The Changing Science of Pain

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But Will Castillo, a 27-year-old Army sergeant, is not one of these soldiers. Like Stonewall Jackson, he is an amputee. Iraqi insurgents shot him in the head—twice—and as he lay on the ground, an IED blew his leg off. It is a horrible story, but sitting in his hospital bed with his leg covered, Castillo shows no sign that it even happened. He is one of the soldiers who have nerve-blocking pain pumps. He feels good, he says, and once he gets a prosthetic leg, he might even consider going back to Iraq for another round. It's hard to believe it, but yes: this is a man who feels infinitely blessed.

With Samantha Henig, Dan Ephron and Julie Scelfo

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Posted By: cronic in forks @ 09/15/2008 1:37:22 AM

i have had reumatoid arthritus since I was young am now 52. it is always there the pain you learn to block it Its very frustrating and limiting. joint replacements help and surgery pain is nothing compared to the daily grind so to speak. move it or lose it is the mantra and swimming is the key its hard to keep fit when you can't move and ithe drugs prednisone and nasads all effect your metabolism.. be glad there's a heaven and it will all be worth is someday. i own and operate an auto parts store and work 6 days a week. keeping busy will help alot with cronic pain distraction is key. My pain level is currently severe, but this too will pass in time. So hang in there all you cronic pain people, God loves us anyway and actually so do our freinds and family Cronic but living as well as i can CRONIC IN FORKS
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Posted By: mjkittredge @ 05/10/2008 11:05:02 PM

I hope the science of pain progresses quickly and successfully. The past year, I suffered intense pain in my stomach, for reasons unknown to myself, and the doctors had no idea either. I was not given anything to make the pain stop - I was just left to suffer, despite my moaning in pain and begging for ANYTHING to make it stop.

With all the medical advances, you'd think they would have something up their sleeve they could give to ease my pain.
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Posted By: Knnt @ 03/18/2008 12:12:00 AM

I see that this article is date almost a year ago, but it is good to read an intelligent article about chronic pain even if there are no perfect answers. I feel like I am way out here in left field all by myself with mine and this story lets me know that I am not.