Question
Last November i had to have my ureter reconstructed do to damaged from a kindey stone. Since then i have so much pain in that spot. It feels like i still have a stone (the drs have checked i do not) Sometimes im in bed for days with the pain. My urologist did an ivp and saw that there is quite a bit of scar tissue in there but it should not be causing this much pain and basically does not believe me. Since then i have been to about 4 different drs and it seems no one believes me. I dont know what to do or where to turn. Sometimes i am in bed for days just crying in pain. Can scar tissue cause this much pain? How do i get a dr to believe me? All this pain and that i cannot get anyone to believe me is causing me to go into a severe depression so much so that i really dont want to live anymore.

Answer
Hi Jennifer

First let me say that I'm not a medical doctor, and that my answer is based on my work with chronic pain patients as a psychologist.

That having been said, you are experiencing the same type of issue as many of my clients: serious chronic pain that has not been diagnosed, depression, some feelings of hopelessness/helplessness, making the rounds of doctors, etc.

It is very discouraging when a doctor tells you "it shouldn't be causing that much pain." What difference does it make what it should be doing, the reality is that it something IS causing severe pain, and your doctor should either find out what it is or direct you to someone else.

Pain is very idiosyncratic, different people experience it in different ways, so it is possible that there is either scar tissue or nerve damage causing your pain.

A couple questions that might help me answer more fully.

Are you on any type of pain medication?

Of the other doctors you saw, what were their specialties?

How does the current pain compare to the pain prior to surgery?

Are you seeing anyone for depression?

Even though the pain is very real, the depression you are feeling now will exacerbate your perception of pain, so it is important to get treatment for depression independently. Consider a psychologist or therapist who knows something about pain, and who is familiar with cognitive behavior therapy. Anti-depressant medication may also be helpful.

You will likely need to find another doctor who can give an opinion. You might try a medical school facility with a urology department.

Don't give up looking for the right kind of help. It sounds like your pain is all too real.

Best wishes and hopes that you can find someone to listen.

Barry Hughes

http://www.chronic-pain-alternatives.com