Are You Masking Serious Illness?

In the absence of a well-defined body of evidence, early symptoms of percolating problems may be misdiagnosed or ignored.

Procrastinating Pain

If acute pain is not cured, it can become chronic. Chronic pain, not properly diagnosed, can mask serious illness. Carefully prescribing postoperative analgesic regimens may prevent chronic opioid dependence. Ironically, pain is sometimes a side effect of pain medications.

Daily pain is not normal. Sometimes a known injury precludes a viable remedy. Otherwise, physicians depend upon the patients who are living with chronic pain to accurately describe their conditions in order to investigate possible causes.

Get Diagnosis

Not all disease is painful, particularly in early stages. Sometimes fatigue or emotional issues are prominent. Everyone is predisposed to inherited traits. Early detection through genetic testing or full-body scans can lead to decades of worry, expensive treatments, or increased insurance costs.

A problem with many severe diseases is that demonstrative symptoms occur during advanced stages. In the absence of acute trauma or a well-defined body of evidence, early symptoms of percolating problems can be misdiagnosed or ignored. If something does not feel right, politely suggest additional testing.

Frequently Under-Diagnosed Diseases

Celiac disease
Hip disease
Interstitial cystitis
Lupus erythematosus
Oral cancer
Pancreatic cancer
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Sjögren’s syndrome

Hip disease is often overlooked because the nerve can refer pain to the knee. Consult a doctor specializing in hip and knee conditions. Oral cancer is not usually considered among non-smokers. A dentist may be the first to detect it. Lupus erythematosus, a dermatological autoimmune disorder, is frequently overlooked among persons of color.

The main symptom of Sjögren’s syndrome is often treated with over-the-counter eye drops if at all. But this autoimmune disorder can target several internal organs.

Bipolar disorder is more difficult to distinguish among children than adults. Pancreatic cancer is quite aggressive in late stages. By the time jaundice, weight loss, back pain and vomiting manifest, the cancer is likely metastasizing.

The need for fitness does not diminish with chronic pain. It becomes more difficult. To the extent possible, stretching and exercising help with chronic pain.

What can you do if while relying on pain relievers, you still spend most of your days on bed or your quality of life significantly depreciates? Speak to your primary care physician. If results are unsatisfying consider visiting a new doctor.