When a physician asks you to rate your arthritis pain on a scale from 0 to 10, 0 being no pain at all and 10 being the worst possible pain, are you able to give an accurate number?
When I’m asked to describe my pain by giving a number, I roll my eyes (and often refuse!), especially if it’s a new doctor who is not familiar with my medical history, personality or tolerances. For the most part, my regular physicians don’t ask, but ‘if’ they do, they’re specific in their quest.
Before considering a number, the doctor needs to clarify what number he/she is seeking – the number related to my daily pain, a specific area of my body, new developments, old damage, overall discomfort, emotional versus physical pain, all of the above, none or other. I’m not trying to be difficult – just accurate. Since I’m in constant pain, a single number is not the same across the board.
Over the years, I’ve learned to tolerate a great deal of pain – not because I want to, but because I have to! Arthritis has damaged my body to such an extreme, it’s difficult for people to believe (including myself) I’m capable of functioning in a somewhat normal manner.
For example, two years ago, I met with a new surgeon to discuss reconstructing an area of my body that was dislocated, broken and deteriorated. Within minutes after being interviewed by the first doctor, the lead surgeon walked in and said, “I had to see you for myself. My partner left this room amazed, saying you were pleasant and joking, yet your test results warned us of a patient in agony and by all rights unable to speak or communicate clearly.” (Based on his interpretation of my tests, it’s obvious, his number on a general pain scale would have been much higher than mine, causing confusion and uncertainty.)
A simple way to avoid a misunderstanding when using a pain scale is to print the one below or create your own outlining specific descriptions. By providing the same scale to your entire medical team, you will insure clarity and be taken more seriously when describing your level of pain.
The Tin Mom Pain Scale
0-3 minor; 4-5 moderate; 6-8 severe; 9-10 unbearable.
0 = Pain free
1 = Pain is mild. Hardly think about it.
2 = Pain is minor. More of an annoyance than anything else.
3 = Pain exist and somewhat distracting. Tolerable.
4 = Moderate Pain. Can be ignored, but distracting.
5 = Painful. Can’t completely ignore it, but still able to work or do activity.
6 = Very Painful. Interferes with normal activities and concentration.
7 = Severe Pain. Limiting abilities, activities and interferes with sleep.
8 = Intense. Unable to perform activities, sleep. Interferes with conversation.
9 = Excruciating Pain. Causes crying, moaning and uncontrollable outbursts.
10 = Indescribable Pain. Delusional. Unable to function or communicate.
So using your scale I have been varying between a 5 and 9 for the last month. The holidays, a vacation, looking after aging parents, the COLD weather and general overdoing it have taken hold and won't let go.
But as I always say...could be better, could be worse!
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