U sound like a wonderful, caring, special guy. I have had Arachnoiditis for 25 years? it didn't get really bad until my spine surgeon put all my hardware in. I'm fused from C3 thru my sacrum. I never know what i can do, until i wake up every morning. Can't plan on anything, i'm single & have no life. I was in a wheelchair for 6 years & my biggest fear is ending up, back in a chair. I was paralyzed from neck down with MRSA. spent 15 months in the hospital, rehab & then cervical fusion. Hate to be bearer of bad news, but really no treatment except steroids. I always hear, that i look so nice...couldn't have anything wrong with me. I work out with 5 lb weights & do squats, to strengthen my glutes & quads. Have worked out & been active my whole life. During flare, i couldn't do anything. Hospital situation in Maricopa county, sucks, big time I was an RN for 40 years, & got a master's in Health care admin. Had to quit work after my paralysis. I live in cheapest retirement community in all Phoenix area. however, they are raising rent 8 % a year. I am on section 8, but i will be running out of money in 3 or 4 more years. I get most of my meals here & i know i couldn't function in a regular setting. There is next to no housing for disabled here. I called the housing authority & asked what do i do, when i can no longer pay the rent? Basically, was told, that i'm not alone. & nowhere to go. When the pain gets unmanageable, i end up in ER, begging for Dilaudid. It often takes 6 months, to get an appointment with a specialist & snowbirds make it that much worse. I haven't found any practioner willing to read Dr Tennant's information. They just dismiss it all. This is a terrible condition. bad enough to suffer, but the ignorance, is inexcusable. I was asked to evaluate my last hospitalization.... told them it sucked!! My spinal nerves are a mess. I already have a permanent suprapubic catheter, from my paralysis, now i am having bowel incontinence ( some of the time). I have severe brain fog & severe insomnia. The DEA, prevents pain docs from being able to prescribe decent meds, for pain control. Has anyone gotten an intrathecal pain pump for Arachnoiditis? If so, did it help? My spinal cord is tethered at C6 & sacrum This makes me have pain, down both arms, as well as lower body. Don't know if they can help, since i need pain control from my cervical region, down... it's very hard to be positive, I have told a couple of ER docs that they suck! Wanted to say a lot more...so tired of begging for enough Dilaudid.... Now my current neurologist no longer prescribing controlled substances. I need diazepam &some decent help for sleeping. I am only able to sleep 3 to 4 hours a night & my cognitive skills have gone down by 50 %?? Anyone else having sleep issues. I am feeling sorry for myself, but at this point, have no energy to fight the system here in Phoenix area. No university or research hospitals around here Sorry for the bitching. I held high level jobs in the past, but now, i am reduced to begging for help If u want to email, laurenseavertson@q.com