Time keeps on plugging along
Following the operation, I didn't know if it had helped at all. I was in physical therapy for 8 months, which was very hard work. As I write this, it is fully 9 months after surgery. In all honesty, I would have expected to be in a much better condition by this point in time. I still need a wheelchair a lot of the time. I still can't get out of bed some days. And I still have a lot of pain in my head and neck. On the other hand, I've been able to return to school. I'm a full time student, living on campus (at least during the school week). I don't have a lot of energy, but I'm still able to live a full life, with extra limitations. I've developed problems with my heart rhythm, probably related to the autonomic dysfunction, which has come to be a regular part of my life. Since it's a chronic illness, I may have to deal with it for the remainder of my life, but after everything I've been through, it's nothing I can't handle.
Here's the Invisible Illness Awareness Website:
They have a motto, which is my favorite:
"But you look so good!"
This is the Invisible Disabilities website
People with Chronic Illnesses often also suffer from depression and related mental illnesses. Depression, disability, and chronic illness and form a vicious cycle. You can read more information here: