@jakedduck1 @artscaping @sunnyflower @lorirenee1
I know that the behavior you guys describe (about people who have not experienced pain but come off as though they understand) is just plain good ol' fashioned arrogance. They assume they understand what you are going through with your pain. I learned many years ago about my own attitude of arrogance (not about pain at that time but other things) and it took a lot of hammering on me by a wise little person who I happen to share my life with. She was patient but unrelenting and shut me right out until I finally woke up. It really is like waking up into a different reality when the realization hits. The realization that "Oh, I actually DON'T know what I am talking about. Hmmmm..."

What these people need is some familiarity with Mike Tyson's famous quote about boxing, "Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth". They need to be made to stop assuming they know anything about the pain another person lives with. I guess it's called learning humility, a lesson more people seem to need today than ever. And Chris (and the rest of you tremendous people), in my book you have earned the right to call your pain anything you want to call it. If anyone has not lived it, they do not have that right. Best, Hank

Thanks Jake and I am so very happy for you that you are experiencing relief from your pain! May that never change ever! Take good care of yourself, Sunny