You're Making It Up!!!

[inthedark]

This post is in regards to two dry-eye related circumstances.

1) I have dry eye and severe light sensitivity almost assuredly of neuropathic origin. My current eye doctor (who is extremely understanding and sensitive to my situation) has suggested that I look for a pain specialist to prescribe the appropriate medicine. Unfortunately, several area pain clinics were unwilling to see me, so my eye doctor suggested seeing a psychiatrist. Now I was under the impression, psychiatrists exclusively dealt with emotional and mental issues. Apparently, some deal with pain management and are familiar with the relevant classes of drugs.

My advice: AVOID PSYCHIATRISTS FOR PAIN MANAGEMENT!

That bring me to my second point. And I know a ton of people have had this experience:

2) The psychiatrist believes that I'm completely fabricating the eye pain I'm experiencing. He says since I'm not falling over in unrelenting pain in his office, that must mean I'm basically faking my condition. He told me that it's due to severe anxiety and that taking anxiety drugs will clear it up in no time.

I was so shocked at his audacity that I could only muster a condescending: "You're ridiculous." I find the incredulity many of us experience to be very disheartening, especially from those in the medical profession. Why would any of us fabricate an incredibly painful condition? We all love wearing goggles at night, traveling to upwards of 50 doctors, putting in eye drops every hour, closing the drapes in our homes, having others drive us places, etc?!?! (/sarcasm)

I'm sure others can relate to my dismay over this situation.

[sanna]

So sorry he told you that, I think he is crazy not knowing what he is talking about. Maybe you should let him know about this site, so he can see you are not the only one maybe he will belive you than.

[kitty]

Two suggestions. 1. Find another psychiatrist and 2. If you are in the U.S., file a complaint against this psychiatrist with your State Medical Board. That response from an MD of all people is entirely inappropriate.

[beachblanketbingo]

Typical

We suffer from a non-conformity condition - which means its not an every day problem - so todays pschychiatrists and GP's do not understand these conditions - only what they treat on a day to day basis

As a result we are pushed along with the general concensus that it is all in our head - yes I know how you feel - I had eye issues and went to about 6 doctors when I was in high school - no help...

Sure if a DR gives you enough prozac you will probably forget you have dry eyes and maybe even what day it is

[dianat]

Inthedark,

I'm so sorry your are getting this from your psych. I think reporting him to the board is a great idea. He/she was way out of line. I had a lot of trouble seeing psychologists when I was at my most depressed and anxious and I had a pain doctor as well. I was only seeing the counselors to help with the mental stuff. While they believed me, they often said and did things with me that I thought we inappropriate. I walked away from all the counseling being quite unimpressed with the lot of them.

Perhaps you could try again to get into a pain clinic? Are you talking with a receptionist when you call those offices? I made those calls too to find my pain doctor. I was fortunate enough to be told that while the doctor didn't ever treat eye pain specifically, it was worth the initial visit to him. He ended up seeing me on a regular visit for probably a year. I very much appreciated the fact that he could "see" my pain in the way I "held" my eyes and forehead. He tried multiple things/drugs and stress relieving techniques and urged the serum drop usage.

Ultimately, his support was key in getting my mental health back. Please, try to find someone who will work with you.

Best of luck,

Diana

[irish eyes]

Hi Inthedark

I'm probably not helping you by saying that I share your dismay. I am even careful about the vocabulary that I use when talking about my pain - lest it is seen as some kind of hysteria to get attention. Would you believe that one consultant asked me if I had `hubby trouble' (i.e was I getting on OK with my husband) as perhaps that was at the root of `all this'.

I couldn't even dignify it with a response.

Luckily, I have a very good sensitive woman GP and she has seen me at some very low points. Occasionally, I have a few sessions of acupuncture and that gives me a `lift' although I know it doesn't help everyone.

Take strength - you are in the company of those who know how this pain can diminish a person.

[suneetk1]

Hi,
I haven't had any experience with a psychologist but just wanted to offer my support in saying I think the Dr was a total prick. I would definitely report him/her. Just cos they haven't heard of it before doesn't mean it doesn't exist - I have dealt with that.
Just keep looking out for the right Dr, they are out there somewhere.

[odydnas]

I just wanted to offer you my support. I too have dealt with doctors, friends, and family who think I must be making up the pain. Never mind that I'm a very quiet person, so it makes no sense that I would want to seek attention.

I think writing up a letter of complaint is a great idea. I don't know how the process works, but it would be good to also have your supportive eye doctor vouch for you, as additional proof that you are indeed debilitated by your condition.

I wish you luck on finding a pain doc or another psychiatrist. Keep trying on finding an actual pain doc, I know ppl on this board have been able to find one, albeit they are not eye pain specialists....but it might help.

[irish eyes]

As one who hates fuss, any accusation of attention seeking baffles me because my eye conditions have made me feel very isolated. It certainly affects quality of life in several ways - although I know this is a subjective thing. I used to be an avid reader and find it very depressing that I cannot do that any more. If I had a good book to read, that was enough for me.

Like many others here, it has impaired the ability to meet desired ocupational goals and I have had to change career and create a way of life so that my eyes can be `managed'. The fatigue of the constant pain and discomfort kept me in bed most of the time when my children were growing up - not a lot of fun for anyone.

The aggravating factors of the environment are never far from one's mind - and this can significantly limit activity. I needn't go on.

On the plus side, I am able to advise on students' disability issues in the university where I work. My judgements and insights are valued because I have had to work round these problems myself.

[autumnn]

Write a complaint for sure. That kind of treatment is unacceptable.

I have been discouraged/discounted by my primary doctor from seeing a pain specialist. He basically said that they are for back/spine/ etc injuries and that the pain medicine doesnt reach the eye. But he said he could try to help me and wrote a prescription for vicoden (didnt help) and said he could write one for a higher dose if needed. I think a pain specialist would know more but thinking that they cant treat eye pain has detoured me from seeking a pain specialist.

Do pain specialists have medicine that can reach eye pain? I know someone who has unbearable back pain (a 9 or 10 on the pain scale) when he doesnt have his pain patch on......when he has his pain patch on his pain is at a level 2. I WANT THAT PATCH

[Gretchen]

You have to find the right pain specialist. A psychiatrist will tend to address the issue as he/she is trained - like it is a mental issues. A pain specialist deals with people that have chronic pain often of unknown origin (as in there is no obvious reason for the pain).

But I sympathize, believe me. My husband thinks that I am imagining my eye condition.

Regards,
Gretchen

[inthedark]

Thanks for the all responses. It's a relief to know others have endured similar treatment. I was very wary of going to a psychiatrist b/c (as Gretchen mentioned), I had a feeling he'd attempt to confine my condition into something he's familiar with (i.e. mental problems). I guess my inclination turned out to be right.

Thank you irish eyes for your post. People who don't suffer from unrelenting chronic pain really don't understand the hurdles we endure just to live a semi-normal existence. I've had to go through many of the same things and I can completely sympathize with your situation.

[20/20_Hindsight]

A psychiatrist will tend to address the issue as he/she is trained - like it is a mental issues.

If you are a hammer, then everything looks like a nail, they say