Charlie, I have had severe arachnoiditis due to botched back surgery since July 1992. My legs feel like they are on fire from the hips down and when I walk, it is like walking on a never ending bed of hot coals and broken glass. Life is unfair. I can't sue and all I get is $90 a month. That doesn't go far when you have 3 boys at home.

I pretty well understand what causes it, why the pain is so intense, what medication works and what doesn't, what kinds of foods can help a bit and how to describe the pain to a doctor so they understand what the problems are and why what they are doing isn't helping. Would any of that knowledge help you and your wife?

We are blessed to not live in the same country as the poor guy who sent that piece of spam. They have zero medical attention, no hope of a better life and watch their children die because they can't get 25 cents worth of penicillin. If I was in his shoes, I would do everything I could to improve my situation too. No point in being too upset.

I complained one time about somebody at church and a very wise person told me something I never forgot "Keith, Quit griping about the people at church; if it was perfect, they wouldn't let you in either."

Charlie, is there any information about arachnoiditis that I can provide that will I help your family? I have included a link to my personal web site it has my own story outline and a lot of inspiring things people have shared with me. Everything is free to download. There may be something there you like.

Keith Pendlebury

British Columbia

Canada.