In this first episode of Pain. Full. Truth., (with updated audio) I share the day my life changed — the diagnosis of an enchondroma (a benign bone tumour) and the decision to go ahead with surgery. At the time, I thought it would be a quick fix, but it became the first step in a long journey through chronic pain, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), and a future I never expected.

I talk about preparing for my first surgery, explaining it to my kids, and the subtle but worrying signs that something wasn’t right during recovery. This is where my chronic illness journey truly began — long before I knew the words nerve pain or rare disease.

If you live with disability, invisible illness, or are navigating your own health challenges, this is the start of my story.