Episode 5 of Australian Stories of Healing Pain introduces Lauren Duscher. Lauren is a mother of two and works as a social worker and mediator in Mildura.

When Lauren was pregnant with her first child Teddy in 2017, she started to experience significant pain in her hips. Because this is such a common complaint during pregnancy that disappears after birth, Lauren's complaints were not of great concern to her health care providers. It is also not possible to undergo some tests while pregnant, and the thought was that the pain would shortly disappear anyway.

Teddy's birth ended up being a traumatising experience for Lauren where she needed an assisted delivery that put extra pressure on her hips and possibly caused more damage.

Lauren's postpartum journey was stressful, frustrating and painful. Becoming a mum for the first time is hard enough without being in pain and unable to walk. Lauren's mental health was poor and she used whatever energy she had left to find an explanation for her pain and treatment options.

At around three months post partum Lauren was diagnosed with transient osteoporosis, which is a condition that gets better on its own.

After the symptoms didn't disappear, Lauren was later diagnosed with avascular necrosis. Not before being re-diagnosed with transient osteoporosis and then avascular necrosis again.

With a diagnosis, Lauren was able to start implementing strategies to promote healing in her hips, body and mind.

Tune in to find out Laurens tips and how she found a fantastic osteopath and bowen therapist who were able to relieve her chronic pain and allow her to live a more normal life. Avascular necrosis does not have a cure, but implementing healing techniques, rest and also re-training supporting muscles can lead to healthier joints and a significant reduction in pain.

You can connect with Lauren here:

Instagram: @lozzzi_87

Lauren's recommendations:

Bowen Therapy - Dennis Chaplin: 96 Lemon Avenue, Mildura, VIC, 3500. Ph: (03) 5021 3468

Osteopath - Fiona Hooper: Instagram @fionahooper_osteo (Sunshine Coast)

Rheumatologist - Dr Sabina Ciciriello: Private Medical Centre Royal Melbourne Hospital, Level 4 Suite 25, Royal Parade, PARKVILLE, VIC, 3052. Ph: (03) 9347 3937

Yoga - Dani Loxton: Instagram @hymntoher (Mildura)

Ready to tell your story?

Please connect with me, Tess Thompson:

Instagram: @myowithme https://www.instagram.com/myowithme/

E-mail: [email protected]

This podcast does not replace medical advice. Please advocate for yourself and discuss possible changes to your health care plan with your preferred health care provider.