Introduction

“I have been suffering from chronic pain since 2014. I had an operation on my back about ten years ago, as I had benign tumours on my hips and neck. Five years ago, I had a spinal leakage, and then had sepsis and meningitis and was in and out of hospital many times. I was in chronic pain all throughout my illness, which includes fibromyalgia, and was on constant painkillers. For almost three years I was taking high dose opioids.

It feels like I actually lost three years of my life as I was spending up to 19 hours a day in bed. I lost interest in everything and just couldn’t do anything. I was in constant pain, even with the pain medicines, and I wasn’t able to go out.

I was referred to the Pain Team and they greatly helped me to manage and reduce my medication. I feel now that I am getting part of my life back. I am still in pain, but I was also in pain when I was on the high doses of opioids. If I have a bad day now, I will rest but when I feel a bit better, I try to get dressed and go out.

I take pride in my appearance again. I now feel better in myself as I was very low in spirit, when I was very ill and on the maximum pain medicines. I feel as though I am part of my old self again and look forward to making things better.

I am still not free from chronic pain, but I feel very grateful for the help of the doctor and Pain Team to help me feel as well as I can possibly be. It took a lot of determination to reach this point, but I feel a lot better now that I have reduced my medication. I am less tired and have more energy. I feel like a new person now.”