[dshobbies]

Mark,

Some of our stories are quite different. Having never been told of this specialty and never really realizing that it applied to me, I never availed myself of this service. Could I have or should I have are mute questions because I didn't. None of my doctors ever informed me that I could have benefited from seeing these doctors so instead, I paid for physical therapy 3 times weekly for almost 3 years just to stay comfortable in my chair.

I knew no one else with my type or gravity of pain and had no one with whom I could share the loss of my life. If drugs would have restored some of my 'functioning' would I have jumped on that bandwagon? I honestly don't know. Though necessary in my life, I hate taking drugs, or rather the need for them and hope for the day the I too can throw them away, however distant and doubtful.

Though currently in a state of self pity that has little to do with my back, I nevertheless adhor the alarm I have set everyday to remind me to 'take my pills', something that wasn't necessary prior to my surgery. My smile in genuine but I am one of those faces you see, grateful for the miracle of ADRs yet plagued with the thought that I may never be whole.

I pray that these treatments work for Daine and surgery will not be necessary. There is so much hope yet so many unknowns and measures of success. I truly hope that your wife and family don't have to go through this process again but also know that she will be in the absolute best hands possible.

All my best, Dale