Julie also recognized that her bipolar disorder and mismanaged chronic pain led to self-defeating thoughts and behaviors, therefore increasing her biological pain signals. She made a commitment to change, and began to take things one day at a time. Julie found comfort in peer support, the non-pharmacological interventions she tried and most importantly accepting who she was and what her chronic pain represented to her.

Julie spent approximately 3.5 months in treatment; she worked very well in the structured environment and was able to reduce her level of pain by almost three points. She was open to all methods of managing her pain and especially appreciated the acupuncture services that were provided.

Even as Julie became very close with her peers and the staff, toward the end of treatment she began to anticipate that she would suffer with more pain after she returned home. Upon discharge the staff impressed upon Julie the importance of having structure at home and following her relapse prevention plan.

With little to none positive social support and limited family support, Julie felt abandon. Her first week home she was angry again and frustrated with the life she was living. Eventually she returned to alcohol and started making phone calls to VFMC during the evening hours leaving messages for the staff, with what appeared to be no intention of actually connecting with someone. When she finally did speak to a charge nurse, Julie mentioned she was thinking of hurting herself. The local police were called and Julie was transported to the nearest inpatient psych facility where she stabilized on her medication in only 5 days.

When Julie returned home she began to review her Addiction-free Pain Management books, called to let us know that she was getting better, and began brushing up the coping skills she learned. She told us how grateful she was for everything she learned and finally integrated the knowledge that she does not have to keep hurting herself to get the help she needs. Julie is checking in with VFMC at least once a month now and recently attended a Chronic Pain Anonymous meeting where she met Dr. Grinstead in person. She noted that this was one of the most powerful displays of support that she has ever felt.

Julie continues to manage her pain with hydrotherapy and other non-narcotic medications. She is very optimistic and is verbalizing positive plans for her future.

What other patients of the VFMC Breakthrough Pain Program had to say:

"I left feeling better than when I was taking narcotics." ...Ken R.

"Valley Forge was a great place to help me realize that I can go on with my disabilities without pain meds. It saved my life." ...Gerard G.

"I thank you for giving me life again. I had been close to the edge. You were my safe refuge through the "gates of delirium;" you gave me hope for a fresh start without depression and full of faith and confidence.” ...David S.

"Thank you to everyone from the bottom of my heart for making my stay at VFMC the best experience of my life to date. I am looking forward to my next 36 years being great because of my experiences here” ...Ken L.