The pain management program has given me back hope, confidence, and provided me with different alternatives to conserve and regain my energy, along with concrete ways to reduce chronic pain. It has empowered me to speak and advocate for myself. I have reclaimed my life by learning both basic and simple ways to perform daily tasks, allowing me to adapt to my new reality of living with chronic pain. The program has also enhanced my skills in organization, prioritization, delegation, adaptability, and re-organization, and deepened my understanding of the connection between chronic pain and our nervous system. I have received invaluable guidance from professionals and access to scientific resources. Now, I live with chronic pain with flexibility and creativity.

Volunteering as a guest speaker since 2022 has been incredibly rewarding. It keeps me aligned with my goals, refreshes my knowledge, and provides me with a continuous opportunity to learn from others. It motivates me to share what works best for me and offer support and encouragement. Volunteering allows me to give back and maybe inspire others to navigate their own journeys with chronic pain.

I went through the pain program in 2018 after several other less successful programs. This group has a much greater depth and length, involving many disciplines and approaches. I was able to develop strategies to identify, minimize, and more effectively manage my chronic pain. I continue to volunteer with the group now years later because I continue to learn from the other guests, no matter how many times I've heard them speak. I continue making my own progress and sharing the milestones that were achievable to me because of what I learned. Most importantly, I volunteer to pass on the successes I've had to other people on their own path through chronic pain.

Suffering with chronic pain for years, I was skeptical if the program could help me. I truly believed no one could understand how I felt or what I was going through. After I started the program, I realized there were many others going through the same thing I was going through, and some were in even worse shape than I was. I went into the program concluding that my pain would never completely go away so I was going to have to live with it. The program gave me the tools and options to manage my pain on a short- and long-term basis while allowing me to participate in normal everyday activities. In addition, I had resources and support beyond what was available through the regular channels. The program significantly improved my quality of life. I recommend anyone suffering with chronic pain should take this program.

I have been volunteering in the program for years because I believe it can help many people, just as it helped me. When I first joined, I felt alone. Volunteering allows me to share my experience with others, hoping they can see firsthand how the program can work for them.

The pain management program taught me a great deal about the concept of empowerment: it is not about what others can do for you, but what you can do for yourself. Simply pick a concept and give it a try, eventually, you will find the recipe that works for you. I like volunteering in the program because I still learn from the other guest speakers, even though it has been over 18 months since I attended the program myself! Their stories inspired me so much when I did the program, it pushed me to try a little more. So maybe now it is my turn to inspire and help others.

The Pain Management Program taught me about prioritizing myself and my absolute musts, not beating yourself up when you don’t accomplish or finish something and, most importantly, believing in yourself! You are important and your desires matter, even if they are accomplished in baby steps. Take one step at a time and celebrate the accomplishments as they happen, no matter how small. Be open with your family and friends about how you’re feeling, your wants/desires as well as your weaknesses and don’t be afraid to speak up when needed. Advocate for yourself as you know yourself best; don’t be afraid to stand up to professionals if you feel strongly about something.

I like volunteering as it gives me an opportunity to give back and, hopefully, inspire someone else just as I was inspired by the volunteers who spoke to my group. Volunteering makes me feel good and I always love listening to the other volunteers as they still inspire me.