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High Expectations

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  1. Expectations - Overview
  2. Expectation 1 You should expect to be listened to, valued, and respected
  3. Expectation 2 You should expect knowledgeable and compassionate health care
  4. Expectation 3 You should expect to get medications that will only make you feel better, not worse
  5. Expectation 4 You should expect never to be abandoned or forgotten
  6. Expectation 5 You should expect not to live a life of loneliness or depression
  7. Expectation 6 You should expect to live life as pain-free as possible
  8. Expectation 7 You should expect never to be the object of prejudice or abuse
  9. Expectation 8 You should expect to get the help you need to live life to the fullest
  10. Expectation 9 You should expect to live up to your potential and have hope for the future
  11. Expectation 10 You should expect to be in control of your life and understand what is happening to you
  12. Expectation 11 And most importantly... You should expect never to be taken advantage of except for your talents, knowledge, and wisdom
  13. Reflection Activity
  14. Course Feedback - Expectations
  1. High Expectations
  2. Expectation 6 You should expect to live life as pain-free as possible
Lesson 7 of 14
In Progress

Expectation 6 You should expect to live life as pain-free as possible

Robert Stall MD

Pain is not just a “normal part of getting older.” While some aches and discomforts may be more common with age, you should never be expected to live in constant or unmanaged pain. You deserve care that helps you feel comfortable, mobile, and able to enjoy daily life.

Pain that’s dismissed or untreated can affect your sleep, mood, relationships, and overall health. Chronic pain can also lead to feelings of isolation or depression—but it doesn’t have to be that way. There are many options available to manage pain, and you have the right to explore them with a care team that listens, believes you, and works with you to find relief.

Pain looks and feels different for everyone. It might be sharp, dull, constant, or come and go. Whether it’s from arthritis, an injury, a long-term condition, or something else, your pain is real—and it matters.

The goal is not just to mask pain but to treat its root causes and improve your daily function. With the right support, you can feel better and live more fully.

Action Plan

1. Speak Up About Your Pain
Don’t minimize it or “push through.” Tell your provider exactly where it hurts, when it happens, and how it affects your life. Use a pain scale if helpful.

2. Ask About All Treatment Options
There are many ways to manage pain, from medications and physical therapy to acupuncture, movement programs, and lifestyle changes. Ask what’s safe and effective for you.

3. Track Your Symptoms
Keep a simple journal of your pain—what helps, what makes it worse, and how it changes over time. This can help your provider tailor your care.

4. Avoid Unnecessary Suffering
If a treatment isn’t working or is causing side effects, speak up. You have the right to ask for adjustments or second opinions.

5. Practice Gentle Self-Care
Stretching, movement, mindfulness, heat/cold therapy, or even breathing exercises can help manage daily discomfort. Small actions can make a big difference.

You deserve a life that’s not defined by pain. Expect care that focuses on comfort, healing, and helping you do the things you love—with ease and dignity.