My first Post

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Hello,

My name is Ron, and this is my first post to this group. I've been a member

here for a few months now and read the posts every day. I just haven't had

anything to write about. I'm not new to these type forums. I've been doing

this since the early 90's and I'm an active member of a few other Yahoo

groups dealing with similar issues as we do here. I finally figured it was

about time to introduce myself.

I am 53 years old and married. We have no children, just a dog.:-)

I've been living with Chronic intractable pain since 9/12/92. Unfortunately

I was involved in a work accident in which I was crushed under the weight of

a couple of thousand pounds of steel tooling plates that fell on top of me

when we were moving them. Thankfully there was a small pile of plates right

next to me, which stopped me from being killed.

My back was fractured in 9 places, both knees were shattered, Broken left ankle

and elbow as well as my wrists. I've endured 19 surgery's since then, 9 of which

were on my spine.

Thankfully I regained most movement and function by the time I went home

from the hospital, after about 6 months. My first round of operations

started immediately after the accident, and have continued to the present

time. My last was on 8/18/2010. It seems that I average about one surgery a

year. I live with all the same stuff that most of you do - Stenosis,

Arachnoiditis, DDD, Neuropathy, Severe Arthritis, Diabetes, Low

Testosterone, Etc, etc. and of course Chronic Pain.

I used to be 6'4 " and 255 lbs and was an Athlete up to the day of my

accident. I'm now about 6'1 " and 265 lbs. And the only thing athletic I do

is run to the bathroom through the day. I'm with a great pain management

Doctor that has been a life saver for me. I'm presently on Dilauded that's

delivered via an Interthecal pump. I can't take Morphine, it swells me up

like the Michelin Man. I also take some Oxycodone for Break through pain and

some muscle relaxers when I have spasms.

Over the years I've tried many different things as many of you have. The 5

things that have helped me have been...

1) I quit Smoking. Greatest thing I have done!!!

2) Exercise every day. ( Even if only riding a stationary bike for 10

minutes ) But exercise and stretching are essential for me.

3) Eating a great diet, on a regular schedule. This helps in so many

ways.:-)

4) Stay Busy - I took to wood working as a hobby when I could no longer work. I

put together a shop in my garage and build and repair furniture and other things

like bird houses. It keep me busy and

helps me stave off boredom and depression.

5) Do something I have always loved - Play my guitars. I started when I was

8 years old, and still LOVE it. It's very therapeutic. It also helps me with

the Arthritis in my hands.

Well, That's my intro. There's a lot more I can share I'm sure, But that will

come in time.

Thanks for reading and Thanks for being here.

Be well,

Ron B. - NY