Downey woman fights against chronic pain

DOWNEY – Downey resident Sarah Osuna recently returned from the National Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain Association’s “Leaders Against Pain” in Salt Lake City where she learned from leading experts skills to advocate on behalf of millions of people with chronic pain for faster diagnosis, better treatments, more research funding and ultimately a cure for these chronic conditions. “I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in October 2012,” Osuna said. “I have suffered many losses as a result, including the loss of my marriage, the ability to go to school, hold a job and missed memories with my children.

“The pain and fatigue are unbearable at times. I don’t want anyone to experience what I have so that is why I wanted to be a Leader Against Pain.”

Osuna will be reaching out to the community to help “create the change people in pain have desperately needed.”

To contact Osuna and follow her work, email sarah.osuna77@gmail.com.

According to the Institute of Medicine, chronic pain affects one in four, or 110 million U.S. adults, which is more than the number affected by heart disease, diabetes, and cancer combined.

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Published: Nov. 13, 2014 - Volume 13 - Issue 31