I know how you feel. I have been legally disabled since 2003 for multiple chronic pain issues.(I filed for disability in 1997 at age 38) I have done everything (allowed by my insurance) the Drs. wanted me to 'try' before finally resorting to medication. I now take a handful 3 times a day,just to function. I never am without pain,and I never feel GOOD. I just have better days than others.

I am a single mom to a 13 yr. old(divorced when he was 4),so I have always had to function.The hardest part of the whole situation was learning to accept my whole new life/personality. Yes there was a personality change. I am no longer a spur of the moment/happy go lucky person. I am what you call a 'spoonie'. Everything has to be planned before I run out of steam at the end of the day. Then there are some days that I do not do anything but feed my kid and take care of my pets.(I also have to do a lot of things for my mom,errands and such as she is more disabled than me,but still lving on her own-at 79.)