What has been the biggest change for ... - Graduates of GGC PMP
What has been the biggest change for you since attending a Pain Management Programme? (Please select all that apply)
Please select all that apply:
I don't know how I would be managing my pain in the current situation if I hadn't completed the PMP when we did. Although that said it takes a lot some days to cope as the level of pain has increased over the last number of weeks, I know what to do and how best to manage it. Thanks again
That's great feedback @LesE62 thank you
Hi couldn't see where to select, but here goes. I completed the Pain Management Programme in February.
I think the biggest thing is learning to Pace, I am very much, if there is something needing done, just get it done, so pacing is very different for me and still being worked at. Thankfully I have an extremely supportive husband and i don't have to work, so if i have to take all day to dust the sitting room(2hr Job in the old days, after which I would be unable to do anything for a day or two) then so be it. Pacing goes hand in hand with making Smart Goals eg, just before "lockdown" I managed to visit my Mum who lives north of Inverness, I broke this down into bite-sized pieces, keeping my smart goal and pacing at the front of my mind; get from home to bus, 4hr bus journey, getting from Inverness to Mum's, what to do when get to Mum's, not to much planned for following day. . .Plan it out well in advance if possible.
The learning of Mindfulness, Meditation(guided or otherwise) and understanding how one's brain works regarding pain has probably had the biggest effect on me. I feel that keeping life as stress free as possible and practising mindfulness as much as possible has made me calmer, I feel I am less reactionary. I use guided meditation when feeling anxious or tense, i find this good to really relax. I have been struggling a bit with this, but am determined to build it into my daily routine. Same goes with the exercising, I have been doing the movements we learned, just not religiously.
I feel that meeting people in a similar situation to myself was in it's self supportive, just knowing that they understood chronic pain, fatigue; gave some comfort. I am extremely thankful that a couple of them have kept in touch with me.
The goals I set on the programme were to get more creative, thankfully I have been able to do this, to the extent that every window in my flat displays, rainbows, love hearts and a large "Fibromyalgia" purple light bulb, as well as keeping in contact with others; so I have given in and joined "Facebook". Social media has been wonderful for me, art, music, health and my people all in the one place, I love it, though I am easily distracted and end up on much longer than expected(i will work on pacing this).
Unfortunately I am still really struggling with communication, with family and friends. Although I believe I have been living with Fibromyalgia for quite a long time(other heath issues distracted diagnosis), I was only diagnosed at the end of 2018. I am still learning about this incredibly complex condition, as well as dealing with many symptoms on a daily basis(on top of other health issues). I have been able to tell those in my household, if too sore to complete tasks and I have been asking for assistance more; It's ok for now while my husband and daughter are working/studying from home, what's going to happen when life resumes(I'll have it nailed by then!).
I am so new at this whole digital world and to be truthful it terrifies me, I am extremely grateful for Healthunlocked, Pain Concern and GGC-PMP being a reputable resource for the likes of me.
I really don't know how I would have handled the current situation had I not completed the PMP, and I have and will continue to recommend it to anyone.
A big Thank You! to absolutely everyone involved; in putting the programme together, in making it available on NHS, in delivering it, in supplying hard copies for participants, to the receptionists who welcomed us warmly and the cleaners and servicemen who kept the place ship shape and safe for us to attend.
