In this episode, I sit down with Sophie Cole, a special education teacher from Carrigaline whose life changed overnight after a classroom assault left her with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) – one of the world’s most painful and incurable conditions.

Sophie opens up about living with chronic nerve pain, the trauma of PTSD, and the many surgeries she’s endured – from spinal cord stimulators to discussions around amputation. Just nine weeks before her wedding, she underwent major surgery, spending her recovery in bed while preparing to walk down the aisle. Through it all, her husband Shane has been a rock of support.

I’m in awe of Sophie’s strength and resilience – despite everything, she continues to push forward and advocate for change. She also shares how her Bernese Mountain Dog, Murphy, has helped her cope on the hardest days.

Sophie speaks so openly about the isolation of dealing with an invisible illness, the lack of disability support, and the broken system around public sector sick leave and state benefits in Ireland.

Her story is powerful, painful, and important - please give this one a listen and share.

This episode is proudly sponsored by ADHD Now, the online clinic transforming ADHD assessment and care across Ireland. ADHD Now empowers people by providing access to ADHD assessments, expert clinicians, and personalised support. If you’re looking for an ADHD assessment or seeking support, visit adhdnow.com today.

Timestamps

[00:00:00] – Intro & Sophie’s background

[00:01:00] – Dream job & the classroom incident

[00:04:00] – Perfect life before the injury

[00:06:00] – Diagnosis: Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

[00:10:00] – Realising it’s lifelong

[00:12:00] – Financial shock & campaign begins

[00:16:00] – Living with chronic pain

[00:20:00] – Petition, politics & slow progress

[00:24:00] – Treatment setbacks & pre-wedding crisis

[00:30:00] – The wedding & resilience

[00:33:00] – Career loss & grief

[00:36:00] – Love, support & future hope

[00:40:00] – Final message: you will get through it

Connect:

Instagram: @thecomebackwithbrenda @brendasbits

Contact: [email protected]

👉 Follow Sophie at @special_education_muinteoir

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