1996 my back and neck were destroyed in a car accident. Medication kept me alive and sane. The pain was horrific. I have spent 11 years working on living with chronic pain. I could barely walk; in fact I used a cane and for a short spell used a wheel chair. I thought my life was over, or at least I prayed it was. I did it all from Dr shopping to multiple scans, 24/7 Tramal and even slow release morphine, Osteo, Physio, Chiro, Nuero, Naturist, Surgery, Steroid injections, facet injections, pain blockers blah blah blah. Nothing worked, and apart from genetic therapy or bone fusing there was nothing else they could do for me. I ended up getting Hashimotos (thyroid disorder) from having so many X-rays in such a short period of time. Eventually I was broke and feeling like no hope, so I gave up (in a good way). I stopped everything and importantly I stopped the drugs! I went through withdrawal for 2 years. But I also grew stronger during this time too. I re-learnt how to walk, talk, live. I had to turn my life around and upside down. Big Adjustments. I also got my hands on a book about "The Gate Theory". This is now how I survive. Sure I still have times where I cant walk properly and the pain is tougher than me but I’ve learnt to get tough right back at it and bounce back the next day. I am now 4 years drug free, able to have my children (Finally!!!) and living life. Depression and grief will also be challenges but eventually 11 years on I am a survivor, you can too. The clinic will do you wonders if you can accept what they are teaching you. Not recommended though if your still in the shopping for answers stage. Chronic means just that.
Hang in There
K

Books to read: The Chronic Pain Control Workbook by Ellen Mohr Catalano