Well... I have received many emails over the past two years and I wanted to say a few things. First of all, thank you for the support! There are so many of you that have reached out at just the right time, and it seems like somedays all this pain is worth it if I can help one person get through the day, or better yet - their pregnancy.  I received an email from a woman who read my posts on here, she was 7 weeks pregnant at the time and terrified. We exchanged emails over the course of her pregnancy and became friends. Her chronic pain challenged her daily, her doctors didn't make it easy at times either, but she kept going. Do you really have a choice when you're pregnant anyway? She is someone I admire - you find a new strength you didn't know you had in you when you are forced to deal with something like a pregnancy AND pain at the same time. Nobody quite understands you either, unless they've been there. I was thrilled to be there for her. I'm so happy to say that her baby girl was born in September, healthy, pink, happy, and now thriving!  Mom is adjusting to life with a newborn, and it's women like her that make me so happy I shared my story to begin with!

She is one of many like me that have managed their pain (mostly with some medication) and have had healthy babies. I know that choice isn't for everyone, and really depends on your condition and the type of medicine you require. However, there ARE doctors out there that can help. There are strangers that understand, and become friends and support systems. I know it's terrifying, I've been there, but it can be done and many of us are here to help.

Second, I continue to receive emails from newly pregnant (and very scared) women that don't know where to turn. I wanted to say I am still here, and still willing to help if I can. The most disturbing thing is when someone tells me their doctor wants them to abort their pregnancy because they have pain. (yes, as awful as that sounds I have indeed heard that from more than one woman). There are very few conditions that warrant this kind of extreme action if you ask me! There ARE medicines you can take while pregnant, the trick is to find a supportive team of doctors to help you through.  Many doctors tend to shy away when a woman with chronic pain becomes pregnant. I think it's simply because they have no experience with it. This is where a doctor should help you find resources and people that DO have experiences with pregnancy and pain. We just need to keep asking questions and pushing until we get the care we deserve. Pregnancy can be scary enough without the added stress of wondering how you will make it through when you are in severe pain. Educate yourself, talk to groups like this, see multiple doctors if you need to, specialists, etc.. You CAN do it! It isn't easy by a longshot... but not impossible!

On a personal note, I get asked a lot how my daughter is doing. She is 2.5 and smart, happy, thriving, healthy, etc.. Since the moment she was born she hasn't had ANY unusual behavior or side effects from my chronic pain during pregnancy. A few months after she was born I left my career (put it on hold I say) and decided to stay home with her....and while that is very challenging - caring for a very active toddler while trying to manage my pain - I am extremely blessed that she is so amazing. I love watching her grow and try new things, teaching her ABC's and 123's.  Being a mom is by far the HARDEST job I've ever had. No paycheck, no guaranteed thank you's every day or promotions for your hard work, on call 24 hours a day, no sick days, etc. It is however, the BEST job in the world. I wouldn't trade it for anything.