@pfbacon

Choices are not easy at times. In 2014 one loop of my intestines pulled into my chest along with my stomach as a complication of a surgery. I needed more surgery, but I was too weak. In 2015 about 6 months after that surgery 2 more of loops of my intestines pulled up into my chest and pushed my left lung against my ribcage and partially collapsing my left lung. My intestines had not strangulated yet, but could at any time and that would be a sure death. Surgery was very high risk. As the thoracic surgeon explained to me his part of what he had to do to my ribs and muscles so they could get to where they needed to work I told him it sounded like it will a painful surgery to recover from if I made it. I asked him how long does it usually take. His answer was some recover within a year, some 5 years, but many never fully recover. Of course I set my expectations high. Here I am past 5 years. I have had some help with the pain by seeing a pain specialist for awhile and a physical therapist. I am now having burning pain, especially at night in the ribcage and my shoulder. I have a small tear in the labrum. I can only lie on my right side in bed, but if I come to the couch I can prop slightly on my back with the support of the back of the couch and an added pillow under my head. It gives my right hip a break from pressure. ... but then my back starts aching in this position sometimes.. so some nights nothing helps.. but maybe walk the floors for a bit or a walk in the yard when I take mama's dog out. I guess one day I will refer to Ziggy as my dog, but for now we share the same mama. He gets so excited when he hears her voice. We will be glad when they open the nursing homes up for visitors. Ziggy loves visiting mama.

Chronic pain really sucks.. but I have a husband and grandchildren that make the struggle worth it.
ZeeGee