Pain Level
When asked, “On a scale of one to ten…” We have all heard that many times. However, that’s hard to answer. I was diagnosed in 1978 and have lived with AS all my life. I am 76.
Okay, here’s my pain scale:
1-5– never there so forget it.
6–tolerable
7-cursing
8- tears and cursing
9- moaning, crying, and cursing
10–bent over, crying, moaning, yelling some, and cursing
My doctor and PA understand better my status given this scale. It has helped me too. Sometimes I think the pain is really bad and then I realize I’m not crying. If I’m not crying, the pain can’t be that bad. Right?
I encourage people to make up their own, describable scale. Mine works for me but may not be right for you. Just a thought, hope it helps, Lyn
,
Thanks so much for sharing your breakdown of the pain scale!
I too, am not a fan of the 1-10 scale and my doctors know it.
At my last rheumatologist visit, I told him my pain was a 13. He chuckled and thought it was funny, yet I was dead serious.
I will now try to use your scale as a guideline...ty.
~Doreen (Team Member)
Thanks for sharing this thought,
- the pain scale, a common communication tool, can be quite deceiving. So glad to hear you've found a way to describe your level of discomfort. Hoping this encourages others to speak up about their pain and get the treatment they deserve. Thoughtfully, Rebecca (team member)
