"Treatment at the pain clinic"

As a result of a life-threatening incident 3 years ago, I became disabled. I broke a lot of bones and required multiple surgeries, lots of pain relief and was initially in a wheelchair. Now I am further on in my physical recovery and am able to walk, my mobility is restricted. I now have chronic pain and discomfort as a result. I also have some very strong emotional associations that get triggered when I feel the physical pain which causes me distress. 

Thankfully I was referred to the pain clinic at the New Victoria Hospital (back in the earlier stages of recovery when I was still using a crutch and on a large amount and dose of painkillers). I had the pleasure of being a patient to a very kind, compassionate, empathetic and understanding doctor who genuinely wanted to help me. The pain clinic is only short-term and appointments are quite spaced out, usually a few months in between. 

Dr. Crockett was very proactive and really took the time to listen to me patiently and actually come up with a plan of treatment best suited to me at the time. Due to the severe emotional trauma associated with my pain he made a great decision to refer me to one of his colleagues who is a pain psychologist (Dr.Craig).

I cannot emphasise enough how grateful I am to these two wonderful doctors who treated me with the utmost dignity and respect when I felt no one else did. I felt there was a trusting relationship. 

At pain psychology I had six sessions of Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT) with Dr.Craig which was really helpful. I think it would be great to have a follow up possibly after a year since discharge just to feel there is a plan in place to reflect and go forward. 

I would like to point out to anyone who is thinking of attending the pain clinic that it is a great opportunity to learn and then become empowered in how you manage symptoms.