Lost fatherhood: A doctor's dilemma with a dying patient's secret

Man lying in a hospital bed. (Courtesy/iStock)

When a patient has physical, psychological and social pain, management of the patient becomes very challenging. I have many times become a listening ear, confidant, family secret bearer and punching bag.

I recall the story of a man who landed at the hospital in extreme pain. The patient had end stage cancer, but his pain seemed disproportionate to the symptoms and care already provided in his treatment. An array of tests were done to try pin down the cause of pain. No physical reason for the excessive pain was found.