If you are seeking help for chronic pain, the following will be helpful to you as you prepare to meet with a pain management specialist for the first time.
Plan to bring the following items with you to your appointment:
Arrive early so you can fill out forms. When you’re with the pain management specialist, share as much information as possible. This will help him or her make an accurate diagnosis and an effective treatment plan. Also be prepared to take notes.
Don’t hesitate to ask any questions or get clarification if there’s something you don’t understand. Some questions you’ll want to ask are:
Take time to review everything you learned. If there’s anything you don’t understand or remember, be sure to call your doctor’s office.
During follow-up appointments, share how things are going. If you’re not seeing the results you expected, your doctor may adjust your treatment plan.