FPM10 Patient Story 5

During our 10th anniversary in 2017 we collected some patient stories that demonstrate both the experience of living with chronic pain and the many benefits of chronic pain services

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.

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."

This service is essential, providing people in need of somebody who understands, with a way forward, away from pain.