"Pain Management at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, Gobowen, Oswestry"

I have for several years now suffered from back pain that has made it very difficult for me to work and to have an enjoyable social life. Much of this pain was due to nerve damage and muscle spasms associated with scoliosis which I have had since infanthood. It has recently been found that a lot of pain is also due to a serious problem for which I will be having surgery soon, but I would like to give a special thanks to the Pain Management Clinic at Gobowen for all of their help in the past few years.

The Pain Management treatment that I was given at this hospital has been simply wonderful. My consultant, Dr Gaspar, was unfailingly kind and would take the time to listen to my concerns. His administration of trigger point injections gave me a great deal of pain relief. In addition, I was given the opportunity to take a three week inpatient group Functional Restoration Course, which was invaluable in helping me to cope better with my pain in practical ways and to help me feel more positive. Every one of the physios and occupational therapists who helped us on this course were friendly, kind, and professional - you really felt that they cared. Anyone who is lucky enough to be offered a place on the course should grab the opportunity with both hands and learn as much as they can, because it is something that can change your life if you let it.

Since taking part on this course I have learned to ride a bike (something I hadn't even tried until the course!) and now it is one of the main ways that I keep fit - I cycle every few days. I also go hillwalking and have taken up geocaching (treasure hunting with a GPS receiver) which gets me out walking as much as possible. I feel that I owe it to all of the wonderful staff at the clinic to help myself stay in as good shape as possible to keep my pain at bay.

Sincere thanks go to them all.