Kimberley's Story
Kimberley’s story
My name is Kimberley and I have been living with Chronic Pain for nearly 5 years. My experience of pain has changed my life forever, evidence indicates that I will have pain for life however I have learnt to accept this and move on. For many years I went through a lot of emotional and physical pain as I was locked into a system that did not believe me. My claims officer treated me as a fraud. I was scared. My whole life had been taken away from me, I had continual pain that was increasing and spreading to different parts of my body, nobody could help me and they didn't have any answers as to why my pain was becoming worse.
I was 19 at the time of my motor vehicle accident and felt that my life had only just begun, I had started my first full-time job, was completing a Bachelor of Business degree part-time and was enjoying life to the fullest as all 19 year olds do, until that day it all happened so quickly, however this one simple event changed my life forever. I was looking forward to a bright and happy future, this suddenly changed.
I initially thought I would be okay and that in a few days I would be back to normal activity, 12 months later I was worse, my pain had increased and spread to different parts of my body and was continuing to do so, none of the doctors I had seen could do anything for me to take my pain away. I had been having physiotherapy 3 times per week for the past twelve months, however this treatment hadn't made my pain any better, in actual fact the pain had increased, physiotherapy only helped me short term not long term. Basically it was used as a coping strategy.
I was scared, I didn't understand what was going on, however I continued to have physiotherapy treatment and see a number of doctors to see if they could offer me any help. 18 months later I was still receiving the same treatment with no results. The insurer discontinued physiotherapy without any explanation, it was cut off and no replacement or offer of help was made. My physiotherapist indicated I may need to see a psychologist, I wasn't "mad", I didn't feel that I was any different it was just the pain that was the problem. Around this time I was referred to an orthopedic surgeon as the pain was progressing down my leg and also to a psychologist. Both these medical professionals advocated for me to take a number of medications, which I had previously been against, as I somehow believed I could pull through this without the medication. At this point in time I felt I didn't have a choice, nothing was working, so I started to take medication. After a number of months due to the medication my mind became fuzzy, all I wanted to do was sleep - I couldn't get out of bed, and although I was taking an anti-depressant I became more depressed. Nobody had any answers for me. A rehabilitation company became involved however they couldn't tell me why my experience of pain was so bad.
During this period of time I became even more frightened, my whole future was slipping away fro me, I had no hope - I saw myself as an old woman at 21 years old. I was losing everything in my life - I couldn't socialise any more because I was in too much pain, my relationship with my boyfriend was quickly deteriorating and my family did not know what to do or how to help me and to add to this it was indicated to me that I may never have children because of pain. To add to this distress I had a claims officer who would verbally abuse me when I phoned them to try to get assistance. All I ever wanted was for the pain to go away and them to help me find a solution, however this did not happen, they only made the problem worse.
With increasing pain, no diagnosis from the numerous specialists I had seen, deteriorating life and an insurance company who did not want to know me I was a complete mess, everything that defined me as a person was being eroded and I did not know how to manage pain. Until one day I received a phone call from a lady named Coralie Wales from The Chronic Pain Group. I had no idea who she was, all I knew was that the insurance company had referred me to her to try and help me. Although I was a little bit suspicious and doubted that she would be able to help, I made an appointment to see her as all I wanted was a solution and this may be an opportunity to gain this information. At this point in time I was willing to try anything - I just wanted answers.
I met Coralie Wales for an initial assessment and continued to work with The Chronic Pain Group for the period of my rehabilitation plan. I was given reasons why I had pain backed up with scientific evidence - both Coralie and Lorimer explained to me the process of nervous system sensitisation, and I even went to the library at the University of Newcastle to gain more information about Chronic Pain. Although this was a very difficult topic to understand, as it was cutting edge science, for the first time since the accident someone could give me a reason for pain and took the time to help me understand this science.
I was taught to manage pain using the biopsychosocial model of pain management. These strategies involved exercises (motor control strategies), and a slow increase in physical activity, pacing to reduce flare-ups and planning strategies. This model also makes use of cognitive behavioural pain management through a psychologist. This treatment was of major benefit to me as it taught me to reframe my thoughts and to look at my situation in a different light.
I have now had pain for almost 5 years and have been managing pain successfully for two years. I thank The Chronic Pain Group for all their assistance to teach me the strategies so I have been able to learn to manage pain. This experience of pain has changed my life forever, I have learnt a lot about long term pain and the neurophysiology behind it, I have discovered the body is an amazing thing and is capable of more than I ever imagined.
For three and a half years I was not physically capable of doing anything - for example: socialising, housework, exercise, sport.
Today although I still have pain, I go to the gym 5 days a week, work full time, socialise and have learnt to effectively manage pain. My life is again what may be considered as "normal" which is what all people in pain want.