**

I decided to join this forum to see if I could find and relate to people going through the same thing. Pain support in Connecticut is horrid. Not Nevro though, they are always available. A Beacon of light in the night.

I have 10 bad discs, 5 ruptured, considered inoperable, four Interbody cages in my Lumbar Spine, a 3.5" Titanium plate in my neck, these hold 5 discs together. I have 2 Thoracic discs that give me much problems breathing. Sometimes I can only breath out without pain, and must be hospitalized. I am not looking for sympathy. This started in my mid teens, I am almost 60 years old. I have lived an extremely full life, sailing 10 meter boats, at times single handily, I had a pilot's license for a while. I am an avid motorcyclist, and I enjoy fast cars, and blueprint and rebuild engines. Much has slowed down as of recent, due to the exacerbation of my pain issues. I have a 17 year son and a wife, who I cannot believe has stayed with me through all this.

I am Christian. I am a Catholic Christian, Katolicos, the Universal Church of God, I converted 12 years ago. I do not judge people, nor do I proselytize. I have friends of all religious, faiths and creeds. I do believe in the universality of God, even for those who believe but cannot put a name for their belief. In short, we are here for each other. In my honest opinion.

I seek any help offered and offer myself as a sounding board. I can listen and do. I can share. I accept advice. I hope I can help and be helped. I am one of you. I know this from reading many many posts. Thank You for having me. **

I have been in pain my whole life, and it is getting worse. I know this won't go on much longer. I feel it. I hope to share my experiences so those who are younger, or at the same spot, can help ourselves continue to the fullness of our journey's end with dignity, love, and support. I hope that wasn't too much. I am just me, no one special, but as special as anyone here, for I do love myself. I also love people. We are afflicted, not damned.