It takes an incredible amount of strength, resilience and courage to live with pain day in, day out. People who don't get that have never had to deal with pain that does not go away. Yes, they may have had pain but not the kind of stress of an ongoing condition and the life changes that come with what we all deal with. Let their misunderstanding roll off of you. They really don't have a clue.

Therapists experienced in chronic pain and illness are tremendously helpful in dealing with the aftermath. I found a great therapist on the Psychology Today database online. She was Instrumental in helping me deal with this crap. . Don't get discouraged by what is on the forum. There are mild cases and cases that have improvement. Those people are probably not posting! Your future is not yet determined...don't project the worst onto it.