FCN Ambassador Milly Fyfe has written this article about living with chronic pain, and how she recently had a breakthrough. She is keen to break the stigma around hidden health issues.
Farming is more than just a job—it’s a way of life. It demands early mornings, long hours, and physical resilience. But what happens when chronic pain becomes a constant companion, making even the simplest tasks a challenge?
For the past seven years, I’ve been navigating life with chronic pain while supporting my husband on our family farm, raising children, and running various projects that support rural communities. It has been incredibly tough, but through resilience, adaptation, and seeking the right support, I’ve found ways to keep going.
A Long Journey to a Breakthrough
Reaching out for help led to a major breakthrough in my pain management journey.
After years of being passed between different NHS departments, with no one taking responsibility for my symptoms or looking at the root cause, I took matters into my own hands. I became deeply informed about the nervous system, researching reliable medical sources to understand my pain pathways and push for better care.
Treatments like yoga, Pilates, and acupuncture provided temporary relief, but the financial strain of regular therapy was another burden to bear. Each new test or scan failed to provide clear answers. Even when nerve conduction testing suggested a possible spinal cord injury, a consultant simply dismissed my concerns, pointing at a scan and saying, “Look, there’s nothing there.”
At that point, I knew I had to advocate for myself.
I contacted the Spinal Injuries Association (SIA), who listened, understood, and suggested an ASIA test—a sensory assessment that helped pinpoint areas of nerve damage. They also advised me to request a referral to a specialist pain clinic in London.
Several months later, the ASIA test confirmed a significant loss of sensation from my T10 area of my spine down my left side to my big toe. Then, in early 2024, I finally secured an appointment at the London NHS Pain Clinic, where a consultant took the time to understand my seven-year struggle. He recommended neuromodulation as a possible solution.
A Life-Changing Experience
Recently, I took a major step forward by undergoing neuropulsed therapy to assess my suitability for a spinal cord stimulator. This involved inserting a series of needles into my spinal cord, delivering electrical pulses to the affected areas.
For the first time in seven years, I experienced a 75% reduction in pain—even if only for a brief moment. It was an emotional and eye-opening experience, proving that relief is possible.
Following this success, my consultant has recommended a groundbreaking treatment called Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) Stimulation. This technology targets specific nerves linked to chronic pain, offering a more precise and effective solution than traditional spinal cord stimulators.
The Importance of Raising Awareness
Chronic pain, like many health conditions, is often invisible. Unlike a broken bone or a visible injury, it doesn’t come with obvious signs—but that doesn’t mean it isn’t debilitating.
In farming, the culture of “just getting on with it” can discourage people from seeking help. Many push through pain, assuming it’s simply part of the job. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
By raising awareness, we can encourage more farming people to:
✅ Seek medical support
✅ Explore new treatment options
✅ Find effective ways to manage pain
There are resources available, including charities like the Farming Community Network (FCN), which provides emotional support to those in rural communities who may be struggling.
Looking to the Future
While I still have a long road ahead, for the first time in years, I feel hopeful. The potential of DRG stimulation and the relief I experienced during my recent treatment have given me the motivation to keep pushing forward.
I’m sharing my story because being open about my situation has improved my own mental wellbeing and inspired others to seek support. If you’re struggling with chronic pain—or any hidden health challenge—please know that you are not alone. Help is out there, and sometimes, the first step is talking about it.
To those within the farming sector, let’s work together to break the stigma around hidden health issues. No one should have to suffer in silence.