Remaining Motivated Despite the Pain
”I feel that I am on my own to manage this incurable, lifelong diagnosis but it can be a constant struggle. That’s why I became involved with AMPA, to be able to help others suffering with pain.”
It has been a little over a decade since I first began to notice the abdominal pain I experienced was having a severe impact on my life. Having recently graduated from university, I was excited at the prospect of enjoying a happy and productive working life. As the pain began to impact my activities I began the process of testing through my local GP, in an attempt to diagnose the cause of my pain and fatigue. I was referred to urologists and gastroenterologists; I had ultrasounds, CT scans, colonoscopies, endoscopies, a laparoscopy and a cystoscopy, yet nothing could be found to explain the pain.
It is challenging to stay motivated when you are in pain and fatigued and depression can take hold leading you to feel hopelessness, lacking motivation.
In early 2018, I was referred to a rheumatologist who diagnosed fibromyalgia. I was then directed back to my local GP to explore medication options. My experience of doctors has not been entirely positive, and I do think medical ‘gas-lighting’ is an issue. I also believe the lack of information available is unhelpful.
However, I did attend a chronic pain clinic and it was fantastic! The clinic gave me the tools I needed to explore and manage the physical, emotional and medical impacts of my diagnosis. Unfortunately the demand for these services is high, so eventually my time with them came to an end.
I feel I am on my own to manage this incurable and lifelong diagnosis. While I try to implement what I have been taught, it remains a constant struggle. It is for this reason that became involved with AMPA, but also to help others who are also suffering with pain. I am hoping this group will reinforce the knowledge that I am not alone, that I do have support.
I hope sharing my story helps.
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APMA does not offer medical advice through the blog entries. Please speak to your healthcare professional for any information surrounding a condition and/or medication