Thanks so much for reaching out. The pain is real, physical. I should share publicly, while I can--my defenses low as inebriated as I am at the time being.
I've had a number of back surgeries, the last for problems in my upper back. I can no longer feel my hands. I've had to resort as of late to walking with a cane. The pain is getting incredibly worse on a daily basis. At work I put on a brave face, but I'm a somewhat public figure. The moment I show weakness, I will be tossed aside so I avoid pain killers as much as possible. The only solution, more cutting, more time laid up, more time dependent on others.
I see how people look at me, who do see what I am going through. I'm supposed to be the strong one. I take care of others. I just don't know how long...but I don't want to disappoint those who look up to me.
Our pain is all relative. We cannot truly know what others go through. And clearly there are those who have it much worse, but I am reaching a breaking point.
Again, thanks to those reaching out. I write as a record so even if I don't find an answer--someone might,