Two years ago I had an operation that has left me in chronic pain. I tend to be a worrier. Now I'm worried that my worrying is what has kept me from getting better. Is this possible?

There's a known link between pain and worry -- even for people who don't worry normally. Studies don't support the idea that worrying prevents patients from healing or getting better. In fact, when compared with patients who have been diagnosed with mood disorders such as anxiety or depression, the chronic worrier comes out ahead.

The worrier's path takes a little different twist if he or she thinks that the only successful outcome is a cure for the pain. Seeing the problem to be solved by cure alone makes a person even more aware of the pain. When every effort to get "better" doesn’t bring about a chance in pain, then the patient becomes frustrated. Frustration can lead to negative thinking about oneself.

There is help available if you think your worrying is a problem. Behavioral counseling has helped many people rein in their worry habits. Even if it doesn't change your pain, your quality of life may be improved.