tks guys... yes, during my 4th year the ins co finally authorized Jaw surgery... I had had to go with the lower jaw off the hinges for that long. The jaw and head pain decreased immensely after the surgery.

I HAVE been in pain since the day of the injury! I didn't find a doctor who wasn't afraid of pain medicine until the 8th year of injury. But she has stuck with me (in fact I see her tmw for my monthly visit)... I am her only disability insurance patient, she had to transfer all the rest.

I had to train my physical therapist that he can't cure everyone. Some ppl are permanently injured... of course he has many patients like me now.

If it weren't for my psychologist I wouldn't be here. (Most days I think I would rather not be.) He is there for me 24/7 (though you do know how human they are when fielding your call at 3 am!) I don't abuse the care. He has been there for me since the 2nd year... he helps me get through my feelings about the system, uncaring doctors, hospitals, how ppl just don't "get it" and most of my personal disabiling pain --physical and emotional. He is a specialist in PTSD and also pain mgmt (he used to teach at Univ. of Miami / Jackson Hospital.

With all that said, I'm still here. Searching. Wondering, is this all there is? Is this life? How am I continuing when there is NO quality of life?

Thanks for you all being there... even the snerts.

...I can misspeak like the best of us