Hello Jean17: I shouldn't chuckle. But the analogy of trying to live with a croc at your heels brought out a chuckle anyway. Yes, I know what you mean about not being able to explain. I have gotten to the point where I don't even try. No one can understand. They don't really want to hear it. And, if I do try to describe it, it just comes out sounding weird & I end up feeling frustrated & foolish.

I don't know about what your therapist said. To some extent, I think she's probably right. At least I know my pain has never gone away & probably never will. But, at the same time, the thought of just learning to live with it, even if skillfully, is painful in-&-of itself. I think we have to hold out hope that there is at least the possibility the pain will diminish over time. At least nowadays there are lots of different options to try. I hope that you can find ones that work for you.