Originally Posted by Leesa

How do we cope? Oh boy. I've had severe back problems for the last 26 yrs, and coping is difficult to say the least especially when it comes to pain management. Until the last 2 years, I could NOT find anyone who would properly treat my pain. All the doctors were intimidated by the DEA, and would not give me proper doses of pain meds. So I just plain suffered.

Most of coping is acceptance. You have to accept that you have a damaged spine, and make allowances for the fact that you can't do the same things you used to do anymore. I have to accept that I can't ski anymore (dang it!!) and I can't do something as simple as vacuuming my carpet!

So once you learn to accept that you have a "disability" you're better off. If you can stand the pain, it helps. LOL God bless & take care. Hugs, Lee