Guest EpisodeEpisode 194 · September 21, 2025

“We Believe You”: The Moment That Changed Chronic Pain Care

ACT & Behavior Change

What happens when “fix me” fails—and you still hurt every day? Keith Meldrum shares how validation and willingness replaced a decades-long fight with pain to rebuild a meaningful life. What you’ll learn • Why pain is always biological—but rarely only biomedical • How stigma, dismissal, and “it’s in your head” worsen outcomes • The pivotal power of “We believe you” in the clinic • Practical reframes: from fighting pain to willingness and pacing • Stress–pain loop...

The Modern Pain Podcast

Episode 194

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What happens when “fix me” fails—and you still hurt every day?
Keith Meldrum shares how validation and willingness replaced a decades-long fight with pain to rebuild a meaningful life. What you’ll learn
• Why pain is always biological—but rarely only biomedical
• How stigma, dismissal, and “it’s in your head” worsen outcomes
• The pivotal power of “We believe you” in the clinic
• Practical reframes: from fighting pain to willingness and pacing
• Stress–pain loops: noticing, de-escalating, and regaining control
• Navigating procedures (nerve blocks, neuromodulation consults) without chasing magic bullets
• Protecting relationships and energy when pain is constant Keith’s story equips clinicians to lead with compassion and equips patients with actionable mindsets to reduce suffering and reclaim function. If this helped, subscribe and share with a colleague who treats complex pain.

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About the Guest

Keith Meldrum

Keith Meldrum

Advocate and Researcher

Civil engineer technologist and persistent pain and mitochondrial disease advocate. I have lived with persistent neuropathic pain since 1986 following a near-fatal car accident. Since 2011, I have been an advocate, educator, presenter, and researcher.

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