Individuals with chronic pain often have to deal with skepticism from others, as chronic pain is often “invisible.” A significant lack of understanding regarding their condition from family, friends, co-workers or employers can feel cruel and frustrating.
• Pain medication can be addictive and can cause physical dependence and withdrawal.
• Pain medication doesn’t cure chronic pain; some level of pain is always present.

We appreciate the contributions from the members of the My PainScale Facebook Page and the PainScale Feedback Group on Facebook