There was a shelter operator in Illinois who ran a shelter for over a year that I know of with pain in her foot from a possible spur. Every step she took caused her pain. She could not take the time for surgery or stay off of her feet. There are many others who have been in terrible chronic pain who are trying to hold things together minute to minute many days of their lives. Some contemplated suicide. Some have lost their spouse because they were so often bed ridden. Caring for these little ones-our ferrets- is literally THE key factor that kept some from giving up and deciding to FOREVER escape the deep depression, increasing chronic pain, and financial worries that go along with the exhaustion of living with pain and/or fatigue with every breath or step for years. I attend a number of seminars, and the one yesterday was all about this subject. It was very helpful.. There are numerous references. I would need a few weeks to duplicate the pages of info and references and ship them out. But it will help you better care for yourself, and help you to feel better---and get better---for the sake of yourselves, and the tiny lives you care for and love so very much. I will make copies for the first 20 people that E-mail me that are suffereing from chronic fatigue or pain, or know someone who needs help, and is not getting it from the physician... This is the most useful seminar on this subject that I have ever been to. I Just want to give back to the thoughtful people who were there for me over the years. I could never thank you all enough for all of the support and love I have received here on the FML. *this is not selling a product of any kind. This was a professional continuing education seminar for physicians, nurses, and therapists.* Lisette [Posted in FML issue 3949]