This is the last blog post in a series of six, the true story of Akkies chronic pain - and how she overcame it. This last blog tells the tips and tricks Akkie used in her recovery.

Akkies tips and strategies

What have I done to achieve my goal?

READ...read...read...read...read...read...read...read...read:
The Pain the Boss, of Frits Winter
My goodness, Anna Rayman's...

To observe myself critically: when do I experience more/less pain.

Apply the SALAMI technique of Frits Winter.

Read articles of Book and Support (facebook page):
Expressive writing
Elephant paths

I went to Yin yoga and every day at home I do two relaxation and breathing exercises.

New hobby picked up.

Became a member of a fellow sufferers contact group.

Website: Retrain Pain reading.

Followed the PEP course and read the chapters regularly. You first learn the theory and then, at your own pace to work.

Afterword, by Louis Zantema

In the past two weeks you have been able to read the inspiring story of Akkie. Inspiring for those who suffer from pain, as well as for practitioners. I think that people who suffer from pain and their practitioners can both have hard times when it comes to this terrible problem.

When I started as a pain therapist myself, I remember this very well: 'How am I ever going to change something about such a big (pain) problem' and 'What if I'm wrong, and this pain is purely physical?' as thoughts regularly played around in my head. Stories like Akkie's prove the opposite. Even after long periods of pain there is still room for improvement. Even when there is a diagnosis, or a good physical explanation, there is profit to be gained. It is not an easy road, and often not a short one either. Yet, knowledge and patience, for both the practitioner and the patient, pays off.