The psychologists at the UI Spine Center literally saved my life. I had reached the point where I felt I couldn’t go on any more – I was beyond the point of caring. I had gotten hurt at work trying to shovel a tractor out of the snow in 2000 and I was off of work for nine months.  I returned to work on light duty and I had a second injury and then neck surgery. I eventually lost my job. I was devastated.  Since my initial injury I had seen 19 different doctors and I got lots of different opinions. These opinions included scare stories, being told I would be confined to a wheelchair for the rest of my life, being told to just grin and bear it and being told that I was faking it. By the time I got to the UI Spine Center, I had given up on the medical profession and I had given up hope on myself. I did end up in a wheelchair, depressed, and isolated from my friends and family.

I am NOT in a wheelchair now. When I got to the UI Spine Center, their psychologists saw my desperation and they met me where I was and got me the help I needed to turn things around, starting that day. I got straight talk from the doctor, he didn’t pull any punches and I really needed that. During the Spine Rehabilitation Program, the psychologists gave me tools I needed for managing my pain and kept me going. The physical therapists got me walking again during the first week of the program and helped me set goals. It hurts to get strong again, but it is worth it! I have nothing but good to say about this place. The staff here are very supportive and you go at your own pace. You have everything to gain by coming here and nothing to lose except your fear and hopelessness. You need to care enough about yourself to want a life, and they can help you get your life back.

I now have a new view of my life. I learned to respect myself and I see my value again. I still use the skills I learned at the UI Spine Center everyday – I do my exercises and coping skills to manage my pain. I now walk my dog one to two miles a day, I have my hobbies back, I enjoy my friends and family, I go to my grandchildren’s sports and music events (and they can’t wait to see me there) – I have so much to live for and I am having fun again! 

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