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Singer Angham’s health battle highlights psychosomatic links in chronic pain
Egyptian singer Angham has faced a complex and challenging medical journey, underscoring the intricate relationship between physical health and psychological well-being. Her ordeal began at Al Safa Hospital in Cairo, where she was admitted with acute pancreatitis, elevated enzyme levels, and severe abdominal pain. Initial tests revealed a pancreatic cyst, sparking concerns over its nature. While Egyptian doctors ruled out cancer based on imaging results, Angham opted for further treatment abroad.
Treatment abroad and persistent complications
In Germany, specialists performed an endoscopic procedure to drain fluid from the pancreatic cyst, which was determined to be benign. The intervention was expected to alleviate her symptoms, but her pain returned immediately after resuming normal eating and drinking. Further investigations revealed that the cyst had transformed into an abscess, necessitating surgical removal. Despite the operation, Angham continued to experience unexplained pain, leaving her medical team grappling with a challenging diagnosis.
The psychosomatic dimension
Experts in psychosomatic medicine suggest that Angham’s case illustrates how unresolved psychological factors can perpetuate physical pain even after the primary medical issue has been treated. Known as “pain memory,” this phenomenon occurs when the nervous system remains sensitized, sending pain signals as if the body were still injured.
High levels of stress, the demands of her career, and anxiety about her health may have amplified her nervous system’s sensitivity, converting emotional distress into physical sensations. Psychosomatic disorders often arise from suppressed emotions such as anger or grief, with the body expressing unresolved inner conflicts through physical symptoms.
Toward a holistic approach to healing
Angham’s case highlights the need for a more integrated approach to treatment, combining traditional medical interventions with psychosomatic therapies. Experts recommend cognitive-behavioral therapy for chronic pain, psychological support, and medications targeting the nervous system to break the cycle of persistent discomfort.
Her journey serves as a reminder to the medical community and the public of the critical interplay between mental and physical health. It underscores the importance of addressing psychological factors in complex medical cases, recognizing the body as a mirror of the mind’s struggles.