Life-threatening pain | For patients with critical illness, what destroys their will most often is not the disease itself, but the overwhelming and severe pain that never goes away. In hong Kong, the incidence rate of cancer continues to rise. Even after receiving the most advanced treatments, many patients still face the pain of “waning to die”. Recently, the Hong Kong Pain Management (critical Illness) Care Fund officially launched the “Restore Hope”: Critical Illness Pain Full subsidy Program, initiated by the founder Dr. Chen Ningchen, who has personally experienced the pain of the disease, and collaborated with medical experts to provide a glimmer of hope for grassroots patients suffering from pain.

Written by: Medical Inspire｜Photo source: Hong Kong Pain Management (Critical Illness) Care Fund

Founder Dr. Chen Ningchen, who once suffered from adenomyosis: “The pain is enough to drive people crazy.”

This project was born out of a shared pain. Dr. Chen ningzhen, founder and chairman of the fund, disclosed his pain-fighting experience for the first time at the press conference. She revealed that she had suffered from adenomyosis,and the pain was indescribable. Even if the dosage of painkillers was continuously increased, and even morphine injections were used, the body would gradually develop resistance to the drugs, and eventually all drugs would lose their effectiveness.

dr.Chen recalled:

“I know firsthand how pain can drive you crazy.”

As of this “skin-cutting pain”, she made up her mind during her hospitalization to do her best to alleviate the pain of other patients and break the shackles of being unable to obtain appropriate treatment due to financial difficulties.

The number of cancers has been rising year after year. Professor Xu Yiw

“it hurt so much that I had to cover it with a pillow.” Patient Mr. Feng: regained his life after surgery

The personal sharing of Mr. Feng, a skin cancer patient, best reflects the trampling of dignity by pain. He once described himself as being in so much pain that he “couldn’t eat or sleep” and even had to “cover the pain with a pillow” to vent his emotions. At that time, traditional painkillers were wholly ineffective for him.

Fortunately, Mr. Feng’s life took a turn for the better after Dr.Chen Zhirong performed a fully implantable analgesic pump surgery. He said that the pain disappeared after the operation: “in the beginning, I took medicine every month, but now I onyl take medicine once every three to four months.” This treatment not only stopped the pain, but also allowed him to enjoy family happiness with his family again and regain his dignity as a human being.

“restore Hope” fully funded plan: helping grassroots patients break financial shackles

In order to benefit more people, the Hong Kong Pain Management (Critical Illness) Care Foundation donated fully implantable analgesic pumps and spinal cord neurostimulators to the Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong through this project, providing full subsidies to patients with financial difficulties and performing surgeries at teaching hospitals.

Funding objects and vision:

Target audience: Patients with cancer pain,spinal neuralgia and sciatica.
The goal: Give patients relief from severe pain and dependence on opioids within days.
Vision: To achieve “the patient has a wish and the pain has help”, the first phase goal is to help 100 patients regain their quality of life.

Dr. Chen Ningzhen said at the launch ceremony:

“We should break the shackles of economic constraints and let more patients have the opportunity to receive advanced pain management treatment. This is not just about alleviating physical pain, but also about restoring their dignity and hope for life.”

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From Patient to Advocate: Doctor’s Personal Battle Inspires Fund for Others

Dr. Chan, a physician herself, faced a daunting health challenge: a 13cm uterine fibroid. her experience navigating the medical system, coupled with her own pain, fueled a desire to help others facing similar struggles, particularly those hindered by financial constraints. This led to the establishment of a fund dedicated to supporting patients in need.

Facing a Personal Health Crisis

Dr. Chan’s journey began with persistent discomfort. She emphasized the importance of seeking a specialist when dealing with trauma. She expressed gratitude for her family doctor,Yang Yi Min,praising his quick and decisive judgment in referring her to a specialist. This prompt action proved crucial in her treatment.

Non-Invasive Treatment: HIFU Technology

Ultimately, Dr. Chan opted for High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU), a non-invasive heat-focused surgery. This innovative technology uses high-temperature heat to dissolve tumors. During the procedure, the stomach is immersed in water, allowing the heat to gradually shrink the tumor. Initially measuring 13cm,the tumor was successfully reduced to 3cm,preventing the need for a hysterectomy.

“Those Who Are Sick Have a Wish, and Those in Pain Have Help” – Establishing a Fund

Inspired by her own experience, Dr. Chan resolved to alleviate the suffering of other patients during her hospitalization:

“Do whatever you can to alleviate the pain of other patients.”

Recognizing that financial barriers often prevent access to necessary care,Dr. Chan established a fund to help patients overcome these obstacles.The fund aims to provide support to those who might otherwise be unable to afford treatment, ensuring thay receive the care they deserve.

Key Takeaways

• early Detection is Crucial: Dr. Chan’s story highlights the importance of seeking medical attention promptly when experiencing health concerns.
• Non-Invasive Options Exist: HIFU offers a viable, non-surgical alternative for treating uterine fibroids and other tumors.
• Financial Barriers to Healthcare: The fund addresses a critical need by providing financial assistance to patients who cannot afford treatment.
• Patient Advocacy: Dr. Chan’s personal experience transformed her into a passionate advocate for accessible healthcare.

Publication Date: 2025/1