21/07/2025
National Pain Week – a personal one this year.
“Easier said than done” has never hit harder than the last 3 months.
Before my caesarean, I felt strong, just as capable as I was pre-pregnancy, even with the usual fatigue & nausea. It was my second time & I thought I knew what to expect.
What I didn’t expect was for the spinal block to wear off & to experience pain that made no sense, at least not to the nurses. I was given high doses of pain meds, none of which helped and eventually discharged with a “wait & see” & told to call the OBGYN if it didn’t settle.
For six weeks, I couldn’t walk more than 20 metres without pain spiking to 10/10 & yet I could lift my 15kg toddler.
Since then:
▪️ Burning pain nowhere near the incision
▪️ Numbness & weakness in my left leg
▪️ Swelling that flares with pain
▪️ Days where even a breeze or shower left me stuck inside with the heater blasting
And still, I consider myself lucky. I have a background in women’s health & rehab. I know how to manage persistent pain. I’ve had access to support with a musc physio for a husband to manage my symptoms. And yet it’s been physically & mentally draining.
Each day, I remind myself: movement isn’t harm. I get up, layer up, & keep showing up — for my kids, my work, my life. Progress is slow, but it’s coming — thanks to time, patience & a whole-person approach.
Now imagine this pain, without the knowledge, team or words to explain it. Imagine juggling providers, insurers & expectations. Being told there’s “no visible injury” or you’re not progressing “fast enough.”
If you're frustrated with a worker who seems “stuck,” ask:
👉 What support have they had?
👉 Was it appropriate?
Be the one who listens through the noise. You might be the reason they actually get better & sooner.
If the above sounds like you and you need someone to help guide your recovery, please reach out.