| Occupation | Nurse, Chronic Pain Blogger |
|---|---|
| Location | Southern California, United States |
| Introduction | In 1976, I was pulled out of bed at 3am, blindfolded, and put in the back of a van on the floor. I was 16. A simple ride to a hazing/celebration for all of us newly chosen senior cheer & songleaders turned into a single-car rollover MVA that tumbled me in the back of the van, like a shoe in a dryer. A large open knee surgery in my Senior year began the many surgeries that were to become just another part of my life. Two intricate Thoracic spine surgeries (one with fusion) were done in an attempt to fix the damage, both failed, resulting in severe Chronic Pain of the Thoracic spine. My Thoracic spine has multiple levels of bulky Osteophyte/disc complexes that impede the spinal cord, all 12 levels of the Thoracic spine are herniated. Spontaneous paralysis of extremities and various cervical and lumbar radiculopathies show the unseen crushing of exiting spinal nerves in all levels of my spine. As a nurse, I strive to support and educate others who live with Chronic Pain, and as one patient to the next; I write with deep understanding. A quality life with Chronic Pain IS possible!! |
| Interests | Jesus, love, being a mom, my son, smiling, laughing, Hospice, playing guitar, friends, writing, reading, music of varied types, 60's & 70's ROCK&ROLL, (Rare time in music) chronic pain research, safe access for MMJ patients, animals, dogs, Chihuahuas, Jack Russell Terriers, African Grey Parrots, Blue&Gold Macaws, Hyacinth Macaws (endangered), gardening, wildflowers, sweet peas and other greenery. |
| Favorite Music | Pink Floyd, Dark Side! Led Zeppelin, The Band, Elton, Bowie, David Gilmore, Eric Clapton, The Edge, Jimmy Page, Jack Smith, Brian May, Freddie & Queen, too many great musicians for a list. |
| Favorite Books | 'Your Pain Is Real', Dr. Emile Hiesiger; 'The Good Earth', Pearl S. Buck; 'I'm Losing You', Bruce Wagner; 'An Unquiet Mind', Kay Redfield Jamison; 'A Child Called It', 'The Lost Boy', and 'A Man Named Dave', all by the amazing Dave Pelzer, Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary, Present year Nursing Drug Handbook. |
