Home » Managing pain » Why managing pain is not always what it appears to be
Managing Pain Q3 2023

Why managing pain is not always what it appears to be

Cropped shot of an attractive young businesswoman sitting alone in her home office and feeling stressed while using her cellphone
Cropped shot of an attractive young businesswoman sitting alone in her home office and feeling stressed while using her cellphone
iStock / Getty Images Plus / 1188875297

Jess Potts

Chair, Pain UK CIO

    My immediate perception of pain was that it would be there for the short term, I would receive treatment and then have total relief. Unfortunately, this was not the case.

    At 23 years old, having lived with long-term pain for seven years, my hopes and dreams look very different. I had to change my expectations and work with what I had: severe fatigue, constant pain in my back and leg and restricted mobility. All of these caused new difficulties I never thought I would have to tackle at a young age. Everyday tasks became hurdles.

    Finding a place considerate of pain conditions

    I have always been ambitious; this has been a blessing and a curse. The biggest issue I faced was how to progress and move forward knowing that my body would always be trying to catch up with my mind. I needed to work remotely and for an organisation that would be considerate of my condition.

    I chose to join Pain UK CIO as a volunteer administrator to give to a cause I cared deeply about, and this is where it all started. Shortly after being in this role, the Board of Trustees elected me as a Trustee, and I became part of the team responsible for Pain UK CIO. Although it took more out of me, doing my degree, tutoring mathematics and being a trustee of a charity, it helped me to cope.

    There are days I work entirely from my bed,
    days I stay in bed with nothing more to give
    and better days where I ‘appear’ normal.

    Everyone experiences pain differently

    I knew that this awful experience of developing such a painful condition at this age, recovering from failed surgeries, programmes and procedures couldn’t all be for nothing. I grew more invested in the charity. Shortly after, I was voted into the Chair-Elect position with the plan to take over as the Chair in November 2022. As of writing, I have been in the Chair position for nine months, and it has truly been the most rewarding and challenging opportunity. There are days I work entirely from my bed, days I stay in bed with nothing more to give and better days where I ‘appear’ normal.

    Managing pain is a unique and personal experience — one which many, fortunately, never have to experience or understand. But, for those who have no choice, it can be incredibly difficult and life-changing to adapt to your new normal. To anyone living with pain: that pain is personal, and your path in life may look a little different from everyone else. Pain isn’t always what it ‘appears’ to be.

    Next article