Newanpainful,
Welcome to our FAMILY! So glad you found us!
I had to give up my job I loved 6 yrs ago, it was devastating to say the least. I had triple cervical fusion kept working after the surgery and did damage to the low spine as well. There is nerve damage in both legs and I fall frequently....my family jokes and says if theres a thread or stone I'll find it! Not really funny but you have to maintain a sense of humor when you live with CP etc. I never know when it will happen but do usually feel either of the legs gave out. I have had many tests done, MRI's, EMG's and consults with Neurologists and Neurosurgeons. They found disc bulges but nothing to account for the severity of the numbness/nerve damage. They all say that when the initial ruptures occured in the neck that the spinal cord was injured and symptoms sometimes don't surface for years. So, I am left with numbness that no real diagnosis can explain which happens in some cases! Please get testing done ASAP, I agree with what Me says!!!
You ask what we do with our days.....there are days I can't move, there are days that the pain is so unbearable that time seems like it stands still. I have learned a new respect for my body, I've learned how to manage the pain with meds, exercise and most important I maintain a positive outlook (which is hard on alot of days) and am always grateful for everything good that I do have. Finally, after many years my family has arrived at a place of respect for what I deal with everyday. It was frustrating for them because they can't fix me. Now that they understand its not their job to fix me, to just be there when I need their support, it has helped!
Somehow after years of living in CP, you live your life the best that you can depending on your personal situation. I also read the posts on this site most everyday, there is support, love and friendship here and a family bond that keeps me going especially on days when I think I can't make it! I live my life the best way I can and that fills my days!!
Patti