You are singing to the choir, Trina. I totally know what you mean. My pain comes and goes, and hasn't been excruciating since the epidural shots. I'm not getting my strength back, though. And the whole "it will only get worse" scenario is the one that's put me in action. I really don't want it to get worse or end up back where I was in the beginning.

I also know what you mean about filtering your life through the intermittent pain. Me too. I'm tired of limiting my activities because of this, and not doing some things at all (like lifting weights) because I might make it worse. I worry too about whether I'm opening the door for a bunch of neck and back issues later.

But when push comes to shove. I think we just have to maintain a positive outlook about this.

Hang in there and good luck on surgery day.
Kelly