I never thought I would get my life back after living with chronic back pain, flare up of rhinitis and severe carpal tunnel syndrome. After numerous visits to my GP and referrals to different specialists and an extremely painful experience with steroid injections for my carpal tunnel syndrome, I was at the end of my tether when I was still with no relief! I was unable to carry out everyday simple tasks without assistance from my family members due to the pain and inability to grip properly; tasks such as getting dressed, brushing my teeth, turning taps on and off, writing, carrying my shopping etc. I had given up on just about everything and felt I was entangled in a never ending web of pain, fear and agony. This affected my personal life significantly so that it became the most challenging personal battle and the hardest fight not just physically but emotionally and mentally.

What did Shazia try before coming to TMS/PPD?

I felt I had literally tried everything available to me (acupuncture, yoga, medication, steroid injections and lots more) and had given up hope when I stumbled across Shaheen’s Pain Free Programme. I was a little sceptical and nervous initially, however this settled as soon as I started seeing Shaheen, who I have to say is the most amazingly patient person I have ever met! She persevered with me through my whole journey and never gave up hope that I could recover. I started my journey by reading Georgie’s book alongside both mind body coaching and Reflexology treatment from Shaheen, trying my best to persevere with the strategies and tasks Shaheen gave me. Slowly and gradually I began to notice a difference. In particular the level of pain I was in. I started to notice that the pain in my wrist and thumb began to ease off slowly and on my good days I was totally pain free! My mid back area had always suffered from stiffness and I noticed how gradually that eased too.

I invested in books recommended by the programme and as I read through them I was astonished at how I could easily relate to everything. Eventually the pain became very infrequent but would come back from time to time. Shaheen continued to support me and provided me with the right tools and techniques to continue the SIRPA programme and not give up. This was the first time in years and after trying everything available to me that I had seen relief in my symptoms so I was determined to continue and not be disillusioned at any reoccurrence of pain. Shaheen had explained to me that TMS/ Mind Body Syndrome pain recovery is not a linear journey due to the workings of the mind so I was prepared for this. And I am glad I persevered! All in all it took me about 8 weeks to become pain free, both in my back and in my wrist and thumb, which was quite astounding given how much pain I had suffered on and off for years.

Do not suffer in silence

I am living proof that TMS is a real thing and that doctors do not know everything; especially because they only look for a structural problem from where your pain is coming from. I am now totally pain free and cannot thank Shaheen enough! I have changed my lifestyle around and still use the tools and strategies I learned from the programme to help me manage any day to day challenges/stress. I would recommend anyone living with chronic pain to keep an open mind and try the programme as there is light at the end of the tunnel. Do not suffer in silence as I did for years!

A testimonial for Shaheen

Shaheen is a very personable and truly amazing. She never lost focus and even through my challenging days she persisted and encouraged me to keep going and gave me my life back. I owe it to Shaheen and the programme for the pain free life I have now.