Mighty Member since October 2016
I am a 56-year old woman, a single mom of 2 boys (ages 23 and 27), a 17-year significant other, and a former Labor & Employment partner at a large, international law firm. I have chronic pain from a failed cervical fusion (C5-6 and C6-7) performed in 2007. I've been diagnosed with "Failed Cervical Fusion Syndrome," Cervical Spondylosis, Cervical Radiculopathy, Fibromyalgia, Adrenal Insufficiency, Hypothyroidism, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Depression, Anxiety and even CRPS (Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome, not limited to one limb). However, my doctors and specialists often disagree as to my diagnoses or change their minds (of course they do!) Like everyone, I experience many unwelcome side effects from the medications I'm taking. For instance, I'm required to take low-dose steroids for Adrenal Insufficiency so I've gained a lot of weight and experience profuse sweating. I also take Buprenorphine (Suboxone) for pain as I'm allergic to Codeine. On the bright side, I've weathered this storm for 12 years now. The pain is definitely more manageable than it was in the early years, partially because I switched from morphine to Suboxone which has a much longer half life. Mentally, I'm in a much better place these days after much cognitive therapy, meditation, journaling, biofeedback, exercise, yoga, physical therapy and reading books, blogs and websites like The Mighty! I now accept the things I cannot change and make the most out of my new (albeit limited) life. Each day is now a gift not a curse.