My Nonprofit Reviews

Pain Free Patriots are miracle workers. They have given me a new, positive reality to face in life. Before receiving their service, my life revolved around my pain and unpredictable limitations. I suffered with chronic pain and symptoms of PTSD for almost 20 years after serving my country for as long as I could, trying every conceivable treatment and clinical trial available to me, with no success or relief. It was heartbreaking to let my family down so often because I simply could not participate in activities and events that many can enjoy and even take for granted. Eventually, people stopped inviting us to anything because they always knew the answer, "I'll have to see how I'm feeling and if I'm able to get out and about that day." My family missed out on a lot because they chose to comfort me and stay at home while I suffered in silence instead of going out and living life without me. The cost of trying to manage my pain and PTSD crippled us as well because the VA could only do so much within the confines of their budget and bureaucracy.

After exhausting all of her options, my primary care physician at the VA finally referred me to Pain Free Patriots. I met with Chris Barber and explained my situation, just as I had many times before to so many others promising results, with little enthusiasm and a lot of skepticism. I was certain I was going to be offered some mediocre treatment plan that I'd probably tried a thousand times already or just more kitty cat poster psychiatry that was expected to make me happy and oblivious to my internal turmoil and external pain. Boy, was I mistaken. Chris was not only empathetic, but he was very confident in the organization's ability to make a difference. A real difference. I started therapy in the summer of 2017. About three months later, I woke up for the first time without pain. I was actually pain free. It caught me off guard. Normally, I have to prepare myself to get out of bed and grimace through the tightness and discomfort. Not anymore. I didn't have to think about how to get out of bed at all! I just got up and started my day! My life no longer revolved around my pain or PTSD. My life once again had purpose and direction. It was no longer being controlled by my pain, but rather I was taking charge and living life once again.

Now, I can make plans and not worry about how my body will feel when it's time to enjoy the event or travel to an exciting destination. I can now drive, fly, run, bike, hike, whatever and not be in agonizing pain at the end of my journey. I can play with my kids, go on adventures, and take on new challenges without the fear of physical or mental anguish. I'm alive again! I mean, I'm really alive! Thank you Pain Free Patriots for giving me my life back!