The Australians in Pain: Overcoming Tragedy and Embracing New Treatments
The Story of Paralympian Monique Murphy
Paralympian Monique Murphy believes she’s endured more pain in her 30 years than most endure in a lifetime. The cause stems from one mysterious night in 2014, just before her 20th birthday, when she recalls going downstairs at her university accommodation in Melbourne and then — nothing. Hours later — unbeknown to her — she fell from a fifth-floor balcony, was rushed to hospital and had her right leg amputated below the knee. Murphy suspects her drink was spiked, but the hospital didn’t conduct blood or alcohol tests.
“A week later I woke up in a very, very different body,” she told SBS News.
Two years after her accident, Murphy became a champion swimmer — she won a silver medal in the women’s 400m freestyle S10 at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. She has had numerous surgeries since the accident, and wears a prosthetic leg. While she recognises she’s turned her tragedy into something positive, she still suffers debilitating pain where her lower leg once was.
The Experience of Phantom Pain
Phantom pain relates to a limb or organ that’s no longer part of the body and is possibly due to nerve damage, central sensitisation or brain remapping. “I had 20 years of developing those brainwaves down to my foot and then having them stop. Now it’s like I have a ghost limb and I feel phantom sensations of violent pain, like electric shocks through my toes, the arch of my foot and my heel, which are obviously not there. And knowing that somehow adds to the pain,” Murphy shared.
The Difference Between Physical and Mental Pain
While nearly everyone experiences pain, for nearly 3.6 million Australians, chronic pain is an ever-present and debilitating condition, costing the country up to $139 billion annually. TV presenter Osher Günsberg shared his experience with pain hypersensitivity and how working with a pain psychologist transformed his relationship with pain.
New Ways to Treat Pain
In recent decades, synthetic opioids like oxycodone, morphine, codeine, and methadone have been commonly used to treat physical pain. However, researchers like Dr. Sam Robinson are exploring new methods, medications, and innovations to provide alternative pain relief solutions. Robinson believes venom could hold the key to pain relief for millions of people worldwide.
Social psychologist professor Brock Bastian suggests changing our narrative around pain and reframing it as a natural part of life rather than a problem to be eradicated. Exposure therapy and selective therapeutics are emerging as new approaches to pain management.
Listening Without Judgment
Alana Crofts shared her journey of living with chronic pain and emphasized the importance of understanding and empathy from others. She found relief through various treatments and the support of her parents. Like Crofts, Monique Murphy advocates for listening without judgment and accepting pain as a valid experience.
Conclusion
Managing pain is a complex and individual journey for each person. By exploring new treatments, changing our mindset around pain, and listening with empathy, we can support those experiencing chronic pain and empower them to navigate their pain in a positive way.
FAQ
What is phantom pain?
Phantom pain is the sensation of pain in a limb or organ that has been amputated or removed. It is believed to be caused by nerve damage, central sensitisation, or brain remapping.
How can we support individuals living with chronic pain?
Supporting individuals with chronic pain involves listening without judgment, offering empathy, and being open to understanding their experience. Providing a safe space for them to talk about their pain and offering practical support can make a significant difference in their journey.