Following the initial assessment, Sarah and her mother were asked to step out of the room for a break. This was to allow some recuperation after the 90 minute assessment and to allow the MDT to discuss her case and consider their recommendations.
It was felt that Sarah had a diagnosis of Chronic Primary Pain. It was also clear that she had experienced a number of stressors relating to family, school and increasing social isolation. It was recommended that she and her parents attend a two-day psycho-educational programme, specifically designed for teenagers. This programme included education about pain including how it develops and is maintained. Sarah was introduced to techniques and interventions to manage pain. Simultaneously her parents were receiving education about the mechanisms behind chronic pain, and how to respond to their child as they experience it.
Sarah was also referred to the pain department occupational therapist to discuss practical strategies that could help her improve her attendance at school. She had sessions with the clinical psychologist to explore her anxiety and beliefs about her chronic pain, and with the physiotherapist to explore Sarah’s apparent kinesiophobia and work towards improving physical function.
Sarah and her parents came to the course and in written feedback explained how helpful they had found it. Sarah particularly commented on the importance of being listened to. She also appreciated meeting other teenagers also living with chronic pain.
Her allocated chronic pain CNS followed her up on two further occasions, and noted Sarah’s steady functional progress with fewer days off school and pain holding less influence over her life.
Sarah was discharged from the Paediatric Pain Clinic 18 months after her initial appointment, having returned to school full time and with social reintegration. Whilst her pain had not gone, she felt she had the skills to manage it in alternative ways, and her suffering from it was drastically reduced.
