Realizing You're Not Alone...

[Justin]

Over the last year of slowly deteriorating physically, I've felt alone many times. It often feels like my life is standing still while the rest of the world is moving on.

However, this all changed a couple weeks ago. My medical school class was notified of my upcoming surgery in Germany on 5/14. Since the announcement, I've received countless letters, emails and well-wishes by phone. My fellow classmates including the other classes at school and the administration & faculty have been incredibly supportive. The outpouring of help and the support that has been demonstrated over the last few weeks has been nothing short of amazing.

When things get tough and you feel stranded on the Island of Pain, remember there are people ready to help and lend a helping hand.

Over the last 15 years of spine issues and surgeries, I can confidently say that the support from one spine patient to another has been priceless--connecting with people "who get it" has truly been a life-saver for me.

I know this Forum will enable members to truly connect and provide support for one another.

[Gilbert P]

Hey Doc

I cant agree more people think they understand about my spine issues and their kind advise.

They don`t get it, the spine patients sites has saved my life i was looking into ending my life but my family and advice, support and now knowing their is hope.

THANK YOU ALL

Gilbert

[treefrog]

That is really great, to be shown such compassion.

I have found great support in a number of areas in my life, from online forums. I have even created friendships that I never would have expected.

But with this back pain, it is so critical for people to share with each other, their experiences. I can't imagine going through this process without having the knowledge I have gained from others in similar situations to my own. I hate that we all are dealing with this, but it makes me feel better to know that someone else understands what I am experiencing when I describe what may seem strange and unfathomable to people that haven't experienced it.

Thanks again Justin, for creating this site.

[Justin]

Thank you for sharing Gil--I am glad to hear that the Spine Patient community has helped you in such a way.

That is really great, to be shown such compassion.

I have found great support in a number of areas in my life, from online forums. I have even created friendships that I never would have expected.

But with this back pain, it is so critical for people to share with each other, their experiences. I can't imagine going through this process without having the knowledge I have gained from others in similar situations to my own. I hate that we all are dealing with this, but it makes me feel better to know that someone else understands what I am experiencing when I describe what may seem strange and unfathomable to people that haven't experienced it.

Thanks again Justin, for creating this site.

Cathy, it is my pleasure to create this site. I've been in the "patient's shoes" so many times, and I am happy to provide a Forum (and Society--stay tuned!) that patients can turn to for support. Supporting one another unconditionally is what this Forum is all about.

Helping Spine Patients ease the frustration, confusion and often fear of the "unknown" (surgery) that comes along with spine issues is one of my passions in life.

I hope this Forum provides a place of refuge for Spine Patients, especially during such incredibly life-changing experiences like spine surgery.

[Terry Newton]

As a recovering alcoholic, I learned many years ago, that in order to keep it you had to give it away. That means that we have to get rid of being self-centered and, help others in the journey of life. In helping others we are richly rewarded. I have posted on these forums, for almost three years, since my own spinal surgery in Germany. I can honestly say that I have received as much as I gave here. It is only from others that; "Have been there," that we realize that we are not alone. Our loved ones can never understand what living in chronic pain can do to a person. They are drastically affected by the person, that lives in chronic pain but, they will never truly get it unless they feel it for themselves. I would never wish my pain on to my wife though, I would love to have her know what I have gone through, in chronic pain, where I felt like God could come for me at any time.

We are richly blessed to have this forum where the only goal is to support our fellow person in the struggle. It is a rich support group as well as an educational tool.

Terry Newton

[KBear]

I couldn't agree more with all of you. Chronic pain is such a lonely and isolating condition, where no one that has not been through it can truly understand. It is wonderful to have a place like this to come to, to vent, cry, be supported, support others, laugh, research and feel 'normal'; because everybody here really gets it. I wouldn't wish this on anybody and hate that we have so many here; but am so glad that for those of us that have to go through, that this support is available. It has been a lifesaver, literally, to many.

[Justin]

Thanks again everyone--this community is absolutely amazing and I am so glad to know each and every one of you!

Thanks for getting it and thanks for continuing to support one another on the SPS Forum. I know it has greatly helped me in my recovery thus far and through the "ups and downs" in the recent weeks.

You guys are great!

[ajj1001]

As someone who has now spent a solid 10 weeks at home and prolonged periods housebound over the past year I can testify what a fantastic thing finding people that you can still communicate with who understand what you are going through. I have come from a job where I would see six clients a day, working with a large team of colleagues and normally out most evenings, the isolation has been one of the hardest things to cope with.

[dalhousie]

I've just caught up with this thread & couldn't agree more with the isolation & loneliness. I've been stuck at home for over a year now - I'd just finished the first year of an undergraduate degree & had been very active. I'd been 6 months fully recovered from a fusion op & another disc started degenerating. One day in June last summer my life came to a full stop again. I found it very hard to accept that this should be happening to me again so soon after my last op but the UK & this forum have been a lifeline - I honestly don't know what I would have done without them. You have to experience spinal problems to truly understand them. These forums are also great for accessing info & research about spinal technologies as it's such a complex area.

I think this thread & KBear's thread on "The most unthoughtful thing" where people (quite often family & friends) say such insensitive things about your condition (due to ignorance) are 2 key issues close to my heart. Pain & spinal issues are such complex things to explain in just a few sentences. The only way to become knowledgeable about pain & spinal conditions is to read up on them & even then you need to experience them to truly understand.

[KBear]

I completely agree Ruth.