Patient testimonial: Steven G.

I’m fifty years old and have been off work for almost two years.  I’m excited to get home to Aberdeen, but I’m not sure what my future holds.  I’m limited because I had been in heavy construction, so I know I can’t return to that type of labor.  But now, since UBC, I take one day at a time.  I know how to deal with pain, how to decrease my stress, how to pace myself, and how to control my breath.  I’m really happy now, which is remarkable considering I was in a big, giant “flare up” when I started at UBC.

After my injury, my dog (who recently had had a few bad falls and had been walking with a hind leg limp) and I were down to just a quarter-mile walk most days.  We used to hike the Olympic mountains, but that’s been impossible after the injury.  Walking uphill is still difficult, but I hope to get back to hiking soon.

While in treatment, I stayed at the Best Western, where they allowed my wolf-canine mix to room with me.  Wolph is a thirteen-year-old, 120-pound female.  Everyone at the hotel fell in love with her and would parade her out to the new guests.  At UBC Wolph waited in the car while I was indoors, but she was allowed to join us out on our physical therapy walks.  During a single PT class we could walk up to 2 ½ miles; however, Wolph and I are now capable of going even farther.  And, Wolph’s limp has gone away.

Initially, I didn’t think I could get through UBC’s rigorous eight-hour-a-day program.  I was skeptical that my own body could hold up, but I was wrong.  I began seeing benefits from the very first day.  Everything UBC staff asked of me I did.  I knew I had to buy into the whole program or why bother.  Man, did it hurt!  Yet, I took only four pain pills the entire time.

Back in August, upon my arrival at UBC, I could only lift 5 pounds.  Now I’m capable of lifting 35 pounds off the floor.  David [UBC COTA] really pushed me in the gym.  I gained strength and I lost weight.

The UBC pain program is hard to do but it works.  It’s a great place, a life saver.  Everyone is highly professional and personable.  I’m going to miss this place.  Why don’t all doctors refer their pain patients to UBC?