GANGSTA GRANNIES

Around 28 million adults in the UK live with the debilitating effects of pain*, yet people are reluctant to talk about it. We hear how expert support and friendship has changed lives.

*According to NICE

By Joanne Fairclough

Retired landlady Jackie lives with chronic pain from fibromyalgia and arthritis. “Your world shrinks – my life revolved around my pain and nothing else,” she says. “You lose your identity. It’s hard for friends and family to understand and you don’t want to feel like you’re complaining all the time.”

Women are more likely to experience chronic pain than men. It can be devastating, yet those affected often suffer in silence.

After years of trying different treatments and medication without success, Jackie, 66, was referred by her GP to Mersey Care’s Community Pain Management Service in Ainsdale. At her patient group she met former maths teacher Sheila who was herself in despair. “I was living on painkillers,” Sheila recalls. “I was in tears every morning just trying to get dressed. When my GP sent me to the pain management service, I didn’t really know how they would be able to help me. I almost didn’t go – I’m so thankful I did.”

The service helps patients find new ways to manage their pain and find ways to enjoy life. Staff and group members share coping strategies including mindfulness.

Sheila discovered life hacks and gadgets –and the confidence to take up a new hobby on three wheels!

“I’d ridden a therapy trike on holiday in the Netherlands,” she says. “My kids bought me one for home and I loved it.”

Jackie and fellow group member Moira saw the trike, bought one each and the trio earned the nickname the Gangsta Granny club!

Moira picks up the story. “Before my back pain got so severe I had always cycled but I never thought I would again. The people at the pain management service changed that. I celebrate what I’ve achieved and we motivate each other. We’re looking forward to going further afield with our trikes on the train –life is fun again!”

Jackie sums it up: “Being out on the trikes with the wind in our hair gives us energy. It’s like medicine.”