I have been in therapy for more then 12 years and I am 29 so my whole adult life. As my psych's say I could write the book on therapy. The key is using the tools I have. I think for my eating disorder it took like 11 years but I know how to use healthy coping mechanisms to not fall into the disorder again. It is a daily battle but I feel I have control to make the right choices. The issue with pain/illness is that you don't have control on a lot. When I share my story of recovery to the people ill at the hospital for eating disorders and also share this issue I explain in their recovery they have a choice and it is fighting through the fears but with illness you don't. I guess for me the tools I can use with this issue is to stay in the moment. I go from a to z with what is going on in my body. That anxiety and fear doesn't help at all. Trying to focus on some positives in life and the progress in some ways I have made. To use my voice and reach out for support. For awhile I was ashamed of my pain and how this has taken over so I am so limited in life. Especially young people have no clue what this can be like when they are running around roller blading etc. Since I have pushed through the shame I felt and opened up it has helped me feel less lonely. It is though picking the right people to share this with though cause you know some people are idiots. I agree about laughter Melody and it always amazes me how people in pain can still have a spirit of fun in them. Even when I was super depressed and once in a psych ward I try to have a little fun. I used to say I know I am a nut but at least I admit it. I think that it can help in recovery to have a sense of humor and to hold to hope. We have such a nice family here of support. I am so thankful to have met all of you. You have taught me so much and when I am having a horrid day I think of many of you fighting through. Many hugs and happy/healthy wishes.