Dakota, love your post....again, I am chuckling....I am not group therapy material either....been there, tried that....I would rather get thrown from a horse. That would be more likely to make me forget about my PN....That said, group therapy works for a lot folks.....I think I am too cantankerous. I am thinking the grass is green enough on my side of the fence, and the herd can just keep grazing over there on their side....

Hi. I'm glad you didn't take offense. I have been in therapy for 12 years on and off. I have done group therapy at the pain clinic and for eating disorder recovery. I will say that at the ed group they don't understand the pain and I often get frustrated because for the pain issue a lot if out of our control yet recovery from addiction you do have a choice. I think what I do like is that it helps me feel less alone and a part of a group. Also though it is different there are certain similar coping mechanisms that can be used like journaling,relaxation so on. I think its finding what type of help works for you. I know that up till I went back to my recovery group I was ashamed by my I pain though I wanted to share my story in eating disorder recovery. Pushing myself to go has shown me that the pain is not something to be ashamed up but that were fighters. I will agree though and I can say this as someone who has been dealing with this pain for less then a year but seems like a liftime people will not understand cause they have nothing to compare it to. What the worst thing for them is like a bad flu that goes away. For me its better for people to just listen then offer suggestions or input when they have no clue.
As for the horses yeah I agree with you on there is no way. I know many get therapy from them but I can't take my chances with my luck and body. Take care all.

Daniella, I love your comment about overcoming being ashamed of your pain. I wonder how many of us share that concern. My grandparents were pioneers is South Texas, and my Dad was a Colonel in the Army. In our family, growing up, showing pain was a sign of poor character. Like, only people who were white trash would ever show pain. No crying ever. No complaining, ever. So I have really struggled with this. But..... I'm over it! Good things come to those who wait.....