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Encouraging Self Management
(Written by me, the founder of PainTrain) That’s easier said than done. When I first had my accident in 2007 and literally landed in chronic pain, the last thing I expected to hear at any appointment was that I had to manage and coordinate my own treatment. It was confusing when I was asked what treatment I thought would be best for me to try next – wasn’t the professional meant to guide me? But a decade later I now finally realise that I was driving my pain management and it was in fact my direction and feedback – [...]
ADF campaign: Losing Yourself in Pain Medication
The Alcohol & Drug Foundation (ADF) has been working to enhance awareness about the way Australians consume pain killers. My understanding of the campaign is that the ADF in no way suggests pain killers are not necessary - many Australians require their medication to manage their health issues - but patients should investigate other options and be informed about the effects of taking these medications long-term. They should not be recommended as a first resort. Within a few months of taking chronic pain medications, I realised it was not a long term plan for me and was thank full to be [...]
Mamamia: My experience with medication
Soula became dependent. "I shrunk as a person. The medication fogged my mind. I couldn't cross the road. I had to activate spell check on my phone. I didn't have the ability to think properly any more," she said.
I Got Paid
Have you all been holding your breath as I have the last couple of months? Well, you can breath out and feel happy for me – I got paid! The financial ease is beyond documentation even though it falls far short of what I’m due (a most usual scenario with injured workers). The fear and doubt that the compensation won’t continue will be ever-present. Being treated repulsively for years can never been forgotten – it’s a kind of irreversible trauma. I will forever doubt these monsters. Trust was never incorporated into this relationship. So am I settled, is it [...]
What it means to be believed
It means I rose above the monsters and didn't let them defeat me. They didn't get to keep something that belonged to me. Sadly they did destroy Theo's and my most valuable belonging - our home. I'll be adding to this post as the insurer responds to the Medical Panel Opinion which finally arrived and states:
Only because of their stupidity…
How can there be no simpler way to support an injured worker while they are attempting to return to work? It's disgraceful that any professional could see this process as an acceptable method for help. Of course I'm left to wonder if they're stupidity is indeed blinding them as Franz Kafka suggests.