I was diagnosed a little over two years ago. For a long time, and even some bad days now, I find living with this hard to accept. I played sports for many years growing up, so I was used to the injurys that just got better or were fixed with a simple surgery. There was always an answer and a quick fix. Then, I got injured and there weren't any answers. There weren't any quick fixes for the pain. And it was the first time I heard the word "permanent" from a doctor. How do you accept that? How do you come to terms with something you may live with the rest of your life when you are only in your 20's? The rest of your life is a long time. It took over a year for me to accept this, and come to terms with it. And I still have days where I break down and say "Why me?". But, the next day I get up and say "I am NOT going to let this control me". It isn't easy. It is a struggle every single day. But, I find support through my friends, and my family, and all of the wonderful people here that struggle everyday as well. It doesn't mean you are weak because you have bad days or have a hard time with the pain and what that does to your life, it means you are human. We all find ways to accept things. We find ways to grieve and let go. The best thing I can recommend to you is find a support system. And know that it is OK to cry, or scream, or do whatever you need to do to let out the frustration. And then move on to the next day and tell yourself it will be better than yesterday.