I am one of those who never ask for help....however

[Oldem]

28. Dear Highway61, I've been in a similar place, and I came back.

I injured my lumbar spine in 1963, playing basketball. I suffered with sciatica and had several re-injuries during for years. Finally, I had surgery in 1986 and was recovering nicely. Eight months later, I got the flu, and coughing tore scar tissue which the doc said had attached itself to the sciatic nerve. The pain was worse than it ever was. My only option was physical therapy in a pain clinic. After eight weeks, the end of the treatment, they wanted to write my employer declaring me disabled. I balked, and they signed me up for another eight weeks. I recovered. I'm 78, now, and I still have trouble, but I had a career of 33 years and have enjoyed retirement since 1998. I know how bleak this looks to you now. But you can do this. Just make up your mind and do whatever it takes. You're not alone. I'm certain that prayers, mine and other people's, helped me through hardest times. I'll pray for you.