New pain scale

[SoonerTexan]

Stop talking about how painful childbirth is!!!

On an oddly related note, we toured labor & delivery today and they had a pain chart on the wall...with just numbers and no explanations. I thought to myself, "ugh...not helpful!"

[scrub-jay]

Stop talking about how painful childbirth is!!!

On an oddly related note, we toured labor & delivery today and they had a pain chart on the wall...with just numbers and no explanations. I thought to myself, "ugh...not helpful!"

I hope that is not what I conveyed! My point was that it wasn't that bad at all, totally manageable. But so many people say "A 10 is the worst pain in the world... like childbirth!" Um, no, childbirth = not that bad at all, I cannot believe that is classified as a 10. You'll be just fine!

[ladymoreta]

I agree - you'll be fine! I had an epidural, but not until I was between a 9 or 10 dilation. I'd say the pain topped out at about an 8.5, and that was on the drive to the hospital when I had to be sitting still in the car. Walking around, it was totally manageable. (Granted, I was numb before the really bad part, but I think if you go in prepared, you'll do great!)

[Thirteen]

Childbirth wasn't so much painful as it was exhausting (my experience, not obviously for everyone). I couldn't even lay back because the Pit had me contracting every minute and vomiting.
Pit is a 10. Don't do Pit. (And yes, I did read about it beforehand and tried to avoid it at all costs). *le sigh* The plans we make, right?

The thing that they thought was a kidney stone? That was a real live 8 (almost blacking out, strong urge to vomit, etc).

DH had someone come in and say "3" once, and how it was "pure agony." (???)

[Meenah]

I pay no attention to the mandated pain scale BS on the patient's chart. Pulse Ox should be a vital sign, not pain level. When I examine the patient I figure out with them their pain level. I prescribe based on this information, not a random number they are required to report.

[DCJenn]

That's how our docs prescribe, too. It's completely subjective based on the patient's perceived discomfort- BUT they start at very small doses and work up. Everyone feels like shit detoxing from heroin- when you've semi-permenantly messed up your actual brain chemistry, it gets uncomfortable undoing it. (well, you never really undo it...)