“I Began to See Glimpses of Myself Again” – Erica’s Story of Living with Chronic Pain
For years, Erica Askolin, 40, has lived with chronic pain that affects every aspect of her life. The pain, which began after a fall, completely changed her future.
Before her injury, Erica worked as a musical theatre performer and stage artist. As her pain worsened and her functional ability declined, she was forced to leave the profession she loved. Today, she is studying to become a cultural producer and is preparing for a new career.
“With my current level of functional ability, I can’t work as a performing artist anymore. But I’m incredibly grateful that I’ve been able to study for a new profession.”
When Pain Took Over Everyday Life
At its worst, the pain affected everything. Alongside the constant pain came severe brain fog that made it difficult to concentrate and turned even the simplest daily tasks into a challenge.
“I was practically a living zombie.”
The pain was constant, and severe pain attacks could strike without warning. Sometimes her legs would suddenly give way, and even the most ordinary tasks became overwhelming.
“I couldn’t even read a single page of text. During a pain flare-up, even replying to a simple text message felt impossible.”
Daily life required extensive support. Erica relied on personal assistance and various rehabilitation services, yet for a long time, every day felt like a matter of simply getting through.
A New Option for Managing Chronic Pain
Before starting Sooma tDCS therapy, Erica had already experienced positive results with rTMS treatment. When those treatments ended, her pain specialist suggested adding Sooma therapy as part of her overall treatment plan.
“My doctor was always looking for new treatment options. I trusted him and was willing to try anything that might help.”
Because the treatment could be done at home, it fit naturally into her daily routine. Erica usually completed her sessions in the evening before going to bed.
“It suited my routine at night because the treatment makes me feel relaxed and sleepy. I even took the Sooma device with me on my honeymoon in the Norwegian mountains.”
Clearer Thinking and Greater Independence
One of the first improvements Erica noticed was that the brain fog began to lift.
“Being able to read an entire page again was a huge milestone.”
Improved concentration quickly translated into everyday life. Paperwork became easier to manage, and she was gradually able to return to studying.
Although her studies required flexible study arrangements and the support of assistive technology, she was able to continue making steady progress toward her degree.
“I could focus for much longer than before. That made studying possible.”
She also noticed that the spontaneous pain attacks – which previously occurred without any obvious trigger – became less frequent.
Finding Herself Again
Although chronic pain is still part of Erica’s life, she feels that both her functional ability and overall quality of life have improved significantly.
When asked what those changes felt like, her answer comes without hesitation.
“I felt like I was beginning to see glimpses of myself again. Even my husband noticed that my facial expressions had come back.”
“Somewhere behind that zombie, I could see glimpses of the person I used to be.”
It wasn’t that all of her symptoms disappeared. Rather, the parts of her life that pain had pushed into the background slowly began to return.
“It’s Always Worth Trying”
Today, Erica leads peer support groups for people living with chronic pain and regularly meets others searching for ways to improve their quality of life.
Her message is simple:
“It’s always worth trying, because you never know what will work for you.”
She believes that effective pain management often requires combining several treatment approaches and that people should have access to more non-pharmacological options.
“In my opinion, we should be much more willing to offer non-drug treatments and innovative approaches to pain management. Not everyone gets enough relief from medication alone. I never found a pain medication that worked for me, so my doctors had to think outside the box. Today, in addition to aquatic physiotherapy and home-based rehabilitation, I use tDCS, rTMS, and the Mollii Suit as part of my pain management. That combination works for me.”
Sooma therapy remains an important part of her daily routine.
“Effective pain management gives me a sense of security and support in everyday life.”