What do you do if there is something wrong with you and no doctor can diagnose it? If you want something doing, do it yourself.

It is estimated that around 15 million people in the UK live with chronic pain, and a significant percentage of them have no definitive diagnosis. While many individuals with chronic pain are able to continue living relatively normal lives, there are countless others whose symptoms severely impact their ability to function. This often leads to depression and other mental health challenges.

One of my long-term goals is to encourage medical professionals to investigate specific clusters of symptoms, enabling more accurate diagnoses and appropriate treatment. Improved diagnosis would dramatically enhance quality of life, giving individuals a better chance of returning to work, engaging in fulfilling activities, and, undoubtedly, improving their mental wellbeing.

I decided to write this book to share my personal story with the hope of shedding some light on what chronic pain is and how it affects the lives of people who experience it, and also the friends and family that are around them.  Before I began experiencing life with chronic, I had no idea how widespread and misunderstood this issue was. Through the reach of social media, I encountered thousands of people facing similar experiences—many of whom were undiagnosed or living with conditions that were poorly understood by healthcare providers.

This book follows my journey from the onset of my symptoms, spanning over ten years. I won’t reveal too much here—you’ll have to read it for yourself—but it covers the challenges I faced, the barriers I had to overcome, and how I ultimately found a way forward. One of the most significant obstacles, and one shared by many chronic pain sufferers, was convincing doctors to take my symptoms seriously and to order the right tests that would eventually lead to a diagnosis.

Who is this book for? It will resonate with anyone currently navigating a similar path—it may offer insight into possible causes of pain or strategies for coping, both mentally and physically. I went through some very dark times, and I hope my experiences can help others feel less alone. Casual readers who enjoy powerful true stories may also find it compelling, as the book delves into my thought processes and personal reflections throughout the journey.

In addition, the book contains detailed medical information about lesser-known conditions such as Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension, Fibromyalgia, Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Postural Tachycardia Syndrome, among others. Years of personal research helped me to not only better understand my own condition but also support others in their diagnostic journeys. I believe some medical professionals may find value in the patient perspective I offer, along with the theories and insights I share.