Pain Association Scotland

Wyva

Wyva

Senior Member (Voting Rights)
Do you know this charity? I just came across this article that talks about how beneficial they are to people with chronic pain and someone with ME/CFS was also included:

“I had gone from being very fit and active to some days barely being able to get out of bed.

“I’d resigned myself to the fact I was going to be in a difficult space for the rest of my life. I was never going to be the person I wanted to be.”

Pain Association offers support sessions, to create practical, positive change, leading to improved wellbeing.


Each group practices techniques such as deep breathing, relaxation, and gentle movement for mobility. Attendees meet people in a similar situation, who understand and empathise with problems and concerns about chronic pain.

‘I felt isolated’
Marlene, from Dysart, continues: “I felt isolated and alone until finding the Pain Association.

“I met other people in a similar situation and found practical advice and was listened to. That really started to make a difference in my life.

“Last year I even started working in a café in Aberdour. I’ve been there for three months. I’m on my feet most of the day, it’s a fast pace and my body loves it.

“I never thought I’d be in a position to do that. I have learned to listen to my body.

“Pain Association has been so vital. They don’t just give information they teach you how to listen to your body.

“Sitting in the comfort of your own home online listening and learning from someone has been an incredible opportunity and made a huge difference in my life.”

‘I feel part of a positive community’
Marlene wants to spread the word about the transformational effect the charity’s coaching and peer support can have.

She says: “Knowing I wasn’t alone was the biggest thing for me. It took a weight off my shoulders. There were people who knew what I was going through and how to fix it.
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I have found their website and here is the "What we deliver" section in PDF.

Excerpts:

Self-management is not a cure. However, it can make a big difference. Benefits vary from person to person. They also vary according to the extent to which people engage with the group. Over the years the benefits people have told us about include:

Improved sleep
Feel supported
Less isolated
Improved relationship with medication
Being able to cope better
A growing sense of being in control rather than having pain influencing what they can and can’t do.
Better able to adjust the pace of their work and activities to avoid over doing things (having flare-ups).
Reducing stress levels and better able to relax.
Getting back to work / staying at work.
Improved relationships with friends and family.
Improved self-esteem and confidence.
Fewer flare-ups that pass quicker.

(...)

UNDERSTANDING YOUR CONDITION You can play a key role in managing your health and wellbeing. It is important to get the facts about your condition and know what your pain means. Unhelpful beliefs about health can trap people.

PACING This means working within your limits and not using pain as your only guide. Understanding the boom- bust cycle and the idea of having choice are vital. ‘Pacing’ gets the most 'yes buts'; but it’s one of the most important concepts in pain management.

BASELINES Use objective measures like time/distance/amount, for key activities like standing, sitting, walking and housework. The aim is to create consistency, reduce fear, and improve function by reliably working within limits. It can be summarised as ‘do less more often’.

ACTIVITY Finding suitable ways to be more active is very important. Try walking, swimming or whatever else works for you; use baselines as a starting point and build up gently.

It’s good to be clear and talk about how you think and feel. Try to be more open and give yourself permission to say: “No thanks” and “Yes Please”. Being over focused on health causes problems.

REALISTIC AND PRACTICAL It is helpful to focus on what you can do, rather than what you can't. Adapting in this way, helps you to feel positive and more in control of your life. This is a helpful route towards a better relationship with both yourself and your situation.
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