Patient’s battle with pain using mindfulness

A patient at Wirral University Teaching Hospital (WUTH’s) Chronic Pain Service has praised the life-changing support she received from a course of mindfulness sessions.

Donna Loftus, 53, from Prenton, has spoken about the hugely positive impact on her life from attending mindfulness sessions offered by WUTH which have helped her manage her chronic pain and severe anxiety.

Having suffered from fibromyalgia for over seven years, before attending a short course of one-to-one mindfulness sessions, Donna struggled to cope with her condition.

She said: “Over the years I’ve noticed that anxiety and stress make the pain of my fibromyalgia much worse. I attended four mindfulness sessions and learned some brilliant techniques which have really helped with my pain. I practice in the morning before I get up and just before I go to sleep at night.”

The sessions are run by Assistant Psychologist Mark Ireland, as part of the Chronic Pain Service at Clatterbridge Hospital.

Mark said: “A lot of the patients who come to our service for help have been suffering with pain for years. Many have no experience of mindfulness, and when they come to the first session, I can sense their scepticism.”

Chronic stress can intensify the pain a person feels, and the mindfulness program helps patients understand this connection while giving them practical tools to manage their symptoms.

Mark said: “Homework is a key part of the success. Research shows it improves the patient’s ability to use the skills they’ve learned to manage their pain effectively. We often hear that patients are sleeping better, worrying less, and experiencing less anxiety.”

Donna added: “During the first session I struggled to switch off my brain, but now I’m using the visualisation techniques every day. In the past, when I got really stressed or anxious, the pain got so bad I had to take to bed for a few days. Now that I’m controlling my anxiety, that’s happening a lot less.”

Mark, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, personally uses the same mindfulness techniques he teaches.

He said: “As a wheelchair user living with a long term health condition, I experience a lot of day to day challenges and difficulties. It would be very easy to get frustrated and angry, but the tools of mindfulness help me keep grounded. I think that also comes across to my patients.”

Janelle Holmes, Chief Executive, said: “Chronic pain affects around a third of the UK population, and for many, surgical intervention will not help. Our Chronic Pain Service takes a holistic view to help our patients and their pain. Mindfulness sessions are just one element of the support we can offer. It’s extremely rewarding to hear feedback from patients like Donna, who are experiencing tangible improvements in their quality of life.”

ENDS

Photo: Mark Ireland, Assistant Psychologist outside the Pain Clinic at Clatterbridge