Back Surgery a Success!

Hello All,

First I must apologize for my long departure from the BLOG. As stated in my last post, I had another back surgery. My third back surgery and the second one in two years. Last year they took out the hardware in my spine that had been piercing my spinal canal. That gave some relief. In the same surgery they splinted L5 - S1. Turned out the splint broke and the area did not heal properly, causing significant pain.

I found a phenominal surgeon here in Austin. He found the problem and I had yet another fusion. My friends joke, more of my spinal column is fused than not.

The most amazing news is that after eight years I will no longer suffer with chronic pain. One would think when I heard the news I would be estatic. Just the opposite incurred. I broke down in tears and they did not stop for an entire day. I still have the occasional upset, but believe me I am happy to be pain free.

You may be asking yourself, "Why would you cry"? The best explanation I have, is over the loss. I feel as though I have been jailed inside my body for eight years now. I withdrew from many things due to the pain and suffered many losses. I had started many projects, due to the pain. Now what would I do? It is pretty scary jumping fully back into life after eight years! Please don't take me wrong, I know I am blessed, but years of pain change your life forever.

Now my question is, "What can I do for those of you still suffering? What would make the most impact"? In six or seven months I should have all my energy back and be absolutley pain free. WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING I CAN DO TO SUPPORT THE COUNTLESS OTHERS STILL SUFFERING?

I would love to hear from you! I have some ideas from the last eight years, but you may have some others.

For those of you still living with chronic pain, YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS!

Karen Hummel

Comments

[Bill Weaver]

Hi karen- your story and courage are very inspiring as well as your drive to not let it get to you.

The post I am commenting on really hits me...You see I have been dealing with RA since '96 +/- as you know RA is an auto immune disease and it effects everyone differently. Mine was particularly difficult since I was an elite x-country ski racer, marathon runner and master swimmer and sea kayaker. I haven't been able to do any of those activities and likely will not at least in the intensity I used to.

Dealing with chronic pain taught me a regular lesson in being present and living each and every moment as it happens. No more living in the future, I learned to work around and through the pain. My long distance athletic training helped immensely because I always new that a race had an ending ..I applied the same thought process to my unpredictable and often incapacitating RA flares.

After trying every alternative medical approach from accupuncture to Tai-chi and qi-gong and going through every traditional drug I am very close to being pain free. My daily companion is no longer there, I can walk relatively normally. Like you I have felt a loss to this companion that kept me focused on the present luckily ten years of practice has made living presently a deeply ingrained habit...one that I value and guard, that is my true companion.

Anyway, as I said a while back I would like to help you in this journey if for noting else than support. You have an immense amount of courage, heart and grace, and your willingness to help, support and share with others is a rare quality.