"Being a patient at the Pain Clinic at the Prince of Wales Hospital"

At age 30 I had a partial knee replacement which left me with significant pain. Additionally, my surgeon also recommended the replacement of my left knee due to osteoarthritis. From age 30-50 I tried many different approaches to either trying to resolve or manage my pain, mostly to no avail. After a final attempt, resulting in an unsuccessful nerve ablation at age 48, I was referred by my specialist to the Prince of Wales pain management clinic, where I met my psychologist, Tony, and my physiotherapist, Skye. I was provided with a psychoeducation program which opened my eyes to many of the ways that I had not been managing my pain well, and at times worsening my pain. The also gave me ongoing individual sessions to deal with issues specific to my presentations. 

Despite my education as a psychologist, I had never been provided formal training in the managment of pain in my undergraduate degree, and nor had my treating doctors taken a psychological approach to the management of pain. At the pain clinic, I learned cognitive skills, along with changes in behaviour, which significantly improved my ability to cope with what I was living with. Prior to reaching the clinic, I had moments of feeling suicidal due to not coping with my pain, and not seeing a future without pain. In late 2023, I had a double knee replacement, and the year prior to this event was extremely well supported by the team at the clinic. I could not cope with pain medication after my surgery, and all those skills I learned, along with post-operative support kept me on an even keel. 

I can honestly say, that the appointments I have had with both Tony and Skye has been invaluable in my journey. I have had significant improvements in my pain, but despite that, I know I will live with some degree of pain. I have found hope for how to do that, and I have found ways to advocate for myself when I am faced with situations which go against what is best for me and managing my body.This experience has given me tools to communicate to familiy and friends what I need, and to feel confident about my decisions. I am so incredibly grateful for the opportunity to participate in this program. Pain is an isolating and lonely experience. This support has meant the world to me as I have faced one of the biggest journeys of my life. Thank you for reducing my isolation, encouraging me, assisting me to build skills and supporting me to live the best life that I can with what I have been given.