It’s strange isn’t it?
You know that feeling when you find yourself unwittingly in the right place at the right time but for the wrong reason?
Well, this morning just happened to be one of them!
When Paul and I rendezvoused with our film crew at the New Victoria Hospital in Glasgow we were met by the BBC outdoor news broadcast unit.
They were there to record the launch of Scotland’s flu vaccination programme by Government Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon and the country’s chief medical officer, Dr Harry Burns.
We left the fray and headed for the offices of lead pain management psychologist Dr David Craig to film some establishing shots with he and his colleague, consultant anaesthetist Dr Pete Mackenzie on day three of our Chronic Pain management film.
Throughout a busy schedule – with David delivering ptc’s (pieces to camera) in Glasgow Central Station and Merchant Square, and later a raw and emotional interview with a long term chronic pain sufferer this afternoon – I had occasion to reflect on the events of the morning.
It seemed to me that we were working on a quite different, yet just as potentially damaging condition, as swine flu.
With a cost to the UK economy of £18 billion a year, new studies have indicated that up to 70% of Scottish people with 3 long term conditions have chronic pain, which can lead to a reduced life expectancy.
Some stories grab the headlines, and have immediate, yet not necessarily lasting impact.
Only time will reveal the real cost of swine flu!
Yet, chronic pain is everywhere and is a massive issue.
It is also, an insidious and destructive affliction, which is not going away.
A story, surely worthy of consideration by all of us, and the BBC?
It was a good decision!
Getting up early and running through city streets is not my idea of a perfect start to the day but we’re in Glasgow for a week of filming so I chose my route carefully.
A jog along the Clyde then down Sauchiehall street and back to the merchant quarter was more uplifting than I expected and brought me face to face with the rhythm and pulse of early morning commuters, in this vibrant city.
As the we left our suites for a busy day ahead a kind American woman held the door open for us as we worked in convoy to load our equipment into our kerb-side vehicle.
With the last of the gear safely stowed I thanked her and she replied; “Sure, you guy’s are welcome. Have a great day!”
“Oh, we will, and you too!” I responded.
“The kindness of strangers,” I commented to Paul as we headed to our first rendezvous with the our other crew members.
Later, two Glasgow City cab drivers went out of their way to help us with great good patience and incredible civility.
The kindness of strangers!
It’s late now, and our crew, Dr Mackenzie and Dr Craig have had a fantastic, creative and very productive day, so no film clips or photograph posts this evening.
Just an indelible impression of how we can all help each other, if we’re only prepared to extend the hand of friendship to complete strangers.
Life, after all, is just what you make it!
Isn’t it?
So, when did you last experience a pain in the neck? 
Oh no, not the human kind! Hey, we all meet those from time to time, thats just life!
What I mean is that deep searing burning sensation, which spreads from your neck, then into your shoulders, and seems impossible to escape from?
Or the deep dull ache in your lower back which makes you wince at every move? 
Can you imagine having to live with that every day of your life?
Well, thats a very small indication of chronic pain, which affects one 1 in 5 of the worlds population, causing misery and wrecking lives.
It’s a serious and and debilitating condition which costs the UK economy, a staggering £18 billion a year (almost $30 billion) and 208 million lost days of work.
Over the last two years I’ve been liaising with Dr Peter Mackenzie, a dedicated and tireless consultant anaesthetist, at the Royal Victoria hospital in Glasgow. Pete has worked with a relentless zeal to source funding to produce an educational film about this debilitating condition. It’s focus is to help junior anaesthetists communicate more effectively.
Earlier this year Dr Mackenzie was awarded an advisory role to Government for his work in chronic pain. His colleague at the Royal Victoria, Dr David Craig – lead psychologist in pain management – then effortlessly and efficiently continued as co-ordinator of the project.
Not only is it humbling to work in the company of such dedicated professionals, its also a very great privilege and rewarding experience to be associated with such a vital subject.
This morning we’re in Glasgow with our film crew to begin shooting the film for the NHS which has been supported by Pfizer, Grunenthal and Napp.
Over the next five days – in pictures, film clips and words – you’ll meet our team; the consultants, the patients, the actors and our crew, who are involved in the making of the film, and find out what you can do to help yourself or others who suffer from this exhausting and emotionally draining condition.
Please share this with your friends, family or colleagues and help spread the word about managing an effective approach to chronic pain.
