I have tos, c-spine fusion @ C5-6 and C6-7, ddd c-spine, neck migraines, arthritis c-spine, lumbo-sacral spine, wrists, neck, chest shoulder, arm, wrist and hand, upper backm low back, leg, feet, Pain. I am 42. several motor vehicle accidents, newly noticed scoliotic curve thoracic spine.

I could go on and on. pain increasing fast, and my function is way below normal. i have tried "getting in shape" it does not cure the problems. for me, I do something with minimal activity, being very careful not to overdo...and I am in so much pain and my arm/hand will either swell up with buldging veins, or if it is winter, the hands go white, numb, stiff, painful.
I cannot seem to function even waaaay below normal standards. In fact, I am wearing a wrist splint because I planted a couple flowers with granddaughter today. Shedid most of the work and I ended up with horrible cramping sore sciatica in backs of legs and back pain that forced me to lie down, when i got up my rt wrist almost felt like it broke when i simply reached for a small coffee cup, hurt so bad i had to splint it. I am probably gonna be divorcing and obviously cant work. i dont know what is going to happen to me.........

Dear Cassie,

It saddens me to read of someone as young as yourself having to struggle against so much pain and so many limitations.

A car accident broke my body and my brain - but not (I hope) my spirit. Like you, I worry about the future: How will I pay my medical bills?; Will my marriage hold together?; Will I lose what little is left of my independence and become a burden to others?; How will I make it through this day of pain and all the other days of pain to follow?

I will not lie to you - there are moments when I feel absolute, black despair. Then I try to remember that people love me and to take pleasure in watching them flourish. For example, I'm sure your granddaughter is a real cutie and that the flower you planted together will be beautiful.

I also remind myself that medical knowledge advances quickly. Things that were science fiction only ten years ago are routine procedures today. When science is able to help me, I want to be here and ready for that.

I also hope that this forum will remind you that you are not alone. There are people here who know exactly what you're talking about: benefit from their experience, refresh yourself in their empathy.

Hang On

Just wanted to step in and welcome you to NeuroTalk!! I noticed you have been exploring around the board. We do have a Chronic Pain Forum….
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/fo...sprune=-1&f=10
Also a Spinal Disorders & Back Pain Forum…
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/fo...aysprune=&f=22
We have lots of forums which are for the exploring…so sorry to hear about your pain…
Again I wanted to let you know how great it is that you found NT, take care! Tammy

Hello cassi, and welcome to NeuroTalk! This is such a nice place with so many friendly, caring and helpful people.

We're so glad you found us!

Welcome to NeuroTalk. Great to see you have come to be with us. Just let us know if we can be of any help. We are all here to assist each other as possible.

Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around.

Darlene