I am VERY glad to read about both of you having the support of your spouses. Imagine how hard it is on them! I have read many times that chronic pain, etc. is a common cause for marital problems. I CAN well imagine it would be and would test a person's patience, as well as a partner's love (or at least, compassion).
Well, NOW imagine being inside the body and mind of a man who is now having to undergo his 16th surgery (neck, back, open heart, shoulder(6)), six months after his divorce, which was due in most part, from chronic pain, multiple (&varied) surgeries, pain meds,!
An attorney's mind set is something of a "factual", black/white thought proccess. "If there isn't blood, how does it hurt?", "Everyone's back looks bad on an MRI!", "Maybe you are addicted to surgeries???"!
Yeah, that was my WIFE...
...the worst part about it is, MY GUILT!!! And my 5 & 7 year olds!