Painless?

July 15th, 2023| Topic: RaMbLeS | 0

Jo Cameron is a 74-year-old mother of two from Scotland. She is only one of two known people in the world who carry a unique gene. And what does that do? She feels no anxiety, fear, or pain! Congenital analgesia, it is called!

Read all about it in “Microdeletion in a FAAH Pseudogene Identified in a Patient with High Anandamide Concentrations and Pain Insensitivity,” published a few years ago by researchers from University College London in the British Journal of Anesthesia.

Reported senior author Prof James Cox:

We reported a new pain insensitivity disorder after studying a female patient who, in addition to being pain insensitive, also presented with additional clinical symptoms including a happy, non-anxious disposition, fast wound-healing, reduced stress and fear symptoms, mild memory deficits.”

Living in Whitebridge, near Inverness, with her husband Jim, the 74-year-old only discovered her uniqueness a decade ago. Following surgeries on her hip and hand, her doctors noted her absence of pain, an unusual response to such procedures. Despite being diagnosed with severe joint degeneration in her hip, Cameron experienced no pain.

I was aware that I was a happy-go-lucky person, but I didn’t realize I was different. I thought it was just me. I didn’t know anything strange was going on until I was 65.”

Recent work published recently in Brain from the same group has fine-tuned our understanding of Ms. Cameron’s condition: in “Molecular Basis of FAAH-OUT-Associated Human Pain Insensitivity.”

Said Prof. James Cox:

The initial discovery of the genetic root of Jo Cameron’s unique phenotype was a eureka moment and hugely exciting, but these current findings are where things really start to get interesting. By understanding precisely what is happening at a molecular level, we can start to understand the biology involved and that opens up possibilities for drug discovery that could one day have far-reaching positive impacts for patients.”

The medical condition, congenital analgesia, can be dangerous because pain serves as a warning signal. However, doctors speculate that Cameron might heal more rapidly than the average person. Her unique gene combination also makes her less anxious and somewhat forgetful.

Pain is, after all, a warning sign that something is wrong.

Cameron:

“You should have that warning; it’s part of being human, but I wouldn’t change it.

I suppose it is great to live without pain!

Well, we can, if we live with God:

Their pains will increase—those who espouse another [deity].
I shall not pour out their libations of blood,
and I will not take up their [deities’] names on my lips.
Yahweh is the portion of my share and my cup—
You, the One who holds on to my lot.
The boundary lines have fallen to me in pleasant [places];
yes, the inheritance is beautiful for me.
I have set Yahweh before me continually;
because [He is] at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is joyous and my inner being jubilates;
yes, my flesh will abide in safety.
For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol;
You will not let Your devout one to see the grave.
You will make known to me the path of life;
fullness of joy [is with] Your presence;
pleasures in Your right hand perpetually.
Psalm 16:4–6, 8–11

Many are the pains of the wicked,
but he who trusts in Yahweh, lovingkindness shall surround him.
Be joyful in Yahweh and jubilate, righteous ones;
and shout for joy, all [who are] upright of heart.
Psalm 32:10–11

SOURCES: Study Finds; British Journal of Anesthesia; Brain