Life Over Pain - Jen Sargent - Caregiver as Advocate Results in Empowerment and a Better Outcome

Life Over Pain

When Jen Sargent met her future husband Pete Sargent, she had no idea he was in chronic pain. But six months into their relationship he couldn't keep it from her anymore. She had no experience with chronic conditions. So Jen began to work around the pain. She would try to think ahead and adjust the things they would do. And she kept a positive attitude. But years went by and the pain became a part of their relationship and it affected their marriage. It's hard for caregivers to continually separate their loved one's pain from what's happening. Jen decided to become empowered. She became an ardent advocate for Pete's health and found him new doctors, helped him create a "one pager" about his medical history, and actually went with him to doctors appointments. She is deeply embedded in Pete's healthcare as another set of eyes and ears. Together they turned the corner and Pete has been nearly pain-free for the last eight years. And they have two adorable kids to top off this happy story! Bring tissues when you listen.Listen to Pete Sargent's story, "Nearly Pain-Free By His Resilience and His Wife's Advocacy", on this podcast, too. Their stories truly make you want to hug someone.