Lizzie's story

"Now I achieve what I set out to do and I have learnt that tomorrow is another day!"

Lizzie
South Yorkshire

I have lived with multiple long-term health conditions including a debilitating connective tissue disorder, arthritis, osteopenia and heart disease for over 20 years.  I have had problems with my neck, arms and hands due to ‘cervical ribs’ for most of my life.  During that time I have undergone many surgeries and had to make many changes to my life as a result. I have gone through bouts of depression – it was hard to raise a young family when every year seemed to bring another problem which led to more hospital visits, doctor’s appointments and more treatment.

Surprisingly, my life became much more positive and far less of an emotional struggle when I was advised to give up work. I accepted that I had become a ‘disabled’ person and started to use a wheelchair. My power chair means I can go where I want and do far more than when I was struggling to walk. I have learnt (and am still learning) new ways to do things or how to adapt to make life easier.  I have learnt to give up things that cause extra pain or problems and replace them with other interesting activities. This gives me a sense of adventure and achievement... I am no longer worried about other people’s expectations.

I attended the first Expert Patients Programme course (when it was still part of the NHS) in Rotherham in 2005. I didn’t know what to expect from the course but I really hoped I would get something from it. I found the ‘action planning and problem solving’ part of the course the most beneficial. I always used to write lists but the tasks I gave myself in the time I expected to do them were unrealistic – I didn’t take into account my disabilities. Now I achieve what I set out to do and I have learnt that “tomorrow is another day!”  I continually have to adapt my life due to my deteriorating, degenerative conditions and the problem solving techniques from the course have helped me to do this more successfully.

Three months after completing the course I was asked if I would like to train to become a tutor. I reflected on my own experience of being a course participant and realised how many of the techniques I had adopted in such a short space of time and decided I wanted to help others to do the same. I agreed to train as a tutor and haven’t stopped learning since! Every group is different and I learn at least one new tip every time I deliver a course. As Rotherham is not a huge place I bump into many past participants frequently and I am delighted to hear many of them say attending an EPP CIC course was a turning point in their life – this makes it all worthwhile!

I have learnt to say “no” to things and although I like to keep busy I am in danger of over-stretching and damaging myself if I do too much.  I have spent the past 5 years doing voluntary work to help other people with disabilities.  I am, however, reaching a stage again where I need to cut down my commitments and allow more time for myself and my family.  This is something else the EPP CIC course taught me! I have four grown up children who are scattered around the country along with an ever-increasing number of grandchildren so I hope to spend more time visiting and babysitting!