Interest Statement

I opened a door, injured my shoulder and my life changed. Thirteen doctors, nine months and more hours of pain than I can possibly count later, I was diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. The journey to a diagnosis was brutal. I dealt with doctors who accused me, the workaholic of not wanting to return to work; doctors who accused me, the patient with a medicine cabinet full of ineffective narcotics of being a drug seeker; and doctors who accused me, a person in real physical pain of having psychiatric problems. By the time I got my diagnosis, I felt like a battered woman.

I was fortunate enough to find some good doctors who were willing to admit when they did not know how to help me so I could move on and seek other care. Additionally, I was extremely lucky to find doctors who took the time to find out what was actually going on with me and who had the expertise to help me get well. I still have flair ups and still have to live with pain, but I am building a life of productivity.

There are so many women out there who are in pain and whose experiences are being discounted. I want to stand in solidarity with those women and say “No one else can ever feel what you are experiencing, so never let them invalidate your experience. Believe in yourself and keep speaking your truth! There are many caring medical professionals out in the world, be persistent, find them. And remember you are your own best advocate.” 

The Women in Pain Leadership Circle is a wonderful opportunity to contribute to and be part of a community of people where connection and understanding mean so much. Being part of a community, having someone with whom you can reach out to and relate with can give you the energy to fight for another day.

Biography

Mindy Meyer, MA, is a Special Consultant to the Center for Collaborative Policy and an Independent Organizational Effectiveness Consultant.  For the past 15 years, she has worked in a range of community development areas including affordable housing, workforce and economic development and youth development.  Mindy’s areas of expertise include collaboration, community organizing, program development, strategic planning, facilitation, teambuilding and leadership development.  She has work experience in the public, private and nonprofit sectors as a consultant, project manager and executive director. 

In 2003, Mindy injured her shoulder which later developed into Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, also known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy.  Mindy was fortunate enough to receive a diagnosis during the window of time when intervention can be most effective.  In 2005, she went back to school and got her Bachelor’s Degree and, through a scholarship, earned her Master’s in Organizational Management.  Mindy is still living with pain, but continues to live an active life.  She serves on the Board of Directors for the Venice Community Housing Corporation and is the appointed Chair of the Affordable Housing and Tenants Rights Committee for her local Council office.