Patient support
Pain and emotional distress journal
Pain is never only physical. A journal that tracks both the sensation and the feeling around it gives your team something far more useful than 'it's been bad'.
Why write it down
Memory for pain is unreliable — it is dominated by the worst moment and the most recent one. A written record shows the actual pattern: when pain peaks, what precedes it, what helps.
Distress amplifies pain and pain amplifies distress. Recording both lets you and your clinicians see which one is driving on any given day.
What to record
- Intensity now (0–10) and at its worst today.
- Where it is, and what it feels like — burning, aching, stabbing, cramping.
- What you were doing when it started or worsened.
- Medication taken, dose and time, and how much it helped.
- Mood and stress level alongside it.
- What made it easier, even slightly.
Taking it to your appointment
Bring the last two weeks. Highlight the three worst episodes and the pattern you noticed. Say plainly what you want: better background control, something for breakthrough pain, or help with the fear that comes with it.
If pain is not controlled after two changes of plan, ask for referral to a pain or palliative care service. That is a normal, appropriate request — not a last resort.
Where to go next
Afya Companion offers education and self-help support. It does not diagnose, treat or replace care from your doctor, nurse, psychologist or dietitian. If something in your health changes, speak to your care team.