If anybody here knows anyone in "recovery" or is in "recovery" they knew the basic rule: One day at a time. Gradually, the days add up.

Jack, you've got TWO DAYS. I want to say for you, "Hi, My name is Jack, I'm a chronic pain patient, and I have two days pain-free."

That's fabulous. Keep the wallet out of your pocket, and don't change a thing. Maybe tomorrow will be another good day.

And, from the peanut gallery, I identify. "I'm LizaJane, and I'm a pain patient, and I have had three days pain-free."

For me, I think it was about a feldenkrais lesson about using the butt more and the back less to walk. It's been amazing to have basic movements remade by a therapist, but I do not care if my back is not fused, as long as I'm not in pain. The conclusion I've reached is this: Surgeons do desperate operations when people's nerves are in danger. I had a desperate operation to get the cyst out. But no way can I imagine a desperate, primitive surgery on my spine just for pain. There are better ways.

So there, all you back surgeons!

I'm LizaJane, and I have 3 days.