I originally trained as a nurse and worked in a busy A&E unit in London. After seven years nursing, I moved into pharmaceutical sales. This led me to set up my own company, managing experienced sales teams for specialised hospital projects throughout the UK.
Despite a demanding working week and a busy family life with three children, life was good.
A two-week episode of severe back pain resulted in emergency surgery and literally knocked me off my feet.
I was left with damaged nerves in my legs and subsequently spent months in hospitals, spinal rehabilitation centres and did years of physiotherapy. This helped with the physical damage from surgery, but I was still reliant on large doses of controlled drugs, epidurals and spinal nerve blocks to get me through each day. I was in constant pain and couldn’t even get out of bed.
I was desperate for answers, but there were none to be found – just treatments and medication. In the end, it was my own research and the help of a great GP that led me on a path away from pain.
It took 16 years after my surgery to walk again and understand how to manage my pain. I was able to rejoin my life, be fully present in my relationships and even start a new career. Today I no longer need medication or interventions to control my pain.
I qualified as a certified Functional Medicine Health Coach by completing a professional course with the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy. It’s affiliated with the Institute for Functional Medicine, a world-renowned centre for training, clinical practice and research for doctors, nutritionists and health coaches. My learning and lived experience gives me the skills and empathy to help you understand and manage your pain effectively, so that you’re not just existing, but beginning to really live your life.
If you would like to begin your own journey towards effectively managing your pain, please contact me for a free 20-minute consultation.