For those of you who are suffering with pain I cannot recommend this service highly enough. I have been suffering with chronic chest pain for almost two years, it has been a very difficult and challenging time and the effects of the pain and various pain relief medications greatly impacted my physical and mental health. My GP and surgery were highly supportive but it was not until I was referred to the Pain Service and started talking with the staff that I started to feel more informed and aware of the underlying causes and ‘triggers’ such as poor sleep, anxiety and stress that exacerbated my chest pain. Following conversations with the specialists I now know how to best manage my pain and have created practical coping strategies for both day-to-day living and during ‘flare-ups’. 

Talking about the effects of pain and being informed has made all the difference. My pain has not entirely gone away but understanding it and knowing that I can manage it has really helped my anxiety and wellbeing, I feel more positive and more in control. I am most grateful to all the staff at the Pain Service for their kindness and support and for enabling me to better manage my pain and for helping me to move forward. 

I would also like to thank them for their ongoing support during the difficulties of the current Covd-19 crisis, it is most commendable and deeply appreciated.