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Originally Posted by Idiopathic PN
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Maybe it's a difference in interpretation or experience, but I definitely consider
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- Unresolved headaches
- Unexplained body aches
ibid
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to be painful sensations.
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He said that my symptoms (and what I think to be progressive) are not consistent with the findings. It would seem that my symptoms and the objective findings are disconnected. So, he suggested if I would consider a different approach in my treatment. He cautiously said that his suggestion is not brushing me off but to consider another option. He recommended that I see a psychiatrist. He said that I may have some anxieties that I am not aware of and these can manifest as neurological symptoms like mine.
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Your doctor
may be suggesting that he thinks some of your symptoms could be psychogenic in nature.
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Definition: Psychogenic pain is the term for pain that is primarily caused by psychological factors, such as depression and anxiety. While psychogenic pain is primarily psychological, it is a very real type of chronic pain.
http://pain.about.com/od/typesofchro...genic_pain.htm
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The diagnosis of psychogenic pain is made when other causes of pain are ruled out. A person with a pain disorder will complain of pain that does not match his or her symptoms. Medical doctors and mental health specialists working together are often most helpful to those with this disorder.
http://www.webmd.com/pain-management...ychogenic-pain
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Psychogenic pain is every bit as real as organic pain, and can have the same physiological effects on both body and mind. I would take what your doctor said (above) to mean that he believes you and takes you seriously, but he is somewhat stymied. I think he wants to help you but this area of medicine is outside of his expertise. It does not mean that he (or I, or anyone) thinks you're making anything up or disturbed or anything of the kind.
Psychogenic disease can go beyond pain to virtually any/every kind of symptom. Patients can be completely/totally unaware of the underlying causes(s), and like organic medicine, it can take some time to put together clues/pieces of the puzzle.
At this point, I would look at it as just another avenue/possibility to explore or rule out.
Doc