In this episode I discuss a little of what life has been like 1 year after my artificial disc replacement.

In this episode, I discuss how those of us with chronic pain conditions experience feelings of loneliness. Most specifically how I experience feelings of loneliness while struggling with fibromyalgia and childhood trauma. It’s important to acknowledge that this is a normal and common feeling amongst those of us who have chronic pain conditions.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255

Life With Fibromyalgia Website: https://lifewithfibro.podbean.com

In this episode I share my thoughts about the importance of finding a purpose for those of us who are struggling. Since we're now into a new year, I wanted to mention a few ideas for those of you who need encouragement or inspiration to get some goals together. Setting goals and feeling accomplished starts bringing meaning into our lives. Wherever you're at in your journey, I hope that you can take something from this episode.

In this episode, I discuss my artificial disc replacement (ADR) recovery, 8 months post-op! I share the impact a successful ADR has on your mental and physical health. Come listen, I hope you can relate or get something out of this episode.

Life With Fibromyalgia Website: https://lifewithfibro.podbean.com

In this episode, I discuss my experience after being discharged from anterior artificial disc replacement surgery. You’ll hear about the way fibromyalgia might have had a huge influence on pain control after surgery. I also give a short update about how I feel now that I’m 5 weeks post-op!

By the way, I would like to note that if you listen to my “Intro” episode (maybe other episodes too), things have changed over time and I’m not sure my Bipolar type 2 diagnosis is accurate. Not that labels really matter, but I’m just not sure about this one.

Life With Fibromyalgia Website: https://lifewithfibro.podbean.com

Website References

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28868795/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28868795/

https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-7399/naltrexone-oral/details

https://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/understanding-fibromyalgia-treatment

https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(16)00102-6/pdf

https://labblog.uofmhealth.org/lab-report/why-fibromyalgia-patients-cant-regulate-their-pain

Trigger Warning: I briefly discuss one way PTSD anger affects me.

I explain my back problem/symptoms and share what led to the disc replacement surgery. I also give an update about what's been going on during the past 1.5 years that I haven't podcasted. Stay tuned for additional information about my disc replacement on upcoming episodes!

Note: My apologies if you hear random background noise once or twice during the episode. Also, please be patient with me. It's been over a year that I've recorded; therefore, my filler words happen quite often. I promise it will get better!