Enduring pain in humanity

“The pain is as old as humanity itself, perhaps even older, as extinct human species such as Neanderthals, Homo erectus, and the recently discovered Denisovans likely had the capability to feel pain.”

The above lines are taken from the book, A Thousand Sublime Sorrows, written by Khwaja Ahmed Abbas. The book painstakingly brings to life the author’s experiences of the intensity of pain endured by both humans and likely creations on earth. KA Abbas, a veteran doctor with a wealth of experience in pediatrics and related subjects, mentions that the medical profession itself is very painful, as every minute the doctor learns about the pain endured by patients.

Such pain exists in humans with diverse reactions. Abbas notes that pain, suffering and sorrows are interconnected in human history, indelible throughout human life. As Abbas narrates his own experience of pain, he reveals suffering from serious health problems that left him with chronic pain after treatment. His experience made him both hate and love that feeling. Initially, he believed painkillers and medical treatment would permanently cure his pain, but later, it only worsened. He realised that even the medical profession is not fully knowledgeable about the subject of pain, which encompasses many branches of medicine, including internal medicine, rheumatic diseases, the nervous system and neurobiology, psychiatry and psychology.

The writer classifies pain into physical pain, acute pain, chronic pain, neuropathic pain, psychogenic pain and emotional pain, among others. Acute pain, caused by injury, infection, or inflammation, is localised and lasts for a few hours, days or weeks until the lesion. Somatic pain is mostly acute and of short duration but can become prolonged and chronic.

The emotionally touching story that KA Abbas narrates is about a soldier girl from Israel who lost her leg during battle. When asked about the sufferings and the endurable pain of the loss of her leg, she expressed deep sorrow about who would marry her. The heartbreaking replies saddened readers like me. Pain is widespread, affecting all — physicians, surgeons, faith healers, alternative medicine practitioners and housewives. Pain-relieving pills are common, yet pain remains a medical mystery.

English has about seventy words for pain, including suffering, agony, torture, discomfort, sorrow, grief, heartache and misery. Pain remains pain for the sufferer, no matter how it’s expressed. Studies reveal that 20 million adult Americans suffer from chronic pain, with a similar number of Europeans experiencing chronic pain that adversely impacts their social lives and work. Contrary to a common myth, research indicates that young children do feel pain, with a higher number of nerve endings picking up pain signals from one square meter of the body surface compared to adults.

Medicine is demanding. Medical issues need a focused workup, yet the patient’s understanding is crucial and must be explained. Sometimes, patients require reassurance and a sympathetic attitude. In consultations, patients should get an explanation of the disease, treatment details and a legible prescription; maintaining honesty, truth and sincerity.

A Thousand Sublime Sorrows offers a treasure trove of knowledge through its scientific, spiritual and poetic discourse, covering diverse subjects such as the form and presentation of pain, the biological basis of pain, spirituality and mysticism, and last but not least, dard — the poetic exploration of pain and suffering. This book is of primary importance, written on the subject of pain with a careful explanation of humans and other related creations. There is hardly anyone on this globe living without pain. It is vital to read the book to understand pain and its stages. The discourse on enduring pain is brought by the learned doctor, Prof Dr Khwaja Ahmed Abbas, whose extensive experience as a pediatrician contributes a gem to express the pain. He has completed 55 years of medical practice in different health institutions.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 21^st, 2024.

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