FPM10 Patient Story 5

Patient Story 5

"It has been over six years since my final appointment with the pain service. Acute abdominal pain began on a school trip to Belgium, and suspected appendicitis meant an appendectomy.  A few weeks of what was originally believed to be post-operative pain turned into an 18-month battle with chronic abdominal pain. The pain service was formed by the only health professionals I encountered who had an appreciation of the effects of pain on sleep, exercise, friends and family, and mood.

I learnt how not to be afraid of the continuous pain I endured, which was potentially the biggest triumph. The pain team tailored management towards the lifestyle I hoped to regain, and presented information in a level of detail perfect for my age. The journey to recovery was a long one but the techniques and understanding I learnt have stayed with me.

Six years on, I am pain free and on the cusp of entering the medical profession myself. The pain service helped me through a difficult period where every day was a challenge. Children and their families who are referred to the Sheffield Children’s Hospital pain service are cared for by an incredibly effective team who provide a seamless continuity of care. Empathy shown by staff surpassed my expectations and gave me faith in their practice right from the start. I cannot thank the team enough for their support, guidance and knowledge.

This service is essential, providing people in need of somebody who understands, with a way forward, away from pain. My experience of chronic pain has been a constructive one, and not at all as I had envisaged before my referral to the pain service. I aspire to join this invaluable service, supporting children in years to come, as an anaesthetist who specialises in pain medicine."