Chronic, severe pain can sap the joy from your life. I had my pain under control until about three and a half years ago, when it all came flooding back. Now, I am unable do just about everything that I was doing just three years ago: cycling, walking, working in my shop, sitting for extended periods of time, etc. I had a pain pump installed just over a year ago. It has provided no pain relief. With that said, I will continue to search for answers. I just had my old spinal cord stilulator removed. I will be getting an MRI in about a month. Hopefully, this will reveal what is going on in my back and buttocks that is causing such excruciating pain. Lesson: keep on looking. Don't let the naysayers discourage you.