Cindi L. recently wrote in with this question:

I would like to see you blog about the way we can learn to connect with our physicians.  I find it difficult to discuss my pain, and I’m misunderstood for possibly seeking medications for my disease.  I’ve suffered with RSD for 21 years, and am still trying to understand and live with it.  Thanks.

Cindi’s particular disease, RSD, also called CRPS, is a less well-known disorder with symptoms including:

• severe pain, which can spread
• hypersensitivity to touch
• swelling and discoloration
• temperature instability

1.  Work with doctors who specialize in pain disorders
Be sure you find doctors who are are very familiar with pain in general, and hopefully RSD too.  This makes it more likely that your physicians understand your complaints of pain – especially as there’s often nothing visible for them to see.  Pain doctors are more likely not to question when you report 10/10 pain.  Someone familiar with RSD will believe you when you report some of the more unusual symptoms of the disease such as weird spreading patterns or severe coldness.  You’ll be speaking the same language.

2. Give your physician objective data
Cindi says she finds it difficult to discuss her pain, and feels misunderstood when she requests medication.  Doctors can best treat you when you give them the data they need.  Keep track of useful information for each appointment such as:

• your usual pain level
• your highest pain level
• what is your patterns of symptoms, for example, is the end of every day worse, or do you usually do well but have occasional flares
• what makes your symptoms worse
• what makes your symptoms better
• what update do you have since your last visit?
• what pain management skills are you trying to help yourself?  Breathing exercises?  Muscle relaxation?  Guided imagery?
• if you’ve been trying a new medication, what benefits and side effects did you notice?

One of the most important areas to review with your doctor is how you are functioning in your life.  I believe this is as important as pain levels.

• are you better able to work or do activities every day?
• are you able to do physical activity?
• are you spending enjoyable time with family and friends?

3. Be sure not to under-report or over-report symptoms
Try to be objective and report exactly what symptoms you have and how bad they are.  Sometimes we try to be too stoic and don’t report how bad things are.  On the other hand, avoid being overly dramatic.  If you truly aren’t coping well psychologically, start to see a pain management psychiatrist or psychologist who can help you in the emotional area.

4. Trust yourself
Work with health care providers who believe you and who you connect with.  This in itself will make communication easier.

Here’s more about this topic:

• What Doctors Want From Patients
• Wanted:  A Good Doctor-Patient Partnership
• What Makes You Leave Your Doctor?  (the comments offer great wisdom)
• 3 Tips To Tell If You Should Change Doctors

Have a question yourself?  You’re invited to write in here with topic suggestions or questions.

Reminder:  Send in your submissions for the How to Cope with Pain January Pain-Blog Carnival by this Friday, 1/23.  Grand Rounds, a medical-blog carnival, is presented this week by Dr. Val at MedPage Today.