Sally is a volunteer with the Australian Pain Management Association, and is one of our Australian-online Support Group facilitators. Her passion for those within the persistent pain community drives her to help many.

She has shared her personal story in the hope that other’s feel less alone with their struggles. APMA is grateful for her contributions and dedication.

People project their need for control in the form of problem solving. So how do we explain that our chronic conditions and persistent pain ARE NOT a problem that needs to be solved by those we know?

Medication is an essential part of many persistent pain sufferer’s toolkit - but this does not mean they should be judged as a drug dealer.

J.S. sheds light onto the harsh reality of the Government’s war on opioids. Medicinal cannabis is not the solution as a replacement, it is not a ‘one size fits all.’ Having developed numerous chronic conditions following a traumatic car accident, he was robbed of his way of life by a drunk driver.

This story may contain triggers for some as it mentions suicide. If you or anyone you know is at risk, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 for more support.

Daniel Scali will be attempting to break the current Guinness World Record of most push ups completed in an hour, after breaking the world’s longest plank record in 2021. This is made more amazing with the knowledge that Scali has Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in his left arm.

He is currently raising money for this challenge, with the proceeds to go towards The Australian Pain Management Association. We thank him for his advocacy and support.

Chris sheds light on what it means to have chronic pain within the country. Rural regions are often facing limitations when it comes to healthcare, and working a trade can have a long-lasting impact.

Let’s take a moment back in time to learn about Cheron Wicker, and how a searing pain in her finger lead to an overwhelming sense of despair.

Trigger warning: This article mentions possible self-harm.

This week we bring you an important topic, thanks to the insight of one of our members and volunteers, Kevin. As a chronic pain sufferer, the worst thing one can hear is, “The pain is all in your head,” or even “…your injury has healed,” expecting of course, that the pain too has also healed.

Laura bravely shares her journey. From surviving a housefire to juggling Fibromyalgia with a newborn - her strength of character serves as in inspiration to us all!

Joanne’s story is one of incredible resilience: No one ought to suffer long term consequences from a surgeon’s mistake. She raises a very valid point in relation to medication – often it is absolutely necessary to continue with day to day activities.

Kevin waited eight years within the public system before attending his first pain clinic in 2017. Given the recent conversations we as a community have been sharing, he finds other member’s experiences in many ways mimic that of his own, and many other chronic pain patients he speaks with online. The following comments have been provided from these conversations he has shared.

Anne bravely shares her experiences amid the opioid crisis, and how opioid prescriptions negatively impacted her health and well-being.

Hayley is one of our Victorian-based members whose daily pain is impacting her ability to do life. Though she does not want to live on medication, she recognizes the fact that it would be nice to be able to access this as needed.

Louise is a healthcare professional who is also struggling within the system.

“I need to see changes in the Australian healthcare system – we all do. I am losing faith…”

Kim offers up wisdom through lived experience for dealing with chronic pain. With legislation changes regarding medication, finding a caring team of healthcare providers has never been more important.

After falling two meters whilst perfecting a pyramid trick, Susie landed with a bit more than a common injury. Not many people can say they ever trained for the Commonwealth Games, but for this former circus performer it was just another day in the life.

After being electrocuted in a swimming pool twenty-two years ago, graphic artist Kim Sullivan initially struggled with crippling headaches, inflammation, chronic back and neck pain, and debilitating attacks of shingles.

“From the people at APMA to other chronically ill people, even some of the great doctors who are now on my team. I am so glad to know them all.”

“I’ve found a lot of professionals who do believe me, whom I rely on to actively to help me manage my symptoms and conditions. I also have an incredible group of friends who I can turn to, and it truly makes the biggest difference.” Jess bravely shares her story, offering advice to those in similar situations.

Finding a new normal is so important - and Nadine absolutely hits the nail on the head with how she shares her insight. This is not a story you want to miss!

Jeanene Stirrup is one of our Australian Pain Management Association members. Though she suffers from chronic pain conditions she continues to move forward in life with a spirit of unwavering strength, serving as an inspiration to us all.