Hello. My name is Shannon. I am 67 year old female, retired school teacher due to disability, living at home with my husband and adult son who has autism and bipolar disorder. My qualifying disability for disability is "severe detrusor overactive bladder", but additionally I suffer with chronic pain. I'm told I have polyarthritis with my arthritis in my back, knees, hands, shoulders, and neck. My back and knees are worst. I have facet joint syndrome in the lumbar region of my back. I have also been diagnosed with DISH - diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis, but my doctors don't seem concerned about it.
I can't take NSAIDS, and acetaminophen does not seem to help me. I had been taking pregabalin but recently stopped because it, and two other medications caused a greater falling risk and "fuzzy headedness". I'm introducing myself in regard to pain, but pain does not define me. I'm active in my faith, love the outdoors, make crafts such as artist books, jewelry, wreaths, etc., and love to read and write. I'm currently on a first draft of book that I'm presently calling, "Pain: A Conduit to God's Love".