Do you have abdominal pain? How long have you had it? Is it a dull ache or sharp pains across your stomach? Pain and discomfort is your body’s way of telling you something is wrong. It is more than frustrating when a doctor dismisses your pain or doesn’t really listen to you.
Here at Gastroenterology Consultants of Central Florida, we take your aches, pains, and concerns seriously. We will always take the time to really listen to you address any questions, and find relief from your symptoms.
How you describe the pain you’re feeling is important
Pain and discomfort is different for everyone. Which is why the way you describe the details matter.
Where is your pain located?
Does the pain seem to “move around” or is it primarily focused in one area? There are many organs in your abdomen, so where you feel the pain is a big marker when accurately diagnosing your issue.
What is the pain intensity?
Everyone’s pain tolerance is different. Most physicians use the scale of 0 to 10, with 10 being the worst pain and 0 is no pain. Honesty is crucial, don’t underestimate your pain, trying to “tough it out”.
How long have you had the pain?
We understand you may not know the exact date the pain started. We need to know if its months, weeks, or days. We don’t recommend waiting months to speak with a doctor about your pain. Not seeking help in an expedited time frame can cause the situation to get worse.
Does anything help with the pain or make it worse?
If you lie down, do you get relief from the pain? Does the pain get more intense after you eat? Are over-the-counter medications effective? Do you feel relief after using the bathroom. It is a good idea to write down the activities that make the pain better and worse.
Descriptive words to describe your pain and discomfort
It isn’t always easy to describe what you are feeling, especially when you are in pain. Here are a few useful words to help. Dull, aching, throbbing, stabbing, sharp, sore, comes and goes, burning, and cramping.