My Beautiful Pain: Not a Love Story by Glen Fozzard
This week is National Pain Week (NPW) – an annual awareness event coordinated each year by Chronic Pain Australia. The theme of National Pain Week 2021 is “Connection”.
“People living with chronic pain often feel isolated by their pain. The aim of NPW 2021 is to remind friends, family and professionals that connection is key to addressing the social isolation that pain can create. This year’s theme encourages people to connect with their bodies and acknowledge their pain. Equally, it encourages people to seek support and advice from others, rather than ignoring it and suffering in silence” Chronic Pain Australia (2021). Find out more: https://www.nationalpainweek.org.au
My Beautiful Pain: Not a Love Story by Glen Fozzard
Glen Fozzard, who served in the Australian Naval Forces as an esteemed Clearance Diver and Instructor, first experienced chronic pain in 2015 for no definitive reason. “Returning from my Senior Health and Safety FIFO role after 3 weeks in a remote mining site, I was introduced to neuropathic nerve pain, and it wasn’t a polite introduction! I was walking off the plane when I was suddenly aware (like stepping on a nail aware) of the most intense pain (like an electrified injection) in my left foot (a previous operation site). I had to stop and take my boot off as quick as I could, thinking how can an ant be in my boot since the morning and decide to bite me repeatedly after about 14 hours of travel, Remote Karratha, WA to Brisbane… Bus, two planes? AHHHH!”
“Chop it off please Doc, I can’t take it anymore! It was my last resort, the thing that kept me going, a way out, to escape my soul-destroying neuropathic pain, to have my left leg amputated, the doctor’s response “pre-existing neuropathic, phantom limb pain blah blah blah” it was my last resort to escape the pain.”
Little did Glen know at the time, but the pain would remove him from the workforce, his planned life path, the closeness he had with his family and friends, and enjoying life in general.
Glen embarked on a journey of natural wellness, organic whole plant-based foods, exercise, and his “M” meds. Purchasing a small inflatable boat, he and used it to access remote waterways, meditating, drifting in silence, sometimes overnight. Boat trips, bushwalks, beach walks, saltwater, salt air… all infused with high oxygen and high mineral contents assisted Glen with every limping step.
Glen’s journey inspired a new business All Aboard Adventures… designed to provide the amazing healing powers of the salt air and saltwater, to everybody… that’s everybody, if that body works 100% or not. All Aboard Adventure provides a range of activities from underwater wellness activities, controlled scuba experiences, assisted swimming, fish feeding, on-water therapy, and days out in nature with a focus on accessible wellness and respite.
Glen’s parting advice to the bearers of pain… “befriend it, control it, use it for good… find a way.”
Find out more, book a tour or contact Glen directly: info@allaboardadventures.com.au https://allaboardadventures.com.au
Trigger warning: This story contains content about suicidal ideation and sexual content.
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