Hi all. My name is Brian. I’m an assistant administrator of payroll and tax reporting for a state government. I’m 47 now, and just got discharged from the hospital after my third cervical fusion surgery, fusing C2 thru C5. In 2008 I had C5-C6 fused. In 2019 I hadC3-C4 fused after myelopathy began damaging my spinal cord and taking away the functionality of my arms, fingers, and legs. Thankfully the surgery relieved and resolved most of those issues. However the hardware eventually began to back out and spinal was compressed again, leastto my recent surgery.

I’ve been in chronic neck and upper back pain every minute for the last 27 years. I try to live like a normal human. I have a full-time job. I rarely miss a day of work unless I’m on a medical leave of absence for a spine surgery of course, lol.

Lately I find myself worrying more and more about my future and my ability to stay a productive human and have some kind of personal life and relationships as the pain continues to increase along with all “normal” aches and pains that come with age. I’ve never seeked out a support group or any kind of mental or Amy support from others in the 27 years I’ve been a chronic pain. I’ve always tried to keep my burden only my own and not put it on others. But I’ve reached a point where I need to know that I’m not alone and there are others out there who understand. Thanks to everyone for listening and sharing.