Self-Management Toolkit - Carers Edition

A long-term health problem can be difficult to understand and manage on an everyday basis, especially if you are a Carer, as I was for 8yrs.

I struggled to manage my long-term health problems, including back pain in the early 1990’s.

I became stuck in what they call the medical model. I called it the NHS merry go round, being passed around from one doctor/therapist to another.

I was also a serial doctor/therapy shopper and spent around £8,000 seeing a variety of healthcare professionals privately, wanting to be fixed. 

I knew I was sinking fast and also out of money. I started to get depressed and on the 31st December 1994 I considered ending my life.

The next day I looked in the mirror whilst having a shave and recognised the person who was going to get me out of this mess I was in.

I got myself on the INPUT Pain Management Programme in 1996. This programme gave me the tools, skills, but most importantly, it gave me the confidence to manage my pain, myself. 

I worked hard on the information the programme gave me and since 1997 I haven't had the need to take any pain medication, simply because I still use the information from the programme. 

Is it easy? Well it’s like most things, you have to work at it. I’m not an academic guy, but if I can do it, then I know others can as well.

The Self-Management Toolkit is a simple information digital booklet that could provide you with some handy tips and skills to support you along the way to manage your long-term health conditions. 

I have included information from the Pain Toolkit booklet, as long-term pain as for many people is their pain is long-term health problem.

It is not meant to be the last word in self-management but a handy guide to help you get started. 

All you need is to be willing to read it and take on board some of the suggestions.

Good luck!

Pete Moore