Over the span of several years, Greg has engaged in a relentless battle against chronic neuropathic pain, a lingering reminder of his adventurous youth spent snow skiing for the UK. Despite his participation in various sports, the toll of competitive activities has left its mark on his knees and intervertebral discs. In his early twenties, he underwent a discectomy, subsequently followed by a fusion procedure (L5/S1) to address the ongoing damage.
In more recent years, the disc above (L4/L5) deteriorated, leading to nerve entrapment and another fusion surgery. Although he now carries the burden of long-term nerve damage, Greg never gives up and is driven by a commitment to his goals.
In recent years Greg started to realise the impact this had on his sleep, mood, and overall outlook on life. In a pivotal decision in 2022, he opted for an implanted pain management system – a decision, based on the want not to rely on medication, that injected a renewed sense of hope into his journey. Its helped significantly, but today he still relies on a small cocktail of medication to navigate his daily life.
There is no silver bullet, but instead there are many tools, be they technological, phycological or physiological (keeping fit, doing your physio daily). Just like pain everything in our bodies is interconnected. He learnt we can think differently about chronic pain as he had the opportunity to learn from Dr Lorimer if you can understand your pain you can still do so much.
It has been a gradual realisation for him that he must embrace a slower pace of life. Although those close to Greg know this is not an easy thing to do!
Having always been drawn to sports and outdoor activities, he relentlessly sought better solutions for his pain. In 2023, he had the privilege of participating in a cycling tour organized by Flippin Pain, an initiative spearheaded by the NHS. Alongside fellow pain patients and dedicated medical professionals, he found solace in shared experiences and a sense of community.
Greg expresses that pain is not an excuse to stop but a reason to understand and adapt. He is gradually learning to pace himself and discover moments of brightness amidst the shadows.
With the unwavering support of his circle of friends, (finding a group of like chronic pain patients through Pain Management programs and Flippin Pain) he continues to pursue his passions, albeit at a more measured pace, finding solace and fulfilment in his life, despite its inherent challenges.
He is primarily interested in improving pain management holistically to enhance his day-to-day functioning, particularly in terms of better sleep and overall functionality. However, he acknowledges the process of coming to terms with his current state of life. To the spinal cord injury community, he offers a message of encouragement, emphasizing the availability of remarkable resources and supportive individuals who can provide assistance and guidance. His message urges against suffering in silence, advocating for reaching out and accessing the help and support that is available.
