With my clients, I see that being in chronic pain shifts the nature of their relationship to friends, family and significant others. Needing more assistance in all aspects of living can change the way people think of themselves. They may not want to engage with others -- to avoid asking for help or to avoid having to choose between not talking about pain, and feeling as if they are being dishonest about where they are at, or talking about it ...

I'm grateful that there are many diagnostic tests available, because information about my unique structure is helpful in figuring out a therapeutic approach. That said, sometimes I have found that in the interest of obtaining the right diagnosis, doctors want me to do many invasive tests and exams. When I go to take those tests, the examiners are often efficient. They may not, however, have time or insight to be aware of my feelings, when my normal personal boundaries are crossed ...