I have had 15 surgeries from head to toe literally and finally retired from working back in 2002.  My accident was back in 1994.  Working for a doctor did make life a little easier but after my third neck surgery and knee surgery I gave into the pain.  For a couple of years it was horrible because I hated living where we were and then finally we moved to Mayberry USA - Cambridge MD.  We live within walking distance to the river and are uphill and it's quiet.  This is when my art world opened and I started teaching myself different mediums finding that doing mosaics has become my greastest love and teaching to the kids here has opened a whole new world for me.  Yes at the end of the day I'm tired and hurt but when I think of what I did and how those little faces smiled at me with a kiss and hug goodbye takes all the pain away.  I was thinking about going down to Easton Md hospital where they have just added on a rehab center for people to go to instead of nursing homes.  They go to therapy and then on their own the rest of the day.  I want to help them recouperate and make them realize that once you accept your pain that is half the battle and when you occupy your mind for a while you forget about the pain.  I love doing community work and here in my little water town its has turned into such a wonderful and fun life.  I was left with RSD in my left foot after the fourth surgery there a couple yrs. ago.  They have put me on Lyrica and it really does work.  Nights aren't as great but hey once you are asleep you don't feel your pain but your parter does.  My husband who is a fireman said he never knows if the house alarm will take him out or me.

Take care you are very tallented and keep smiling.

Your friend in pain and smiling - happy to be alive

Pattie