"I have been treated by the Royal ..."

What I liked

I have been treated by the Royal Free Pain Management Department for the past 10 months, for debilitating neck & back pain following an accident in 2006. After 3 years of my local hospital in Enfield not taking my pain seriously, forcing me to spend fortunes on private physio & oesteopathy etc, I requested to be referred to a different hospital. The care I have received at the Royal Free to date has been exceptional. The problem was diagnosed at the first appointment and treatment begun within 2 weeks, so refreshing after years of feeling like no one cared. The consultant treating me completely seemed to understand and take seriously all my anxities about the affect my pain was having on my ability to do my job, at the age of just 29, and seemed to genuinely care about making things better for me. I have now had 3 pain management procedures, the prospect of which unnerved me greatly. However, my consultant and the whole team from receptionists to nurses and radiographers, were on hand with clear explantations and calm reassurance. They made me feel completely at ease on all 3 occasions, making sure I knew what the procedure involved and that I was ok both during and after the procedures. I was also really impressed to receive my post procedure follow up phone call exactly 4 weeks after the procedures as promised. My consultant also put me in contact with a 'pain' physio at my first appointment, and they have been a huge help in me learning to manage my condition. Before coming to the Royal Free, I was ready to give up on life. Everyday was a fight against the pain, I was at risk of losing my livlihood as it requires physical strength and mobility, and I felt like no one was listening. Now, I feel like I have my life back, thanks to the caring staff at the Royal Free Pain Management Department. I cannot thank them enough!