Patient testimonial: Saeed G.

After completing UBC's pain management program in 2007, I had some difficulties. An MRI confirmed that I had nerve damage, which explained my falls - I was battling partial limb paralysis. Later, I had two fusion surgeries in my cervical spine, and that did lessen the paralysis, but I was still in pain. Since the pain I've been self-limiting my activities. For instance, I stopped seeing my friends because I felt like a burden to them.

After the falls and per the physician's suggestion, in February of 2009 I began using a cane. My physician also recommended physical therapy, but I made no progress. I went back to my doctor and said I wanted to try something else. She suggested enrolling in the UBC pain program. The tough part was getting the OK from my claim manager, for I had already attended UBC on this claim. Much to my surprise, my claim manager approved a second time at UBC. I really wanted great success this time, so I told myself, "Do your best."

The first week, I came to UBC with my cane in hand. But by the following Friday, I decided to leave it in the car. Initially, keeping my balance was a challenge, but I managed. Then I thought to myself, "I have pain even without the cane, so why am I carrying it around?" I haven't picked up the cane since.

I believe in UBC, and I believe a person can use his brain to fix his physical problems. There are no words to describe what I gained from being here at UBC. It's a great place with terrific professionals who spend each day helping people like me. The work the clinicians do and how they affect our lives is very important. We injured workers need help and the UBC staff is there. Everyone who works at UBC has contributed to my philosophy: Use the brain to reduce the pain!

A few weeks ago I noticed a man at Bellevue Square Mall; he was about my age and he walked with a cane. I approached him. He was hesitant at first, but I spoke truthfully to him and he listened. (People can sense sincerity.) I told him my story and the great success I've had at UBC. I challenged him to attempt one day without the aid of his cane. I gave him my phone number and asked him to call me and let me know how it went. A few days later the phone rang. The man said, "It was true what you told me. I'm surprised." I asked about his pain levels. "The pain didn't get worse once I quit the cane." I explained to him that he can't do this type of thing entirely on his own. People need training, from professionals like the UBC staff. I told him, "Go for it! Ask for the UBC pain clinic, call Linda."

If someone had taught me proper body mechanics, I would never have gotten hurt at work, and I wouldn't be experiencing pain now. These things should be taught in middle school, so that you learn early how to manage and treat your body. I think everyone, even well people can benefit from UBC's program. Come in before you're ever injured and tune-up the body. We take our automobiles to a mechanic for a tune-up so that they run well and efficiently. We should do the same for our bodies.

When I experience pain, it's an opportunity for me to control it. UBC encouraged me to use the power of the brain. At first I would self-limit because the brain initially responds, "You have pain. You cannot do _____." Each human has fierce mental power, but many don't how to channel it. Don't believe what your injury tells you. Don't believe the pain. Pain is a shadow we're all born with.