status update

from an e-mail to someone on the ADRsupport page:

Hi A____,

From everything I'm hearing, it is surprising that Blue Cross approved your 2-level ADR, but it seems they've now decided they won't cover. Yes, I saw Delamarter in Santa Monica. He seemed very competent and professional. I live in San Diego, so I've also seen Peppers in Encinitas who seemed good as well. Delamarter says they will help with an appeal if I want to schedule the surgery and it comes to that. I'm pretty much ready to take my chances; I'm about at the end of my rope.

I've had chronic pain for approx. 2 years and basically don't do anything physical any more except walk and ride a beach cruiser around the neighborhood. I used to be very active surfing most days with soccer, mountain biking, etc. on the weekends. So, being out of commission is slowly killing me, and I've battled depression off and on. Most mornings I don't want to get out of bed because I know all too well the pain which awaits. I'm on medication daily which takes the edge off. Thus far, I've resisted getting on any narcotics. My pain level hovers around a 2 or 3 although lately it's been around a 4 or 5. I'm still able to work (desk job), but I have to take lots of breaks to get up and move around. So that's where I'm at.

I wouldn't wish this kind of back pain on my worst enemy. I'd like to think that ADR would be a "silver bullet" but the more I read on the ADR support website, the more nervous I'm getting. So, what are your current thoughts? How's your pain level? State of mind?

Take good care,
Brent