Psychosomatic pain?

rev · May 19

Wondering if anyone has experience with pain complaints? My DW had a mastectomy 10 years ago. Early stage cancer, no chemotherapy or radiation. She’s now complaining constantly about pain in the other breast. Saying, “I want this one removed too.” Recent mammogram (1 month ago) was clear. There’s no fever, redness, or swelling. I’ve scheduled a second mammogram, ultrasound, and oncology appointments. She also has a constant feeling that there’s debris in her teeth. Flosses and picks and gums so much that dentist is concerned about gum damage.

I don’t know how to evaluate or respond to all of this. Any similar experiences or ideas out there?

Marp · May 19

Haven't had this exact experience, but maybe an anxiety issue? Has she been checked for a UTI or some other physical malady that may produce anxiety and/or halucinations?

SDianeL · May 20

Anxiety can cause those behaviors. If she’s not on medication call her doctor and explain. She could be having delusions of pain or confabulating things ie mixing up memories and reality. Certain meds may help that too. Try reassuring her that you are there for her and will make sure she is well cared for.

MN Chickadee · May 20

Yes, though for my mother it was chest pain. The first few times were trips to the ER and all the heart attack screenings. Then follow up with her PCP many times looking for GERD and ulcers and other explanations. Never found anything wrong. When it happened after that we would give her half an aspirin and a Tums, and whether that worked or it was a placebo effect it seemed to do the trick. After a while it quit happening. Seemed to be some symptom of her wires getting so crossed during the brain atrophy. I would proceed with the ultrasound to rule out any other causes, and if it finds nothing then you may have to give a tylenol and a therapeutic fib. Yes, we will schedule a mammogram or surgery soon. The hospital is backed up a ways. Distract, rinse, repeat. The picking is common with dementia, some pick at their skin until they bleed. Psychiatric and anxiety meds can help. A geriatric psychiatrist may be the best doctor to prescribe but at minimum see what her PCP can do.

rev · June 18

Since first posting on this subject, my DW’s complaints have increased. Not just breast pain complaints (mammograms and ultrasound negative), but many other body locations. Recent visit to geriatric doc not very helpful. I’ve discovered the PAINAD Scale which is somewhat helpful, but docs don’t seem to use/know it. I suspect brain changes are the culprit here and I’m frightened about what’s coming next.
So far, we’re still in our home with no support. I’m thinking I need more help and my DW does too. She seems to rally and perk up when others are around and sink back into complaints or lethargy when we’re alone. 🤷

SusanB-dil · June 19

Hi rev - With no help, you need respite, too. Please look into adult daycare (we often tell LO the senior center) for maybe a few days a week. It would get her around other people, and you would get a break.

terei · June 19

You might try giving her a placebo…’Oh, mom, dr prescribed a new med for your pain…why dont you try this?’ Give her a tic tac or some other harmless pill. Sometimes it can be very effective

Psychosomatic pain?

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