Thank you for your post. You taught nursing, my deepest respect to you. In the hospital it is the nurses who address your issues, all of them! I have had some extremely caring nurses during my cervial fusions. Sorry you had to give up your career too. We need all the good nurses we can get! I don't think I will ever get over not working. My Art was an all consuming love of the craft I learned. I can't risk C1-2 the only good one I have left in my cervial spine. T1-2 isn't so hot eithor. I too take it one day at a time, and come running back here for support and to give support. I hope your holiday season has less pain in it, and that you have peace in your life. ginnie