Jess Potts
Chair, Pain UK CIO
My immediate perception of pain was that it would be there for the short term, I would receive treatment and then have total relief. Unfortunately, this was not the case.
At 23 years old, having lived with long-term pain for seven years, my hopes and dreams look very different. I had to change my expectations and work with what I had: severe fatigue, constant pain in my back and leg and restricted mobility. All of these caused new difficulties I never thought I would have to tackle at a young age. Everyday tasks became hurdles.
Finding a place considerate of pain conditions
I have always been ambitious; this has been a blessing and a curse. The biggest issue I faced was how to progress and move forward knowing that my body would always be trying to catch up with my mind. I needed to work remotely and for an organisation that would be considerate of my condition.
I chose to join Pain UK CIO as a volunteer administrator to give to a cause I cared deeply about, and this is where it all started. Shortly after being in this role, the Board of Trustees elected me as a Trustee, and I became part of the team responsible for Pain UK CIO. Although it took more out of me, doing my degree, tutoring mathematics and being a trustee of a charity, it helped me to cope.
There are days I work entirely from my bed,
days I stay in bed with nothing more to give
and better days where I ‘appear’ normal.
Everyone experiences pain differently
I knew that this awful experience of developing such a painful condition at this age, recovering from failed surgeries, programmes and procedures couldn’t all be for nothing. I grew more invested in the charity. Shortly after, I was voted into the Chair-Elect position with the plan to take over as the Chair in November 2022. As of writing, I have been in the Chair position for nine months, and it has truly been the most rewarding and challenging opportunity. There are days I work entirely from my bed, days I stay in bed with nothing more to give and better days where I ‘appear’ normal.
Managing pain is a unique and personal experience — one which many, fortunately, never have to experience or understand. But, for those who have no choice, it can be incredibly difficult and life-changing to adapt to your new normal. To anyone living with pain: that pain is personal, and your path in life may look a little different from everyone else. Pain isn’t always what it ‘appears’ to be.
