Now what do I do? Someone slap me PLEASE!

[Kathy]

Hang in there, you CAN do this. When you walk or wheel across that stage, you will have earned that degree, even more so than everyone else. You are having to work 10 times harder and then some to get your degree and that makes it even more valuable. I know I want to just quit and roll over and die sometimes, pain sucks. I get the why me's and depressed and mad that this is my life; but then I pick myself up and with a new determination decide to push forward. I can tell from you earlier posts, that you are not a quitter and you will succeed. You have already accomplished so much, while in pain, that you are an example to all of us in pain that it can be done. Praying for God to refresh you and give you renewed stregnth, Kathy

[dshobbies]

Aside from your obvious problems, you also have some swelling going on. Ice can help. I know heat is soothing but ice in numbing. Prior to my first surgery, I used ice more often than not.

You can also try an inversion table for temp relief if you can get your hands on one. Start slow and keep it tethered so you don't do too much too fast.

Also might try a TENS unit but your pain is quite severe. Of course, all of these are temporary fixes but might just reduce your pain to more manageable levels.

I know you've worked hard to get that degree and carrying your grade point average could not have been an easy task but you did it and you can get through this too. Pain sucks and is a great equalizer. Give these a try before dropping those two last classes.

I wish you every luck, Dale

[phylly]

I have been out of town and did not get to read your past post. Are you at a school where they have a med school? Can you go to the school hospital and see a Dr.? Perhaps they can give you some other meds to keep you in check for these last two classes and refer you to a Dr. that can help with the spinal issues. I understand how much pain you are in and how it sucks the life out of you. I hope that you can get some help soon. I really feel for you.
Phylly

[Justin]

kc0iet,

Congrats on maintaining a 4.0!

Before you drop your classes, ask your professors if you can take an "Incomplete" and finish them next term.

Many people have to do this for medical reasons...talk to your Dean of Students, a Student Advisor or the Chair of the department in which you are graduating. I would talk to them ASAP.

I understand how incredibly difficult it is for a spine patient to go through school and do well--a spine surgery in 1997 before college and a car accident in 1999 during college (that required me to take a full semester off, but I came back determined). I had to work twice as hard as everyone else (which I am sure you are doing), but I graduated with a 4.0 GPA in Biology and Chemistry.

YOU CAN DO THIS! Send me a PM if you want to talk about school...I might be able to help.

Keep us posted.