Speak Up!

Chronic Pain Sufferers: Speak Up!

Tuesday, September 16th, 2008
This post was written by Melanie Matthews
http://hin.com/blog/2008/09/16/chronic-pain-sufferers-speak-up/

In pain? The Joint Commission is recommending that sufferers of chronic pain “speak up.” The Joint Commission is launching a national campaign to help Americans work with their healthcare professionals to better manage pain. The new education campaign is part of The Joint Commission’s award-winning Speak Up™ program that helps patients become more informed and involved in their health care, and coincides with Pain Awareness Month in September:

The framework of the Speak Up™ program urges patients to:

Speak up if you have questions or concerns, and if you don’t understand, ask again. It’s your body and you have a right to know.

Pay attention to the care you are receiving. Make sure you’re getting the right treatments by the right health care professionals. Don’t assume anything.

Educate yourself about your diagnosis, the medical tests you are undergoing, and your treatment plan.

Ask a trusted family member or friend to be your advocate.

Know what medications you take and why you take them. Medication errors are the most common health care errors.

Use a hospital, clinic, surgery center, or other type of health care organization that has undergone a rigorous on-site evaluation against established state-of-the-art quality and safety standards, such as that provided by The Joint Commission.

Participate in all decisions about your treatment. You are the center of the healthcare team.

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I found this online and had to share it with all of you! This is AWESOME advice for ALL patients, not just people who suffer with chronic pain and chronic illness!!
Have a meaningful day! Sending love and blessings to all of you!! Liz : )

I Want Your Story

Thanks friends and family for your neverending support! Every single one of you are so important to me--each Pain Brother and Pain Sister I have met has made me feel less alone in my pain no matter what their diagnosis. I really mean it when I ask y'all to tell me your story to be added to my book, "Pain Sufferers Speak". Your DEADLINE is January 30, 2012 to get your final submission to me. No holds barred--tell as much or as little as you want. If you wish to include how Pain Sufferers Speak's global community has changed or effected your life that's great, too--NOT required. Your real name does NOT have to be used. You can use initials, anonymous, or your actual name--anyway you choose to receive credit in my book, "Pain Sufferers Speak". Your submissions will make up a whole chapter or section of the book. This means I would love to have as many submissions as possible!! I will ONLY EDIT FOR SPELLING, NOT content or grammer. Your Words, Your Way even cuss words are fine. Just tell it like it is with no sensorship.

Send ALL SUBMISSIONS to my email
www.painsufferersspeak@hotmail.com
with BOOK SUBMISSION in all CAPS
OR send your submission as a private message on Facebook to Liz Hall.

MANY THANKS for your time and consideration!!

Can't wait to read and publish them all!! ♥ Liz

My Philosophy

Please Remember:

My philosophy is that our community provides FREE INFO to everyone, and each of you decides for yourselves (along with your healthcare providers and family) what is best for you and your unique circumstances. ANY POST on Twitter or Facebook is NEVER strategically placed, nor should it be considered to have my endorsement, approval or implied consent in any way. 

****If you want my opinion, all you have to do is ask for it. Never been shy. : ) 

****Can you tell I was a paralegal for 9 years? Geesh! I know you understand why it had to be said. : )

Love to all my Spoonie and Painsomniac Peeps Everywhere PLUS all the Pain Brothers and Pain Sisters Worldwide!

Liz : )