CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

My life of pain

I have grown up with constant pain for most of my life. I remember while I was very young that I would wake up screaming with pain in my feet and legs. In those days, they called it growing pains. Of course, this was not the case. When I was getting my periods the pain would have me doubled over my desk in school. Every month this would happen and I would be sent home and stay there until my period ended. I had several d an c's but it would still happen. I got pregnant when I was 21 and almost lost the baby at 5 months, so it was rest and not do anything. I had to be so careful. I then got pregnant again and again only to have miscarriages five times. The next time I got pregnant, I was given hormone shots and carried the baby to full term. I then got pregnant again and carried the baby to full term since it was so close to the previous pregnancy that I carried the baby to full term. I would still have unbelievable cramping during my period. After my third pregnancy, I had a hysteroscopy. My periods would last almost go for a month and only five days without bleeding. I would suffer from fatigue most of my adult life. I ended up being a single parent with three children. I had to work and I would go to work even when I was in pain and with fatigue. I would go into the break room and lie down and sleep for my coffee and lunch breaks. I finally found a doctor who gave me a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis and type 2 diabetes. I ended up going on long term disability from work and had to apply for CPP disability as work required this. I am now 72 years of age and still dealing with my problems. I have also dealt with depression and anxiety throughout my life. I am now a facilitator for Pain BC. I have so much knowledge of how to deal with my problems that I now help others with their problems. This is me in a nutshell. I could write a book on my journey but it is still ongoing.

Thank you for your interest in this consultation with the Canadian Pain Task Force towards an improved approach to better understand, prevent, and manage pain in Canada. 

The online consultation is now closed, and written submissions are no longer being accepted. 

Feedback provided from the consultation will inform a report identifying best and leading practices, potential areas for improvement, and elements of an improved approach to pain management in fall 2020. 

For more information on the Task Force, please visit the following link: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/corporate/about-health-canada/public-engagement/external-advisory-bodies/canadian-pain-task-force.html  

Keep in touch with us via email at CPTF cptfsecretariatsecretariatgtcsld@canada.ca 

Sincerely, 

Canadian Pain Task Force