My heart goes out to you in the biggest way.  As an episodic sufferer, like most of us, I know that the pain I go through for a few weeks every year or so is horrible.

But to have to endure the beast every day is simply beyond my comprehension. I know it sounds cheesy, but if I were possessing of super powers, it'd be the power to heal, and YOU guys would be the first folks I visited.

I dont feel like I'm articulating what I want to say like I'd hoped, but I hope you get the gist of it.

Stay strong.

Hoorah!

Thanks Corey

Many chronic sufferers say that they honestly prefer being chronic because they know what to expect and how to deal with it on a regular basis. They claim that being episodic - the never knowing when, where, the constant looking over the shoulder - is worse, psychologically speaking.

True Brew, but I myself wouldn't mind a good 6 month reprieve from this nonsense...no meds, no worries...just pain free.

I have had two 18-month chronic periods, and everything else has been episodic (with no rhyme or reason as to when they start or end). Having been on both sides I think I can honestly say that I prefer the episodic. It takes some practice to really get out of your head during the pain-free times, however.

Brew wrote on Feb 26^th, 2010 at 11:16am:

Many chronic sufferers say that they honestly prefer being chronic because they know what to expect and how to deal with it on a regular basis. They claim that being episodic - the never knowing when, where, the constant looking over the shoulder - is worse, psychologically speaking.

I have heard chronics say this as well Brew.....my longest cycle ever was just short of 5 months but like you episodes have no rhyme or reason....I just can't get my mind around "years at a time with no break to recharge for the next round"!! 

I'll take lookin over my shoulder and feel blessed to be episodic!!

DD