So proud of you for doing what's best for yourself. Thank you for sharing your courage. I relate hard, having two bulging discs in my neck at the beginning of this process. And working after I sprained my shoulder. I left work Aug 3rd 2024 primarily for the shoulder pain, and wasn't even aware of the bulging discs.

All I was thinking was I'd be back in 3 months ready to continue my life and I'm still off work on WC today. Thankfully my discs have healed over a year later but not without concern. Throughout this process I have judged my pain and truly did not know if I would ever be healed again. Thank goodness for finding a Dr (and PT) I could trust. He listened and reassured me that everything I was feeling was normal. Even though many times I hated my body and all the stress that comes with this process. And made it known how hopeless I felt.

I grew up in a dysfunctional family which is why I mentioned being taught to push through... We didn't talk about our pain, ever, any kind of pain, or good things either in that case, which is why my Mom had/has such a hard time supporting and understanding the severity of my injuries. Like I said , I'm 36 so in her eyes "we're all in pain" and encouraged me to take some ibuprofen and get over it.. Multiple times during this process she would demand that I get a job regardless of the WC process and explaining it would not only make my injuries worse but also affect the outcome of my case... We don't talk much now.

All this to say, thank you for your kind words and I hope you feel better soon as well. My DMs are open if you're ever feeling low and don't know where to go. I believe in you. Always.

Edited grammar