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sisters3 Asked June 2014

My Mom is always saying she is in PAIN docs find nothing. Dementia?

My mother is in a assisted living apartment. She has three daughters we talk to her every day see her quite often, bring her food etc. She is always having her worst day saying pain so bad she just can't live another day. She calls doctors makes appointments, goes to ER, will call us many times a day wanting something done to help her. Doctors always find nothing wrong. Can this be a form of DEMENTIA? She is driving us crazy, and spending a lot on medical treatment.

GardenArtist Jun 2014
I've noticed as well that it's hard to describe what kind of pain exists and specifically where it occurs. I can tell from the look and color of my father's face when he's not feeling well, so that's also an indication.

Go with Jessie's suggestion and get your mother checked out. It could also be that the pains are nonspecific so the doctors aren't able to attribute them to anything identifiable.

Chicago1954 Jun 2014
My mother was in pain, because she sat all day. Once she got some physical therapy and is now forced to move around, "no more pain."

Just a suggestion.

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JessieBelle Jun 2014
sisters3, pain can be real but invisible. There are many things that can cause pain that won't show up on an x-ray or MRI. If your mother says she is feeling pain, then she very well could be. Elders can have problems when describing where the pain is and how it feels. Saying things like "It hurts all over" and "It just hurts" are not useful at all. See if you can get her to describe the pain well and make an appointment with a pain management clinic if you feel it is a good idea. It may be that she has nerve inflammation or some neural problem that is making her experience pain.

I read in your profile that your mother is depressed. I know various pains can accompany depression, but I don't know how severe the pain would be. I wouldn't consider dementia unless other things (loss of memory or reason) are pointing to it. I would make an appointment at a pain management clinic. I hope you can find some relief for your mother. I know another appointment is a dread thing, but if it helps solve the problem, it would be great.

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