Patient testimonial: Paul M.

"After I injured my left knee when I fell out of a truck, I became depressed and was in pain 24 hours, seven days a week. I used to ride my bicycle a couple hundred miles per week. With the knee injury, I could only ride five miles at a time, which really depressed me. I hadn’t ridden regularly in over 18 months, which contributed to my depression and increased my anxiety level. I had fear on top of fear. Before I entered the UBC pain management program, I was told that I’d have to live with knee pain for the rest of my life. I had anxiety, depression, and pain. I didn’t see a future for myself. I had lost hope.

I want to take this opportunity today to say thanks to everyone who helped me. I’ve had fun with the other UBC clients here, and it was especially nice to get out of the house. Being with others who are in the same boat as I is a help. It was a shock to find that people were in the same state. Before coming to UBC, I had no social life. I existed on my couch, in pain. Throughout my isolation I doubted my own pain. Was I crazy? Had I manifested this pain myself?

When I was in constant pain, I felt invisible. The focus on my knee pain was so intense. But, in coming to UBC I was forced out of the house; therefore, I was forced to be with other people. The interaction with the other UBC clients helped me to feel less alone during this lonely time.

I learned a lot about myself while in this program. It was nice to have a routine. It feels better getting up in the morning when you have some place to go, some place where you’re expected. In addition, prior to coming to UBC, I was ingesting ten prescribed pain pills daily. The strange thing is that not only am I off the pills entirely, but my pain has actually reduced by 30%.

I hope that my story can help others who enter this program who are as bad as or worse than when I started. I would highly recommend UBC. The core of my treatment team – Jean, Dr. Harris, and Dr. Sinclair – saved my life. It’s been all positive. I’m not 100% better, but I’m getting there, thanks to UBC.

Today, my UBC graduation day, I’m sad to leave. I didn’t think I could get better, but I can walk now and stand at great length (to do the dishes, for example) – my standing tolerance went from 10 minutes to 25 minutes. Before my injury, my dog (Nate) and I would enjoy visiting the dog park virtually every day of the week. After the accident, I could only manage once per week. But now Nate and I are back to seven times per week.

I wanted to come to UBC. And when I did, I put my trust in each of UBC’s employees. Specifically, Jean, Dr. Harris, and Dr. Sinclair really cared about me, and they listened. They’re good people. They all saw me through a really hard time emotionally and physically. I felt relaxed and secure in their care. They were important in my success. I’m surprised that UBC’s program helped, and that I’m able to feel this much better in such a short amount of time."