In 1985, a simple night out with a coworker changed Lisa’s life forever. What she didn’t know was that the driver, who seemed harmless, was impaired. Despite putting on her seatbelt and reminding him to do the same, they crashed into another vehicle at 60 mph. The impact snapped her seatbelt’s shoulder strap, sending her body forward and then violently back, fracturing her lumbar spine.

This moment marked the start of Lisa’s lifelong battle with chronic pain. After surgery to insert Harrington rods¹ for stability, the rods eventually snapped and had to be removed. Walking became difficult, and at times, her legs gave out entirely. Thankfully, [deleted husband] son was there to catch her when she fell.

In 2006, Lisa underwent another spinal surgery, this time with pedicle screws² to help stabilize her spine. While the procedure provided some support, the pain persisted, affecting not only her physical abilities but also her mental health. She struggled with exhaustion, fear, and occasional depression, weighed down by the unrelenting burden of pain.

During her recovery, Lisa confronted unexpected rage—anger at the man whose carelessness had caused her suffering. She was tempted to track him down and demand answers but ultimately chose healing instead. Seeking support through coaching, she channeled her emotions into personal growth, turning this moment into a pivotal shift in her life.

By 2023, new complications arose. Lisa’s left side began to fail, and after a suggestion from a friend who was a physical therapist, she learned the issue stemmed from her sacrum. Desperate to avoid another surgery, she explored every treatment—[deleted chiropractic], massage, acupuncture—but only physiotherapy and staying active brought any relief. Fear had kept her from pain management options for decades, but now, determined to delay surgery, she tried epidural caudal injections³. The injections worked, but only temporarily, lasting just a few months at a time.

When the pain returns, so does the emotional toll. Chronic pain, Lisa says, is exhausting. When she finds relief, she realizes just how much energy she spends carrying this weight every day. She wants more than survival—she dreams of playing with her grandson, hiking, cycling, and traveling without limitations.

Some days, Lisa finds hope easier than others. She balances rest and movement, strength and vulnerability, leaning on loved ones while refusing to let pain define her. She knows her physical abilities will continue to change, but she chooses self-compassion and acceptance, embracing the resilience that has carried her this far.

Looking back, Lisa reflects on how much easier her journey could have been if she’d had someone who truly understood the emotional and physical struggles of chronic pain and surgery recovery. She believes working with a coach specializing in pain and recovery would have been “wildly helpful.” Now, she’s determined to use every tool available to avoid another surgery and make the most of her time with her family.

Lisa’s story is one of resilience and perseverance. Though the road ahead is uncertain, she faces it with courage, love, and a commitment to living fully—one step at a time.

**Shared with permission from Lisa C.

References:
¹Harrington rods are a type of metal rod used in spinal surgery, particularly to correct scoliosis or stabilize the spine after a fracture.
²For spinal injuries, particularly fractures or conditions that require stabilization, surgeons commonly use pedicle screws. These screws are inserted into the vertebrae to stabilize the spine during the healing process or after corrective surgery.
³Epidural caudal injections are a type of corticosteroid injection used to treat lower back pain, particularly in cases where pain radiates down the legs (as with sciatica or herniated discs). These injections are administered into the caudal epidural space, which is located near the tailbone at the base of the spine