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 I started as a Helpline volunteer for BackCare 18 months ago. I first had back pain during my training – it came upon me as I leaned over a child’s cot. More recently, whilst doing DIY, I pulled my back and found myself totally incapacitated for three days. I am rather fortunate in that my life is not restricted at all by back pain (providing I am sensible, stay active and remember to do back exercise and stretches regularly). Like most people, I lapse and my body reminds me how important it is to take time to keep my back in good health. I will tell you of my average Helpline day. The day begins around 7.00 am. Since I often feel stiff (achy back, neck and shoulder) after a night’s sleep, the first thing is a hot shower to wash away some of the stiffness, to get me moving and motivated for another day in the office. Much of my work is protocol led, I spend half of it in the office doing paper work, data entry and reading at a computer screen. The other half of the day I am in clinics talking to people about research. Since I am involved in health research, I must follow the guidelines exactly and work within strict boundaries. Sometimes I feel anyone could do my job until I come into contact with people who need something a little different. I am always glad of these interactions as they remind me of what I enjoy most about working with people. I like the opportunity of using my people skills and knowledge to make a difference and encourage. I arrive home around 5.00 pm and do all the necessary things like eating and home chores. At 7.00 pm, I get ready for my BackCare Helpline shift due to start at 7.30 pm. The number of calls can vary and often people just need to talk things through and get information. I try to answer questions the best I can and match up the appropriate factual information. As you may already know, BackCare has an array of regularly updated fact sheets that are sent free of charge as well as helpful publications. I encourage people to call back after they have had a chance to read and think through the information. It’s good to ask questions, being clear about things helps a lot on days when things are tough. I listen to what is being said and offer support as needed the best I can. Intense back pain is frightening and sometimes reassurance that they are not alone is all the caller needs. One thing I often find myself saying to people is that it is worth taking pain medication regularly (so many people say “I don’t like to take too many tablets – I take them only if I can’t stand the pain anymore”). I emphasise the need to keep moving and staying as active as much as possible and that, if the pain is not manageable, it is worth going back to the GP to see if there is anything else that would be more helpful. Sometimes the calls are difficult where people have so many complex issues and problems. Often the things I share with them are not new or different to what people already know and are doing. It is incredibly difficult to be objective, to think straight and see any situation clearly when alone, feeling isolated or in deep pain. At 9.30 pm, if I am not in the middle of a call, I finish the shift by logging off. It’s always a good feeling to think I may have helped someone just by being on the end of the phone line. I complete the necessary paperwork and put it away for another week. File last modified 13 February 2008 | ||
