The Art of Caring

We Both Felt the Heat of It

Patricia Lynn Dobkin, PhD

Naomi was referred to me by her rheumatologist to help her cope with early onset arthritis. As a clinical psychologist who has worked with patients with chronic illness for decades—especially chronic pain—I welcomed her. This was an easy case until Naomi developed new perplexing symptoms that had nothing to do with arthritis.

During the 11th session, Naomi reported: “I went to see my family doctor last week because I have been having ‘accidents.’ This is really embarrassing. I mean, I leak. He told me it was nothing to worry about. What really upset me was that he called it a ‘weeping vagina.’ Can you believe that! What do you think I should do?”