I'm using that line too, though not for the same reasons I'm sure!
 
A guy in another forum has the following for his signature which sounds about right:
 
"The truth will set you free, but first it will make you miserable!"

Really despite all my vain delusions that I still have something important to do on this planet the number one reason why I cannot do the unthinkable is that my mother is still alive (thankfully and hopefully for a long long time to come).
 
She has been through FAR too much pain and loss. I could never do that to her.
 
Best to ya craiggo...
 
Things truly can get better.

I've been feeling pretty apathetic lately. Should I be concerned?
 
Oh, who cares?

Scientists have created a cure for apathy, but nobody cared...

Hi y'all!
 
Q: What's the difference between ignorance and apathy? 
A: I don't know and I don't care!
 
As a chronic-pain sufferer, the more 'dangerous' time for me is when I lost/lose interest in anything, find nothing I have/do merits any value or is even mildly enthusiasm-triggering. My loosening the dependence on prescription painkillers has helped tremendously, despite the pain being what it is at times: life/time sucking and brutal. 
 
Keith E. and so many others dealt with internal (or often, as we age, external) pain that cuts into one's sense of self. "I was this, which was cool, but now I'm that, which is pathetic." That's where depression hits the luminaries - the 'stars' - out there, I think. 
 
We must all be careful to not base our lives on the things that we think matter most (or have allowed ourselves to believe for years). There are so many success stories of people without limbs or who've lost their ability to talk or play an instrument but DO NOT GIVE UP and, in fact, excel despite their apparent restrictions. People who allow themselves to be loved for WHO they are in the here and now and not what they've been known for.  
 
These two guys come to mind:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGFDWTC8B8g (Jason Becker)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOzsjEmjjHs (Nick Vujicic)
 
Yes, I have felt like I wanted to die when in extreme pain, but then I force my darkened mind to remember that it (pain) comes and goes and I will have another day to get some things done (or not ... maybe just relax and smell the coffee).  HOC ETIAM TRANSIBIT: This too shall pass
 
Any similar stories out there to share? 
Martin D.

Nice post!

Flagrant Regard
Hi y'all!
 
Q: What's the difference between ignorance and apathy? 
A: I don't know and I don't care!
 
As a chronic-pain sufferer, the more 'dangerous' time for me is when I lost/lose interest in anything, find nothing I have/do merits any value or is even mildly enthusiasm-triggering. My loosening the dependence on prescription painkillers has helped tremendously, despite the pain being what it is at times: life/time sucking and brutal. 
 
Keith E. and so many others dealt with internal (or often, as we age, external) pain that cuts into one's sense of self. "I was this, which was cool, but now I'm that, which is pathetic." That's where depression hits the luminaries - the 'stars' - out there, I think. 
 
We must all be careful to not base our lives on the things that we think matter most (or have allowed ourselves to believe for years). There are so many success stories of people without limbs or who've lost their ability to talk or play an instrument but DO NOT GIVE UP and, in fact, excel despite their apparent restrictions. People who allow themselves to be loved for WHO they are in the here and now and not what they've been known for.  
 
These two guys come to mind:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGFDWTC8B8g (Jason Becker)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOzsjEmjjHs (Nick Vujicic)
 
Yes, I have felt like I wanted to die when in extreme pain, but then I force my darkened mind to remember that it (pain) comes and goes and I will have another day to get some things done (or not ... maybe just relax and smell the coffee).  HOC ETIAM TRANSIBIT: This too shall pass
 
Any similar stories out there to share? 
Martin D.

I'm glad you were able to find a way to live with it and lose the meds.
What was likely going on was a serious drop in testosterone levels, opiates will do that over time. If you get to the point where you have to go back to them remember this and don't despair. Try to get testosterone replacement therapy if your road takes you there again. The Low T will do exactly that, make you lose interest in any and every thing. Take your energy and even cause your muscles to weaken... but there is a answer if you have to go there again and I sincerely hope not. I hope you take this in the spirit I intend, not as discouragement for I admire your resolve but as comfort if things become unbearable and you remember the listlessness and despair. I wish you well.
 
Peace.
 
Julien

At least we're not the walking dead (yet!)

eph221
At least we're not the walking dead (yet!)

But are we really living? 

This is the most poignant thread I have read in a very long time. You all are wonderful people that see things with great empathy. I have learned a great deal from the postings in this thread. It is quite an eye opener that such caring and thoughtfulness is so abundant here. I wish I could add some profound wisdom that will set all at ease and maybe lessen the loss we feel but you all have done that already. 
 
Please stay safe and be well everyone of you.