When a doctor asks you "Is better, worse, or about the same?", it is not just about getting information about a particular ache or pain.
It is an existential question that reveals a lot about you in the way you answer the question, and, indeed, if you can answer the question at all. Logically, it is a multiple choice question with an A, B, or C answer. There should be no room for D -- None of the Above. But many patients cannot easily answer the question. Why is that? They are conflicted about their condition, and physical pain is not the real problem. In fact the perceived pain may be a crutch for a more deep seeded problem. If one takes away the physical pain, one takes away the crutch and the net result is more misery. Many health care professionals are frustrated by this paradox, and tend to over treat these patients. The patients are also frustrated and plead,"Doctor, do something!" My response is to do less. "Hit the reset button". Stop all treatment and medications that are not essential for life, and start over.
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