I was 43 when my life was taken by pain. The last 10 years do not exist for me, as I was on so much med and in never ending pain. I have managed to keep working (Jr. High SS Teacher) through it all, But at a HEAVY PRICE. I have no memory of my daughter being in Jr High or most of her High School years. She is now a Soph. in college. I told my wife of 30 years she could leave me and I would understand since I was more of a boarder than husband.  Luckly she did not. One year ago at the advice of my pain Doc I went through detox and began using Suboxone. In order to begin using SUBOXONE your system must be clean of any other class 3 meds. Detox was the HARDEST thing i have ever conquered,  but lord it was worth every bit of it.  I will go weeks at a time with no pain or breakthroughs. It is as though I have awaken from a coma or really long (10 year) deep sleep. Today I sleep, eat, and feel good, LIFE IS GOOD! (again). I am not the same person mentally or physically who lived in this body for 43 years. That person is gone,destroyed by PAIN. Pain has cost me most of my friends, savings, hobbies and goals I was chasing. BUT each day I meet new people, save a little more money, and find something interesting to do. The greatest end result has been learning to live each day to the absolute fullest, happiest, and most joyful I am able to acheive on that given day.  I know that tomorrow all of this may end and the CREATURE return but he won't have peace while in me. I have slain him once and he knows I will not allow him to ever control me again.  NEVER AGAIN!!!!