In Pain We Trust: A Conversation Between Mother and Son on the Journey from Sickness to Health

In Pain We Trust is a joint memoir written by mother and son. It explores the role and methods of advocacy in medical healing, the current state of the health care system from a personal perspective. This book provides insights into fighting for a child's welfare in the health care system. Celebrating the resilience of the human spirit, and the strong bonds of family.

A few words from teenager Kevin Whiting, June 2009:

Listening literally saved my lie.

For a year and a half. I told doctors over and over again that the pain in my stomach was real. And not just everyday paper-cut pain. I am talking extreme, intense pain. I could not function, go to school or even eat. And instead of listening, the doctors completely ignored me, told me I depressed and bulimic, and threw ten prescriptions for anxiety and depression at me.

Obviously I was not depressed, so the anti-depressants made me depressed, and at times even suicidal. I was knocking at deaths door for nearly 18 months. Luckily, I had a few good listeners on my side, including my mom, my family and friends and our family doctors. My mom listened and was not afraid to speak up for me when doctors ignored what I had to say. My family and friends were listeners. They heard my pain and gave me hope when times got really tough. And, fortunately there were also doctors who listened, asked questions, and ran the necessary tests to figure out what was wrong.

I had surgery that fixed the problem, and I am now recovering. I have gained 40 pounds, and am on my way to being a normal teen.

So my mom and I are going to tell you my story about how I got sick and how I have gotten well again.