I suffer from chronic nerve pain, from damage to my spinal nerves. I also have chronic knee pain, and various other joints, from years of abusing my body in sports and nature.

I’m on a series of meds, and after surgeries, am a bit better. I have been able to get off the serious pain meds, and can walk again (literally).

Three years ago, I had to retire and now rely on disability benefits. It’s humiliating and degrading. I’m treated like shit by most people, even though I spent my life paying into the system.

I like sleeping, when I actually can, because I feel no pain. But I wake up more than not crying out. That rush from nothingness to pain, it’s a bitch.

lucky for me I am pretty pain free. a few years ago I had an inflammation in my shoulders from a virus and live a T Rex kind of lifestyle for at least a year. SInce I protected it too much my left shoulder tightened up and hurts a little if I stretch it but that is what I need to do.