Chronic pain is emotionally and physically exhausting. It affects everything you do, IF you can do whatever it is that you want to do. It’s just miserable and I think unless someone has been there, they just don’t understand. I can honestly say that even working in a hospital as an RN, surrounded by people of all healthcare professionals, I often felt alone and definitely misunderstood. I especially think when the person’s pain is caused by something unable to be seen by others - pain in neck, back, chronic headaches, jaw pain, etc. - then it is less likely to be believed as (even) existing, or not being “as bad” as the person says or acts, and if said chronic pain causes significant emotional distress/depression then that just adds to the burden. These days my pain is tolerable (neck and back) and with ESTylenol/NSAIDS and a SCS for my back/leg, I’m doing ok. But my other major chronic pain episode (my first experience with it) began in fall 2000 and culminated 11 years after multiple doctors/dentists/oral maxillofacial surgeons and multiple procedures including both minor and major surgeries, ending with having bilateral jaw joint replacements. Recovery was a good 6 months re swelling etc. I had profound depression through most of those years. I had been written off as a “crazy/uncooperative patient” by several of the people I sought help from. I ended up being traumatized by one so called specialist - I still have flashbacks to her screaming at me in office. Ended up being diagnosed with PTSD. (No comparison to what military deal with, please understand, just saying it was explained what was causing my symptoms.) Anyway, sorry for rambling. Been having a rough time right now with more flashbacks - thinking part of it is this social isolation and it is 11th anniversary of my surgery (about 8-9 hours) coming up. The great news is it worked! My jaw pain is no more, I can eat, smile, talk, yawn, hallelujah! I just need to shake the bad stuff back and not think about it. Thanks for listening.