I'm also a new member to this forum and have both occipital neuralgia, cervical dystonia, mtbi, chronic daily headaches, post-traumatic migraines, post-traumatic stress disorder. All resulting from Oct 2008 car accident.

I have found, like many of you, ways to cope -- and try to take it one day at a time. I too was an extremely active person, at the pinnacle of a great career and at a good point in my marriage after 29 years.

I have tried everything suggested to me -- accupuncture, aggressive physical therapy, certain medications, Botox injection therapy. I'm curious about the fusions -- did you have damaged or herniated discs? I'm glad you have had some relief from them, but have learned that one "cure" can be to the detriment of other affected areas. I'm also curious about the cervical spinal cord stimulator -- how that works. It cured your ON. I hope your neck pain will also diminish as well.

The reality is that however we were injured, whatever our medical diagnoses are, we personally have to deal with it. Friends/family are compassionate, want to take the pain away -- but I have found it difficult for them to really understand. It's easy to see the pain someone may have with a broken limb in a cast -- but is difficult to see the pain we have in our heads. It's difficult to describe the pain -- mine changes depending on Botox schedule (every 3 months), on how much I push and then am exhausted. My brain tells me when it's power is about to turn off. I literally feel like the Energizer Bunny that drums across the floor and just stops. That happens to me. I almost collapse sometimes. Sleep is one of the best ways to heal my head -- even at times when it's extremely difficult to lay it down. I have spent many nights propped up so that my occipitals aren't pushing on the pillow. I think crying can be a good thing -- as is talking with others that understand. I keep a daily diary and that helps. Some times I write "same as yesterday -- same old story".

We all have to make new lives, and I think I have concluded after almost 2 years that, I won't be returning to my former life. It's just how it is. I have to retrain my brain in many areas, but the hardest retraining is for others around us. They need to understand and ACCEPT our limitations.

I do housework if and when I can; luckily have a daughter still at home helping with groceries, the dog, other daily tasks.

I have a consulation with a doctor next week who is a cervical chiropractor. She said I sound like a prime candidate. We'll see. Would love to avoid any surgery on my neck.

Thanks for listening...