ON THE COUCH: FIONA TYRELLtalks to Michael Bohill is chairman of the Chronic Pain Association
Family/personal:
Married to Caroline with daughters Fern and Danielle and granddaughter Lara (5).
Which living person do you most admire and why?
I admire Mary McAleese. Having had the pleasure to meet her at Áras an Uachtaráin I admire how she carries out her duties and the way she reaches out to all groups in Irish society.
What do you regard as the top three problems facing Ireland’s health system?
Access to pain management and hospital services.
It is vital that pain consultants, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and psychological services all work together as a unit when treating patients.
Lack of understanding of the serious issue of chronic pain. Chronic pain is a long-term complex condition which can have a devastating effect on people’s lives.
Finally, lack of services and supports for the elderly in our community.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Having the house and garden illuminated at Christmas.
What is your most unhealthy habit?
Coffee and eating my daughter’s chocolate.
How do you relax?
Relaxation doesn’t come easy. Following an injury I have suffered chronic pain for nine years.
It has taught me to accept my good days as relaxation days, my bad days as resting days.
Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?
My two favourite actors, Gene Hackman and Morgan Freeman, Pavarotti for entertainment, Graham Norton for his sense of humour, my wife, father and family.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
A pain-free day with the sun shining listening to nice music.
What trait do you most value in your friends?
Loyalty.
What talent would you most like to have?
I enjoy singing, but I always regretted not having learned to play an instrument – maybe the mandolin or trumpet.
Do you use alternative/ complementary medicines or therapies?
I have a spinal chord stimulator implant. It is the size of a cigarette box and is implanted into my tummy with wires going into the spine. It puts a current through the damaged nerve that causes the pain.
I also use fish oil capsules and sometimes I use acupuncture.
What is your earliest memory?
Seeing my father roller skating in the Olympia ballroom in Waterford. I was about three or four years old at the time. Later I learned he was a professional skater for Ireland.
What is your most treasured possession?
The love and support I have from my wife and daughters.
What other career might you have chosen?
Prior to my injuries I worked in business. Given the opportunity I would love to have trained to be a helicoptor pilot.
What books or films have inspired you?
The film Schindler's Listand Ronan Tynan's remarkable and inspirational life story Half Way Home.