Patient testimonial: Michael G.

On October 5, 2007 I sustained a back injury at my construction job.  After that I had a steroid injection and 36 sessions of physical therapy, yet I didn’t progress.  I was prescribed pain meds, but the few times I took them they didn’t really help.  At first, after an injury, there’s so much uncertainty and so many negative changes in your life (e.g. being unemployed, not socializing as much).  By March 2008 I had had numerous doctor appointments, and they finally offered surgery.  However, I wasn’t interested in surgery, so my surgeon referred me to UBC.

Once I was referred to UBC I thought to myself, “Only certain movements are painful, so do I really need a pain management program?”  The irony is that a while ago I was working on a house five blocks from UBC-Redmond.  I would drive past the clinic each day, and I’d say to myself, “What’s that?  A pain clinic?  Who ends up there?  I hope that’s never me.”

My personal goal was medical stability and possible retraining for work.  I’ve been in treatment for 28 days.  Since the first day I felt more confident and learned more about my injury and body mechanics.  The staff is awesome – they care and want you to get better.  I was impressed with the compassion they showed.  Drs. Welch, Sinclair, and Harris were a big help. 

The hardest part about the injury was having to quit lacrosse, golf, and wake-boarding.  I might never be able to go back to all the sports that I love.  I wonder if I will be able to snowboard again. 

Back in April I felt OK, so I went to San Juan Island and golfed.  I swung with all my might, played 18 holes, and, unfortunately, I over-exerted myself.  Later, I talked to Dr. Welch about it.  He not only recommended that I modify my swing, and incorporate stretching into my pre-golf routine, but he actually got up from his chair and demonstrated a swing technique that won’t irritate my back. 

Early in physical therapy treatment, I was afraid of hurting myself further.  My resting heart rate was 90 on my first day at UBC.  Now, I have 7.1 on the fitness test.  I’m faster, stronger, and have more endurance.  I sleep better and am conscious of what I eat.  Biofeedback helped me to be able to take pressure off my back, and I practice that technique frequently.  For me, neither the OT nor the relaxation classes were useful; however, pool therapy was great – what a fun way to exercise.  Stretching is key, I learned that at UBC.  That, and exercise.  Walking is my relaxation.

When you don’t have a reason to get up in the morning, it’s difficult to motivate yourself.  But coming to UBC and being with like-minded people was good.  In my group the people were positive, encouraging, and motivated.  WP [fellow client] has been a big help to me.  We encourage each other during our workouts and then we go out to lunch.  I hope to continue a friendship with him after this program is over.  It’s exciting to be graduating, but I have mixed emotions about leaving. 

After the injury I was devastated; however, I believe things happen for a reason.  I’m optimistic about my future.  I’m definitely ready.  But which direction for my two passions?  Sports and construction or architecture?  Suzanne helped me to figure out my vocational options.  My goal is to go back to school.  Renton or Lake Washington Technical.  Possibly architecture, to be on the other side of things.  Addiction counseling or civil surveying are other possibilities.

Twelve years ago I purchased, a lifetime membership to Bally’s, which I had forgotten.  UBC has reminded me that I’ve got to keep moving.  The staff is great at encouraging us.  There’s a lot of one-on-one, and they watch and correct you – they don’t just stand around.  I’ve got all the tools now that I need to take care of myself.

To the future clients:  It’s not the end of the world.  Keep an open mind and listen to what they’re telling you, especially about nutrition and body mechanics.  The information might sound simple, but it’s useful.  UBC teaches you how to alleviate the pain and have fun. 

I’ve learned that living with chronic pain is just the way it is.  My back might flare up, but I can’t let it run my life.  Sometimes your mind limits you.  Being at UBC has helped me realize this.