Through all the misery and our prayers will be with you though I'm new on the site but I'm always touched when someone is faced with hardship but Uncle Dave remember God is with you no matter how the circumstances at the moment.Get well soon,sometimes it helps to be here on the forums because I wasn't aware of such condition.May God be with you.

Hi David.

Praying for you, it's not much I know but I truly hope everyday gets better for you.. it's not easy at all I know at least that much. Always in my thoughts and prayers you are. We love you David and please remember God loves you as well.

Everyone, thank you for your kind replies.
I wasn't wanting a pity party.
I just wanted everyone to know why I don't show up here as often as I used to.
I have even cut back on my moderating.
Thankfully, administration is doing plenty of moderating.

~ David

David,
You are in my prayers.
Peace and health to you!
Rob

I hear you, sounds very familiar...
I live that way, have lived with chronic pain since I was 27. I was doing really well, recovering, with help from a few great therapist and a doctor. But then I had a car accident and a whiplash when I was 33 and was back to square one.
Then had another accident indoors in 2012 that did my head in, literally: another neck injury and head injury which I think was a very bad concussion that went unnoticed.

Because of that I cannot work anymore, I have a benefit. Not a disability benefit, very difficult to get that these days. But I'm happy, although I'd rather have had a healthy neck and body of course. It gives me a lot of grief and limits what I can do. I can't even read a book anymore, unless it's on a standard or an E-book on my PC.

But I have my goals in life, I do want to make a living of my own. That's why I write books, paint and intend to give workshops in the very near future.
For a while my biggest fear was not being able to find a good man because of my physical ailments. I'm not an invalid, mind you, but there are things I cannot do and I have to be very careful with what I do in order to not upset my neck/head or back.
But I managed to let go of that fear, found a place of self-respect and love and a sense of worthiness.

So far I'm doing great: I found this great guy, I've recently published my first book - and have a contract for 3 more-, I'm painting (intending to exhibit and sell) and working on preparation of the workshops I intend to give.
Without those goals in life I would indeed go nuts. You got to find something to do with your life, something that fulfills. And I've found it.
Sometimes my head goes noodle doodle when my neck is upset (I get horrible dizzy, to do with the inner ear, sometimes get headaches). I don't know what I'd do without my osteopath! And that's just my neck, I got back problems too, due to hypermobility.

But... I'm happy! I love life. And to be honest I sometimes feel sorry for ppl who have to go to work every day to do a chitty job they hate. Yes, they have more money than I do, I can't afford jack chit, but at least I got my freedom. I cannot remember not feeling pain, been that way for 24 years now (dear lord!), but I am truly happy regardless!
And adamant to get out of this situation. I want to have prosperity, travel, be able to buy things I like etc. So I'm working my bum off to get there, sometimes work more than ppl with jobs, without having earnt a penny yet, hihi (writing & painting).
Effed if I don't get there!

Good luck, David!

Hi Dave,

All I can say is that, I AM WITH YOU and you are in my heart.

I understand your pain, some say LIFE HURTS sometimes.
Well, be glad that you see the sun every morning, feel
the punching smell of the pine tree, and do touch & smell the
flowers of the day.

I can only leave you this reminder, and you will
understand why. May you have an angel to guide you.

TAKE CARE & LIVE LIFE WITH GRATITUDE, ( Whatever life may has to offer )

Just got back to MINGLE!
I wish you well,and hope for the best!

You seem to be a good happy person, not fair when you feel on the other side of the room and feels no one understands or care about how you feel

Hello David, I know you don't need sympathy. You are a brave man, full of courage , faith and hope in facing your condition now. I understand we all experience pain in our lives only in different ways and forms. I feel your pain, as I have a back problem too, slight scoliosis in my lumbar region and a slight straightening of my sacral region. I was crying in pain everytime I strain my back I had to go on a therapy, physical therapy for just 2 months to help straighten my back bone. I did some back exercises and a lot of swimming. Now , I feel pain only sometimes. But with your case it is very difficult and yet you still have that smile on your face. How you deal with your condition takes a lot of courage, acceptance and faith. It is good to know that you are active in your church. Through your pain and suffering, God is using you as the living testament of his glory. You have become an instrument of God to share your pain to those people who are in despair, who lost hope and faith. In your weakness, pain and suffering , you show strength as you face the everyday torture. I admire you for not giving up on life, here you are still sharing laughter and joy to the people around you May God continue to give you strength , courage , faith and hope to overcome your pain. You may be just sitting in a wheelchair or lying in a bed but you still have your brain , heart and hands that functions well. Use it to spread the good news. To a life changing testimony of a man in pain, you will be God's instrument to touch other people's lives, an inspiration to all. TO GOD BE THE GLORY ! GOD BLESS YOU DAVID!