Questions for the Doctor
Talking to Your Mesothelioma Doctor
An open line of communication with your doctor is essential in receiving care and dealing with pain. Many mesothelioma patients have a fear of their doctor perceiving them as a complainer, and do not receive an adequate dose of pain medication as a result. Consult with your doctor immediately upon noticing any pain as a result of treatment or otherwise. This is important, because as the pain intensifies it can become difficult to control. Remember, it is your right to obtain the best care possible, which includes adequate pain relief.
The Throneberry Law Group provides the legal representation to secure compensation for the financial and emotional devastation. We are also here to support clients in advocating for their own care. Attorney Jay Throneberry has represented clients nationwide after they received the dreaded diagnosis, and he has personally dealt with his own father’s death from mesothelioma. We can help connect you to the right providers and ask the right questions.
Talking About Pain and the Impact on Your Life
An accurate assessment of pain caused by malignant mesothelioma is essential to determining the appropriate treatments. Because pain is invisible to others, the role of the patient is extremely important in the treatment process. Be as specific as you can in preparing to discuss your mesothelioma pain and its management with your health care providers:
- Location of all of your pains
- How the pain feels (use descriptive words such as dull, aching, throbbing, stabbing, piercing, pinching, sharp, aching, burning, tingling)
- The intensity of your pain, and its level during different points of the day
- Whether the pain is occasional or continuing
- How quickly the pain comes on (suddenly or intermittently), how long it lasts (a few minutes or several hours), and how often it occurs
- Conditions or activities that intensify the pain
- Conditions or medications that ease the pain
- Current medications your are taking
- Side effects of medication
The impact the pain is having on your life Doctor consultations and exams can be intimidating, and there will be lots of information exchanged. Bring your list of symptoms and concerns, and bring a friend or family member to take notes during conversations with your physicians. Don’t be afraid to tell your physician your own opinion, and don’t hesitate to ask questions to fully understand your treatment options.
Questions for the Doctor
You have a right to know how far your disease has progressed and what your life expectancy is. You have a right to know what to expect next. You have a right ask as many questions as you want until you are comfortable that your doctor has covered the bases and explored all the options. These are uncomfortable issues, and you have to brace yourself for the bad news, but you need information to make informed decisions. This is your health and your life.
- What will happen next?
- What symptoms can I expect at each stage?
- Am I candidate for surgery, radiation or chemotherapy?
- What are the pros and cons of each?
- What medications are available for my pain?
- What are the side effects?
- How should this medicine be taken?
- How long should I take it?
- Are there harmful interactions with other drugs I am taking?
- Can you suggest any non-drug methods to relieve my pain?
Compassionate Lawyers for a Difficult Process
Throneberry Law Group takes cases throughout the United States. We will come to you to help you trace the asbestos exposure that caused mesothelioma (or asbestosis or lung cancer). We offer a free consultation at 888-506-1131 to answer your questions, and it costs nothing up front for us to represent you in the lawsuit — we collect no fees unless we recover compensation.