מניעה וטיפול בכאב (אנגלית)

Dear Patient,
This information sheet is to help you better understand Hadassah’s approach to the prevention and treatment of pain.
Information about pain after surgery will be provided in a separate sheet.

Various diagnostic and therapeutic procedures are performed at the hospital. Many procedures are not painful (e.g. x-ray or CT), others involve minor discomfort or mild pain (such as taking blood from a vein), while some cause more significant pain (like inserting a drain or surgery). Some patients are hospitalized to investigate a new pain, while others are admitted to the hospital with a history of chronic pain (back pain or fibromyalgia, for example). Pain cannot always be prevented completely, but the attending staff at Hadassah are committed to making every effort to prevent or reduce pain.

Why is it important to treat pain?
Proper treatment of pain provides a sense of security. Less pain enables faster resumption of normal functions and better ability to cough and ambulate thus preventing possible complications (e.g. pneumonia, blood clots). When the pain is reduced, you may sleep better, experience less anxiety and have more ability to cope with hospitalization.

How will we know you are in pain?
You can report the intensity of your pain to the staff using numbers between 0-10 (0: no pain at all, 10: unbearable pain), or verbal description: It doesn’t hurt at all, mild pain, moderate pain, strong or unbearable pain. In addition, the attending staff will ask you proactively whether you are in pain and how much it affects your function and well-being.

Several rules to help you get better treatment for your pain:

• Tell us if you are in pain: Where it hurts and how much it hampers your daily function.
•  It is important to report pain when it starts bothering you: There is no need to wait until it is strong.
• Before a painful procedure, ask the staff how pain can be prevented or reduced.
• You have the right to receive treatment. We will do our utmost to make it easier for you. Tell us if the treatment helps.
• In cases of sharp pain that is difficult to treat, the attending staff can ask for advice from the pain therapy service.
• In cases of chronic pain, you can make an appointment after discharge at Hadassah’s pain clinic at: 02-5844111.
• During discharge: If continuation of pain medication is required, make sure to receive a prescription or written recommendation for further care.
  
  

Wishing you the best of health, Department and Pain Therapy Staff.

The information appearing in this publication is for educational purposes only and does not constitute a medical opinion and in any event, is not a substitute for professional medical advice. All rights reserved to Hadassah © Do not photocopy, duplicate or make any commercial use without written permission from Hadassah. The booklet is intended for both men and women. 2019