To Fliss - Thanks!

[Guest guest]

HI Fliss,

thanks for the nice explanation about how you differentiate

between the various nuances of chronic pain. I think that we are

similar to eskimos in a way - but instead of having hundreds of

words for " snow " we have many ways to describe pain. I know

most people would think us crazy..........

I am also heartened to hear from you personally, I missed our

conversations.

Knowing me, you will not be surprised that I spent some time

reading up on referred pain due to abdominal disorders and

what struck me about your post was tthat you were spot on with

the literature in how you described yours - that it was a surface

location but that you are positive that it is associated with your

pancreas. The reading that I did, indicates that this is classic

(being surface as opposed to deep) for referred pain to the back,

because of the way the nerves are situated going into the spinal

column (I think). So it is interesting how anecdotal evidence

confirms empirical (which is backwards I know but just as valid,

in my opinion).

I agree too that thepain scale as used for long term care has its

deficiencies. Not only quantity of pain, but quality and change in

location is just as important. In my case, this new pain is a little

concerning not only because of intensity (although I have felt

worse) but that it is so different from what I have experienced up

to now. Luckily I see my pain doc today and I hope that I have a

chance to mention this to her. If it wasn't for this appointment, I

don't think I would have come into work - that is how much this is

interfering with my life right now.

I am convinced that this is not just muscular soreness due to

overuse. There could be a component of that but, like you said, I

know what being sore from chores are vs hurting in a bad way.

But then, there is always that nagging voice that says that I may

be having too high expectations of myself and that maybe I am in

denial that I am getting too old to live the life I want.

I just do not know what to think but your input has made me

determined to discuss this with my pain doc today. Basically,

like you said, the more we are frank with our doctors the more

likely we will educate them too as well as helping ourselves. The

best way that I can describe it now is that it feels like a C-clamp

has attached itself to my left side with the bolts digging into my

front and back and trying to meet up in the middle of my LUQ just

under my ribcage and to the left of midline. When I twist, slump

or stretch my hands over my head, the pain intensifies

considerably, as it does if I touch the area that is sore. A new

location and type of pain for me.

Thanks. If anything helpful comes out of my appointment, I will let

you know.

I hope you and your husband are doing well. Are you in your

summer break by now? Hope that you get the opportunity to

enjoy it!

Laurie