Just want to thank everyone for sharing. Everyones posts has helped me alot. I am looking at surgery but trying to make it to Jan. I manage a retail store and can not get time off until Jan. I am thankful to still be able to work. I have a great Dr. and family. My husband is disabled and unable to work but is very supportive of me and helps a bunch with all the house work and my teenage daughter does a bunch to help. I think sometimes it is hard when a person is in so much pain to see the bright side of life. I sat back today and counted my blessings. My pain is still here but I am happier when I look to the bright side. Thanks again for everyones sharing I know it has helped me. :)

Hi

Just wanted to say it makes such a differance when you have the support of family and friends(and the lovely people on here with all the advice and kind words).
I didnt realise till i started having back problems just how much it effects the whole family.
They have all been stars!!:wave:

Truly this website is important to me. I seem to have a lot time and PAIN on my hands right now. I find that this board is a place to vent, ask questions and sometimes to just read the posts. It has helped me out quite a bit. Everyone is great and so understanding as most have been through what I am going through and some are going through it now. I wonder, what did folks do before the Internet?:confused:
Porter

Porter asks what people did before the internet for support? It's an amazing question....I am guessing that they would have to go to meetings in a dark musty nonventilated room. Not that anyone can show up, cause, who can travel?
That was a sad attempt at some humor. :jester:
but the only thing about the face to face meetings that I would miss, is the hugs of reassurance, or like the pats on the back that you're doing the best you can. and just to get out of the house for a moment. and if you can bring a loved one...maybe they'd understand a little better.
and that, is my philosophy on that question...which I do realize was rhetorical.
be well
babs

Rhetorical, yes, but the answer is that they sat home like lonely little isolated hermits with no one to vent to but their families, who got pretty sick of hearing it after a while. And many people suffered needlessly because they couldn't find answers, advice, and tips like we can here on the board. We're blessed! :p

~Emily

Its too bad that Doctors don't prescribe the "Healthboards" as part of the patients treatment plan. I think it would help those that do not know that its here. Sure has helped me!
Porter