New Coping Mechanisms & Skills

If a consultant told you to go on a Pain Management Programme I’m guessing your first thoughts would be “not sure this is for me” or “I’ve heard mixed reports about them” or “what am I going to get out of it” and to be honest those things went through my head too. I have a fabulous Pain Consultant;  the dashing Mr Huntley, and he talked me through what to expect and that he thought because of my positive outlook I would benefit from the course. So I went on the waiting list for a programme close through home that isn’t residential.

I’ve just finished Week 1 of 4. Thankfully it’s 2 days a week and run by a team specialising in chronic pain. Sitting in the room at our local YMCA I was apprehensive for a number of reasons including would I be able to sit from 9.30 - 4.30 and was I going to be expected to do exercises that would hurt, put me into flare or pop a joint. My fears and apprehensions were unfounded. The group is made up of 9 people all suffering with long term pain conditions. We all introduced ourselves and gave a brief background to our pain history. It was so refreshing to be in a room of people where everyone understands and “gets you”. The pain team are very understanding and know how hard living with long term chronic pain is. They are genuinely there to help us get our heads round our own situations and adapt effective coping mechanisms so we don’t have to rely so heavily on opioid based medications, which, lets face it are bloody awful drugs with horrendous side effects.

The first 2 days have been exhausting and on day one my eye lids were heavy as the freight train that brings relentless fatigue hits me. Theory based information talks are interspersed with practical activities to keep our stiff bodies moving and a little bit of team building to build up trust and friendships within the group. I can honestly say that I’ve met some amazing people this week and I know we’ll keep in contact after the course. The funny thing about living with a long term condition that’s invisible and has chronic pain at the core is that you learn what and who are important to you. You meet people who truly understand what you’re going through and how you feel. Others fall by the wayside, you learn who are your true friends. I have always believed that people come into your life for a reason and leave for a reason or when their purpose has been fulfilled (a bit like Nanny McPhee) There are fair weather friends and friends for all seasons. It’s the friends for all seasons that are important and will pick you up when you fall. Laugh with you, cry with you and see the pain behind your eyes and the “I’m fine”

I’ll be going into week 2 with an open mind and looking forward to learning new coping mechanisms. For anyone that’s offered a pain management programme don’t poo poo it and think you’re being fobbed off. Go in with an open mind, you might be pleasantly surprised and if nothing else you will meet people who truly understand what you’re going through and how you feel .