The record should match what you experienced

The anesthesia society's statement addresses this directly under documentation. It acknowledges that a patient's perception of an event during surgery may not match the clinician's, and then states: "An expression of pain or discomfort by the patient is valid and warrants a discussion regarding next steps."

In practice, what a woman reported and what was written down often diverge. In one review of newborn records after cesarean, only 1 of 17 accidental cuts to the baby had been recorded in the mother's chart.

Three things worth doing:

• Ask for your records. Request the operative report and the anesthesia record before you leave the hospital, or afterward in writing. You are entitled to them.
• Read them. Check whether your report of pain appears, whether the type of uterine incision is stated, and whether events match your memory.
• Ask for an addendum if they do not. You cannot change a clinician's note, but you can request that your own account be added to the record. Put the request in writing and keep a copy.