Tam,

You have self-worth just sitting in bed!!!

I totally understand where you are coming from emotionally - I too dream of my old life and sometimes slip into forgetting that I'm 'limited'. Then some reality whips me back to who I am now. If I didn't have psyche counseling 1x mo. and group 1x wk. (for women w/chronic pain and depression), I couldn't deal with the new normal. I guess having Mom to look after also gives me some feeling of usefulness, but there are so many basic daily tasks that I can no longer do, some days it's overwhelming.

I'm concerned that you say you are alone now. Hope BF is still with you. If not, you will make it - just not in the way you expected. Your experiences (both professional and otherwise) make you valuable to everyone you may come in contact with. And one never knows what the future holds... there may be some family member who (God forbid) gets injured and will suddenly look to YOU for strength.

I know I see you as indispensible around here!
Anne