I totally understand what you're saying. I've had 2 open surgeries, plus a spinal cord implant & removal. I've had 27 years of this chronic nasty pain, and you do lose part of yourself. People don't want to hear about your pain or surgeries; they don't want to hear how you're feeling; even if they ask you how you're feeling, they don't want to hear the answer.

So who do you talk to about it? Usually no one, unless you go online to a forum and find someone compassionate enough to listen. But what about in the middle of the night, when you can't sleep cause the pain is so severe? Oh sure, you can go online then too -- but most people are in bed unless they too are suffering.

So you have to hide how you're feeling. NO one wants to hear it. If you don't hide it, you'll have no friends. Family will tune you out. It's lonely being in pain. Right now, my daughter is sitting in the chair right next to me, and she hasn't asked me how I feel -- she NEVER does! Ever. She's 37 yrs old and unemployed.

So we suffer in silence. I'm sure there's millions of us. God bless you mg neck prob. I understand completely. Please take care of yourself. Hugs, Lee