"Brilliant team supporting patients who have chronic pain"

In the early eighties, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, my story is about the effects of treatment and my journey.

I can safely say that there is not a system in my body that hasn't been damaged by the radiation treatment and the chemotherapy. I feel there is no true joined up thinking when it comes to dealing with me. I am seen as complex and these days you are seen by a specialist in whatever area when something goes wrong. I feel waiting lists are pathetic, but once I was seen things may happen!

This experience with the Northern Trust has been one of the best. The team who work to support patients who have chronic pain are just brilliant. I have learned a lot and have been able to make a number of changes to my lifestyle to help myself. In my opinion GP services are too quick to up the dosage of medication as they are not equipped with the knowledge to deal with people like me.

I am now able to drop the number of painkillers and medications to treat neurological damage and I feel so much better for it. I have changed how I manage the pain by listening to my body, resting and mindfulness. A bit of everything. The exercises are important too. I am hoping that I have the confidence to keep this going without their support. Sadly I am someone who does much better with someone watching me or in a group setting. 

I would most definitely recommend this to anyone out there who really wants to make changes. I don't want to get addicted to medication. There are some which I know I have to take for the rest of my life and I really don't wish to have anymore which are a permanent fixture.

I know that because of my treatment and the aging process I will have other issues, so I am trying to do the best I can for as long as I can. With this teams help I feel that I can give it a good try.