I just wonder if people are out there who have been through this mess for quite awhile with multiple surgeries and pain still.
I am 28 and terrified of what the future holds. I just wander how much worse it will get and if it will just get worse and worse when your back is so messed up already.
I'm just so tired of all this and know it will never be over. I can't take it!
Anyone dealing with this pain forever and ever and does it just get worse and worse?

Christina

Christina,

I'm not the most expressive writer, but I will say do not give up hope. Even though it is difficult, you cannot project this life today...10 or 20 years into the future and assume it will be the same or worse. I have seen many people with chronic conditions on these boards who have endured far more than any living being should endure, and yet they persevere. They come here and help others and, Christina, some find ways that help them improve, tremendously, either through new doctors, new procedures, medical materials, any number of ways. You have to take it one day at a time, and never stop trying to learn and understand your condition, and looking for new options and answers. Knowledge is power, and hope.

Best to you,
Delilah

The best thing to do is take 1 day at a time and try not to let it get to you.


Rob

Agreed Rob. I think as time goes on things will get better plus your brain will get used to what is happening and it won't be as bad. I have adapted to a slightly different lifestyle in the last year of my life. As time goes on your get used to it, or atleast I have.

On the contrary though, I do pretty well and maintain a pretty physical job, so I couldn't explain "how it is" for someone in chronic pain everyday.

Its very hard, but who said life was easy right? You gotta go through a lot of ****

When I was younger I never thought in a million years that I would deal with as much pain as I have had in the past 5 years. Some days are really bad and some days are really good, I try to focus on the really good days and let the bad ones fall by the way side. No it's not easy, but I have lots of faith in God and he reallly does see me through. I try to stay postive and keep postive people around me. Also keeping myself informed about what is going on with me helps me make good desicions about my care.
Diann

Mistina, I know exactly how you feel. My entire spine is fused (all but 2 vertebrae). This was done at age 11, I'm 26 now. Every single day, I feel pain. In my hips, lowe back, mid-back, shoulders, neck, etc. It's horrible, and it worries me sick. At this point in my life, I am looking into buying a cane, because sometimes my right hip gives out. I often worry about living my life in a wheelchair. That is one direction that I definitely don't want to go in. I have aspirations of going to college, working a full-time job, etc., but I'm starting to think that I'll never be able to work a full day again. It's all so very, very frustrating, and it all seems so very unfair.

Hang in there! My issues starte around age 21, severe, to the point I would fall down and out for 3-4 days in pain. I never gave up, worked and raised 2 kids alone. I had some very difficult times. Now age 48, 2 surgeries and more discs herniated I am still fighting to get out and be "normal". I have learned to deal with severe pain, when to slow down, how to get up from a chair, out of bed , can't sleep on my right side etc. You somehow learn to adapt. I know my limits, had to give up alot of my athletic loves, but replace it with something else. My issue right now is disability, no money, so once that gets settled I plan on trying to find a new interest, maybe painting or light gardening etc. Its just another chapter of our lives. It's all attitude :)

Mistina!
i feel your pain! i'm 19 and i think about it all the time? i've already had a major fusion operation and have been told my entire lumbar reason is severly degenerated. so the pressure from the fusion on the above disc won't be doing any good.
its hard to think positivly when things like your dream job are no longer appropriate, or a sporting career goes out the window, or how will i go having children down the track?

.....just somethings that get me upset ...
Monas