I so much appreciate all of the time you have each taken to share your stories with me. My one year anniversary is rapidly approaching and I think that's part of what bothers me so much, the fact that I was originally told I should be just about back to normal in a year, and here I am still in a wheelchair with no relief from the pain. If anything, it has gotten worse.

I'd love to walk again, but I think I could somehow accept being in a chair for the rest of my life. It's the debilitating pain and the opportunities that it takes away from me that I fear most.

Thank you again, each of you, for your encouragement. I don't post as often as I should, but I read faithfully. This is a tough disease; as much as I hate that each of you have it, it's at least comforting to know we're all in this thing together.