Talk of frustration in the narratives of people with chronic pain

Abstract

If patients think that their pain is not being believed this is clearly a barrier to an effective consultation. Communication with chronic pain patients may improve if the frustration of living with an invisible, debilitating condition that is hard to diagnose and treat is explicitly (and perhaps repeatedly) acknowledged by the health professional.

Frustration: A Challenge in Chronic Conditions

“…Sources of frustration include interference with everyday activities, the interruption of life goals and roles and the unpredictability of pain (6). Frustration can have many negative consequences.…”

The relevance of client-healthcare provider communication to the appraisal of illness uncertainty in women with fibromyalgia syndrome.

“…A HCP's unwillingness to listen to the individual's healthcare concerns, discuss alternative treatments outside of pain medication, complete disability forms, and provide referrals with providers from other healthcare disciplines were identified as contributors to illness uncertainty in persons with FMS (Dow et al, 2012;Egeli et al, 2008;Lempp et al, 2009;Shuster et al, 2009). Participants in qualitative studies have conveyed an acute awareness of the stigma associated with FMS that ensues from HCPs, as well from their family members, friends, and co-workers.…”

“…Consequently, these limitations along with the invisible symptoms experienced with FMS have resulted in an illness that is often dismissed by the medical community and society. Women living with FMS struggle with establishing credibility of their illness (Dow et al, 2012;Schoofs, Bambini, Ronning, Bielak, & Woehl, 2004;Thorne et al, 2004).…”

“…Research efforts over the past 20 years have increased knowledge and awareness of fibromyalgia's clinical pathology (Wierwille, 2012 -Vozmediano et al, 2013;Dow et al, 2012;Egeli et al, 2008;Lempp et al, 2009). Furthermore, evidence in the literature of the detrimental impact on quality of life (QOL), affecting physical, psychological, and social factors, clearly establishes FMS as a contemporary healthcare challenge for women (Anema et al, 2009;Cranford & King, 2011;Egeli et al, 2008;Lempp et al, 2009).…”

“…In addition, researchers have reported participants' descriptions of how FMS has impacted their quality of life. Multiple studies have revealed the inability of individuals to meet self-expectations, rely on their bodies to perform as they did prior to FMS, maintain their professional occupation, and participate in daily activities with family and friends (Dow, Roche, & Ziebland, 2012;Egeli et al, 2008;Franks, Cronan, & Oliver, 2004;Lempp et al, 2009). Furthermore, findings indicate that lack of support from healthcare professionals has contributed to the humanistic burden experienced by women with FMS.…”