Chronic Pain Support Group

sorry i haven't been on much. I have been in an intensive training program for my service dog Shadow. It's really hard work, and I get tired very easily, but it is so worth it. I have already bonded with Shadow, and am home for the weekend with him, so that he can get used to my house. We are both doing great! My mom is helping me out while I am training. I have to use a wheelchair sometimes because of pain and fatigue, but I do try to walk as much as I can. Since it is so intensive, I take naps during the day, and I have been using the wheelchair a lot more. The trainers are GREAT, they do a fantastic job, and are glad that I know my limits, and am conserving my energy to get through the training, but that I am also doing realistic situations. Like I mentioned, my mom is there to help, she pushes my in the chair because I am unable to. Makes sure I am eating enough to get through the day, etc. She is so fantastic, I don't know what I would do without her. Anyway, I just wanted to let you all know what's been going on! I'll be back soon!

Thanks for the update. I'm SO glad that your training is going well. You deserve to have help getting through your days. What kind of dog do you have? Is it a boy or girl? And what is its name? I can only imagine the bond between the two of you. That's wonderful!

Moms are truly awesome. Mine has been gone for a long time, and I miss her. I just try to be a good mom to my girls. They are wonderful, very understanding, and kind girls.

Please continue to keep us informed. We'll be thinking about ya!

Moms are so wonderful. I am glad you have her. What breed is Shadow? I am very happy for you. Hugs

Mom's are great, and mine deserves a medal. She has RSD, SPD, Cervical Cranial Instability, nerve damage, brain damage, a shoulder that continually dislocates (my geneticist thinks she may also have EDS), and no use of her dominant hand. Yet, she STILL insists on coming up to NEADS to help me and make sure I'm doing ok. Not only that she is giving me money to get supplies and a bed for Shadow. NEADS has already given me so much stuff. I have raw hides, a plastic bone, a kong, a squeaky stuffie, multiple leashes, a typical service dog cape and backpack with all kinds of patches, a few books, and a bag. They really are fantastic people.

Shadow is a pure bred black lab and about 75lbs. He's so gentle and a goofball. I really love him so much. If you go to www.youtube.com/darkwaterfall you can see him. I made a video about my first week at NEADS and Shadow made a cameo.

I did watch some of your videos. Shadow is beautiful. I hope you are having a good day. Hugs

Gimpy,

I am so happy for you hun and it is great to hear your voice and see your beautiful compaion and know that you are getting some help..Shadow is beautiful and I know you and he will have a great bound..You are a remarkable young lady that I am very pleased to know and feel I know better now..We have missed you but glad you are able to do this..

Your mom is a remarkable woman and you are blessed to have her and I know you know this..Bless you dear..May God Be With Your..