I am a Chronic Pain sufferer of over 2 decades. The Thoracic area is about gone by now, with 3 'big' surgeries, (what back surgery is not 'big'?), endless procedures, and now Pain Management. Thoracic Spinal Stenosis, (my cord is being squeezed), and Osteophytes that are pressing against the spinal cord (pieces of bone growing out of vertebrae) have finally won, leaving me in pain. I am a nurse of 17 years that has finally had to leave my beloved profession due to my Chronic Pain. My blog chronicles my life in pain, some medical tips and just life's sometimes funny things that happen to a person in every day pain. My dedicated readers have told me my openness and personal style of telling about my life have helped them to either not feel so alone, get a kick for a minute in laughter, or appreciate the tips I give such as keeping your pain journal, what to bring to your doctor's appointments, etc. Stop by and leave a comment!!! I am a Southern CA native, and have a gorgeous and hilarious, helpful son, without him...my best friend and one other angel in my life, my life would be nearly impossible to keep up. I also have my last out of MANY dogs who is 13 and I adore her.