Hi! Welcome to DS!!! I hope you like it as much as I do!!! I agree with what you said in your post. I'm tired of being treated like a second-class citizen, 7 years for me is much too long, and I only have many more years to look forward to. I try not to focus on that, but sometimes, with it beating me in the face, I can't ignore it and it sucks! I recently re-injured my knee to add to the horrible pain I already have from my back. I'm close to losing it completely, but I hold on and survive, because that's what we do. I'm glad you found us and look forward to getting to know you!!!!

Much love and understanding,
Lisa

Hi Terri, I'm pretty new to this site myself. Even though I don't post very often, the stories of survival are SO inspiring, I am here every day. Welcome and hello from me! Hugs, Lynn

Welcome Terrie, you will feel at home here at DS, and learn alot from the great people here.Sending you a gentle hug, and welcome aboard :) Judy

I am so glad you found DS. I have really gotten a lot out being a memeber. I hope you do too.

Hi Terry, I have only been here a couple of days, but have found some help and understanding. You can learn what works for others and in the process maybe find something that .works for you. I think I have even made a couple of friends , I hope

Thanks so much everyone. I am really happy to have a place to vent. I have felt so alone for so long I sometimes don't think I can go on. Last month I found out that after two c area spinal surgeries that have left me in constant pain, I now have another herniation at C6-C7. I have a 35 pound boy that's 2 and he is a joy, but it is killing me.

Thanks for all the hugs and right back at ya. I will be learning about this site as I go so if I make any mistakes, please let me know. My prayers are with all of you.

Merry Christmas and a Pain-free New Year. :)

Welcome Terrie, I hope you like it here. It is great to just vent when pain sucks or doctors don't believe you...many one of us have been in your situation. Add me as a friend if you wish to befriend me, welcome to DS!

Welcome Terrie,
And thank you for acknowledging that
chronic pain is a DISEASE. Alot to learn on this site about pain politics and why we suffer so.

Tami PRN

Hi Terrie! Welcome to DS and feel free to scream or go postal anytime, I think I can speak for most of us that we have all done it! There are some awsome people here and a shame we all have met this way. Happy holidays and look forward to hearing more from you ! :) Julie

Welcome! I'm Kindaa new, it's been a few weeks now but I've been made to feel so welcome and supported and made new friends every week. It's surprising how better my mood is. It's great to be able to vent and I don't feel the guilt of repeating or unloading on my family over and over agin becaue I get to repay the favor by listening and truly understanding someone else. And I really enjoy it. I like to pay it back. It makes me feel useful. Anyone konw what I mean - to feel like you serve a purpose? Pain is crap! But we are strong. That's why we survive. Once you find the right doctor it is a relief. I hate the doctors who treat you ike you are a drug seeker and gice you a prescription for enough to last you for a few days and then throw you away without a diagnosis. I went through taht for years upon years. Then I finally found a doctor who did exactly the same exms that other doctos did. Actulally the tests were denied by my insurance company so he had to get the recodrs from previous doctors and he picked up what they all missed, my brain was being pushed out of my skull. My entire life, my brain never fit in my own skull and just kept getting worse and I was being treated like a junkie. I was at the point that I was having trouble walking. But without the right dr, I was treated like a drug seeker. So don't feel bad. Keep changing drs, researching and self advocating. If we don't take care of ourselves nobody will. These websites are great. Without self reserach and self help many people would be homeless, in insame asylums, have comited suicide, or have turned to illegal drugs. There is a problem with the system.

The internet is an amazing thing dontcha think? For everyone who has been in pain long before something like this was possible, can you imagine not having it now? Sometimes it doesnt even matter when you dont get a lot of responses, just a place to talk about what you cant with others because they dont get what you're going through is enough. I know I've nodded my head yes yes yes many times but not replied. Probably because of the chronic RA in my hands. Anyways we can all get a little buts sometimes and you should feel free to be angry, sad, happy, insightful, question, question, questioning and you'll have people that get it. Welcome aboard the train.

And yeah Elton, you're def. a friend of mine! MY computer crashed with the band weather freezing the phones lines so I'm getting around to responding to everyone.

Good luck - G!

welcome, terrie!

i know what you mean; when i stumbled onto this website i thought i would CRY i was so thrilled. i would have done a cartwheel if i could have, but, you know, the whole chronic pain thing and all, haha.

i think you will love it here, and i look forward to learning more about you - have a great day!

xoxo, *misa*

I am glad you have found DS it is very theraputic and a great way to chronicalize your pain. What I have learned since I have been using for over a year, no matter how bad you feel try to check in frequently. There are many reasons besides the simple fact that it is such a good feeling to know that you are not alone. When others don't understand, or when you think no one else could possibly be going through these troubles, there we are. Take the best care you can of yourself and others, and don't forget your "Daily Strength". Sincerely, Kim