Misunderstood, But At Lease We Have Each Other

It’s hard to know where to start.

I have had back problems since my late teens. I ended up having a ruptured disc, thanks to a chiropractor and had back surgery in my 30’s.

I was then diagnosed with DDD. I continued having problems and 12 years ago had another back surgery.

Change to "Issues after back surgery

This time I had a fusion with cage. The surgery was a success but aftercare wasn’t.

The drain tube had been pulled too soon and when I started leaking fluid from my incision, site the Dr sewed it shut.

This caused the fluid to create a softball size hole in my back and began a lifetime of chronic pain.

Being diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis

I didn’t know I had ankylosing spondylitis until about a year ago, or less, I saw it on a report. I asked my pain specialist if I had it and he said yes.

Then, on my next visit, my PA asked and he said no. So who knows for sure?

All I know is I relate to all the pain, fatigue, ribs feeling broken, joints weak and painful and easily injured, and all the rest.

I’ve had tons of times I was ready to call it quits. I have good days and horribly bad days.

At least we have each other

I have very little understanding from my grown children but tons of support from my 83-year-old mom and my husband.

I try herbals and alternatives to help ease the pain and still have to take pain meds daily.

AS stinks and takes your life, making you create a new one.

Where would we be without the support of each other? We know that we understand what each one of us is going through.

I pray better and safer relief is found as I fear my oldest son has it.