Jan Sadler
Very many thanks to 'Think-Back' for so generously giving me this page on their website.
My Story
Many years ago I had a bad fall and hurt my back which resulted in increasing pain and disability. I eventually had a major operation which unfortunately didn't help and as a result I had even higher levels of constant pain. My Consultant eventually told me there was nothing more that could be done and that I had to learn to manage the pain myself as best I could. But no-one told me how to do this.
At first I was devastated by the news that there was to be no miracle cure but then I felt an overwhelming sense of relief that now at least I could leave behind the rounds of appointments and the see-saw of hope and disappointment, and take responsibility for my own body.
I began to discover the possibilities of natural pain relief. There wasn't, at that time, a pain management programme which I could attend and so I devised one for myself which I could use at home. I sought out natural methods of reducing and managing the pain by reading avidly and teaching myself all the skills involved: correct breathing, relaxation, meditation, visualisation, pacing, positive thinking skills and exercise.
I taught myself to use a computer, lying down at first, as I couldn't sit or stand for long after the operation. This opened up my world even further and I found I could express my ideas to others - I could write. I started with short articles about the skills and techniques I was using for pain management and then progressed to writing booklets and making audiotapes for others about various techniques.
After having an article about pacing published in BackCare's newsletter my 'Pacing for Pain Control' programme was taken up by various medical professionals, including some hospital-based Pain Management Courses. To have my material accepted by the medical profession as providing useful material for their patients was a thrilling breakthrough for me and led directly to writing my first book, 'Natural Pain Relief', about the skills and techniques I use for reducing pain. I was also fortunate enough to have Professor Patrick Wall, the world-renowned expert in pain, offer to write the Foreword to the book.
Next I wrote about my techniques for overcoming insomnia - often a problem where there is pain involved. This book is published as 'Peaceful Sleep' (Gateway Books), together with a beautifully relaxing visualisation on audiotape. My third book, 'The Five Feel-Good Factors', (C W Daniel) was written after I found that so many of the techniques I was using were not only of use for pain reduction but were, in fact, 'lifeskills' for enhancing and enjoying a happy and successful life. This is a book for everyone not just for those with pain.
My material for pain relief is now used by NHS hospital Pain Management and Stress Management Units, by self-help groups, chiropractors, osteopaths, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and by thousands of individuals.
I then founded PainSUPPORT with a website to give support to others and to share my knowledge of self-help pain control. The website provides information, advice and support for all those who live with chronic (longterm) pain. When I first had pain myself I felt alone, until I joined a 'pen pal' type of club and found some new friends who also had pain. This was a major turning point for me. The friendship and support I received helped to change my life, giving me back some control and some interests outside of myself. I determined that I would include a confidential Contact Club within the PainSupport website. The Contact Club is now a thriving and successful part of my work with people in pain.
The PainSUPPORT Website PainSUPPORT
The website contains information and advice as follows:
PainSUPPORT's 'Survival Skills' section contains informative pages about such topics as pacing, positive thinking, emotions, exercise, relaxation, relationships, sleep, handling flare-ups, a 'daily programme' for managing pain and much more.
Also featured are: reviews and recommendations of products, therapies, books and tapes, information on nutrition and diet, useful addresses and links to sites of interest.
Additionally there is a lively Discussion Group for sharing ideas and experiences, regular on-line Newsletters you can sign up for and, of course, the popular confidential Contact Club to find new friends.
So, if you are looking for information or would like to make new friends through the PainSupport Contact Club, do log on! www.painsupport.co.uk
Books and Tapes by Jan Sadler
BOOKS
Peaceful Sleep - a Practical Guide to Stress-free Days and Tranquil Nights
Gateway Books Book, ISBN 8588600588:£7.95 Book and Tape Pack, ISBN 1858600634:£14.50
Available from bookshops (quote ISBN number), or on-line from Amazon: www.amazon.com
The Five Feel-good Factors C W Daniel & Co. ISBN 0852073453. £9.99
Available from bookshops (quote ISBN number), or from the publisher, Tel: 01799 521 909
Website: www.cwdaniel.com Or on-line from Amazon: www.amazon.com
Pacing For Pain Relief Booklet:£3.50
As used in many Pain Management Clinics and is highly recommended for controlling and reducing pain. Illustrated booklet. Very easy to follow.
Only available from Jan Sadler, email: Jan Sadler
Only available from Jan Sadler, email: :
Jan Sadler
All tapes at £6.95
Natural Pain Relief - accompanies the book of same name above. Very relaxing and healing.
Pain Management techniques and a beautiful relaxation session.
Peaceful Sleep - this tape accompanies the book of the same name above.
Totally peaceful and relaxing, with an original technique to lull you to sleep.
The Five Feel-Good Factors - this tape accompanies the above book.
Visualisations for a happy and fulfilled life.
Pacing for Pain Relief - tape to accompany the Pacing booklet above, pacing techniques and a visualisation for achieving your goals.
Comfortable Sitting - tape + booklet. Ideal for those who find sitting difficult or impossible. Essential skills for sitting comfortably.
Based on the Alexander Technique.
Free Yourself From Pain - Pain Management Skills, tape + booklet.
Very relaxing and healing with a beautiful and therapeutic visualisation to reduce pain.