Monday, March 7, 2011

69. Everything

Pelvic pain, the nemesis of a gyn clinic.

We all recognize stress as both a cause of and an additive factor to pain, but try to look for "physical" sources first. However, Tammy's words and body language shouted, "stress," so early on I asked, "what is going on around you?"

"Everything," she answered.  Daughter leaving home; "had it out with my partner;" no pay when not working (because of the pain), no sleep ("since my daughter was born 18 years ago").  

She knows the effect of stress; her assessment is spot-on; she just feels overwhelmed.

The medical profession with its time constraints and the insurance industry's with its limits on mental health coverage have conspired to add to her list: narcotic addiction.


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