It is to me, a matter of tempering one's hopes and expectations. Just re-program YOUR mindset to a sort of 're-charge' mode. A constant one.

Progress, if any, also has to do with all the other 'things' going on in your life...insurance hassles, basic living activities on a daily basis, families who have NO clue, and heaps of other issues. Ever think that your body and mind have been putting lots of energy and resources into the 'recharge' modes?

It is a matter of FOCUS: on doing good things for your body that help it heal, and you live....PT, eating well [even tho you may not care at ALL], doc's support, family support, ANYONE's support? ON top of all that, keeping sanity?

YOu know? LizaJane's been thru a lot lately, set-backs w/her spine, family issues and here she is....going out to the total BOONIES on what was supposed to be the ultimate 'recovery' adventure! I am betting she will have a good time in spite of the pain. Keep in mind tho, each of us deal with the pain/no pain issue a bit different [maybe because we ARE a bit different?]and cope/compensate/get on with life in adaptive ways. As long as you have and get some internal sense of 'progress', even now and then....well IT IS PROGRESS! and NOT those 'GEE I'mGETTING WORSER?' issues...

I really feel for our docs often, there are no promises, and I wonder/hope/wish that some of 'us' stick in their minds and would work harder for US! It may not be happening now, but I sure hope so, and soon!

I mean...look at Billye [Silverlady] going to the Mayo thru sleet, snow, rain and blizzard for a 'few' days' only to stay more than 'many' days! Look at kmeb, who was diagnosed/misdiagnosed from the get-go. Look at Liza Jane, BobB, Brian, Nancy and Rafi, lastly ME....we all have to face variations on the DEMON each day! Look for all the GOOD things and hold on tight! The rest is/has got to be extraneous to plain old get by!

For now tho, Good things and super thoughts your way! - j