Jim Coltellino was working as an electrician when he had an occupational accident that burned 30% of his body including his arms, hands, chest, legs and face. He has undergone 30 surgeries for his burns and has experienced pain that most people will never understand. He separately suffered another occupational related cervical spinal injury and broke his pelvis in a motorcycle accident. The old Jim loved to work in his field and play golf in his spare time. The new Jim lives with pain, works on creative projects in his garage and his glass studio and he proudly shows off his laser etching and cutting machine that he uses to make a wide range of crafts.

Jim shares that he is now a professional pain patient. He has found peace with his health and works hard to help other pain patients to do the same. I met Jim at a pain rehabilitation program at the Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin, MD. Jim led my group in meditation but also served as a guide to help us understand what is possible. He gained his insights at a John Hopkin’s University program and working with professionals who taught him the usefulness of calming the mind and body during flare ups.
I asked him for words of advice to other people suffering with chronic pain. He explained that he can’t say it gets better and that everyone has different health conditions. He emphasized that there are ways to help yourself and professionals who can support your journey. The person living with pain must be their own advocate and actively seek solutions that will help.

Finally, I asked Jim how he wants people to see him. He explained, “I want people to see me as Jungle Jim … rough exterior … soft interior … caring … I would do anything for anybody. I just want to be seen as me … plain and simple. I want people to know I am a good guy.”