Episode #11
Chronic Pain, Dismissal and the Path to Recovery with Virginia McIntyre
“I’d rather sit with a Doctor who says “I don’t know what’s going on” than not to believe me and say that I was trying to avoid work or I was making it up.” In this episode of The Conditions for Recovery Podcast globally recognised patient advocate and educator Virginia McIntyre shares her story of being dismissed with accusations of over reaction and just not wanting to work to an “awesome life” full of purpose, participation and community. Virginia was a high functioning, career focussed Super Mum who ran marathons and had an active social life until a workplace injury and subsequent surgery led to years of chronic pain which stopped her in her tracks. She endured many disappointing, dismissive interactions with healthcare professionals who wouldn't listen to what she was saying about her pain and trust her story. She began to see positive improvement once she started to work with people who specialised in persistent pain. She is now President and Executive Director of the People In Pain Network, Chair of the Canadian Pain Society People with Lived Experience Committee, Co-host of The Action on Pain Podcast and member of the Pain Canada National Advisory Committee. She’s also enjoying being a grandmother and back to running just not quite as far. Her journey with pain is one which many will relate to and her insights into how she has been able to rebuild her life are invaluable. In this episode: Your Pain is Real: The power of being genuinely believed by healthcare Losing Trust in Healthcare Professionals: Being trapped in the wilderness of dismissal Improving Early Access to Specialist Services: Before people spiral into loss of hope, identity, and relationships The Need for Better Pain Education for Healthcare Professionals The Role of Purpose and Participation in Recovery The Benefit of Community Support: Often dismissed as sh*t life syndrome competitions but can be the missing piece Recognising your Agency in your Own Health Journey: When there is no simple, medical solution, then what? Drowning Out the Noise of Unhelpful Communities: Not all support groups are created equal Being Open to Opportunities: Trying something that might be helpful does not commit you for life Individualised Care: Pain is complex and individual and the approaches we take need to mirror that Rebuilding Identity and Self Worth After a Chronic Pain Diagnosis Connect with Virginia: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/virginia-mcintyre-8867a247/ Action On Pain Podcast available on all major platforms People In Pain Network: www.pipain.com Connect with the Show: Links: www.paincoaching.co.uk/links Follow: @SpecialistPainPhysio BOOK YOUR FREE 30-MIN CONSULTATION WITH GEORGE: https://www.paincoaching.co.uk/consultation Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult your qualified healthcare professional or personal clinician before making any decisions about your medication, treatment or approach to your health.
