But chronic pain is persistent discomfort Often porphyria pain is difficult to ease and often has no obvious cause. Porphyria researcher are still today unsure of the cause of the abdominal pain associated with the acute hepatic porphyrias. It is known that chronic pain exacts a high toll on the individual patient. In addition it also places a toll on the patient's family, friends and on the health care system. It also plays a role in the patient's workplace and their productivity.
Chronic pain associated with porphyria is very limiting.
Such pain limits functioning in everyday activities, which leads to loss of conditioning and other changes. Often porphyrics with constant pain face depression. As pain continues endlessly it produces discouragement and frustration. Such discouragement or frustration will aggravate the pain. This is a vicious cycle.