Todd M. Stein

“I don't care who is doing better than me. I am doing better than i(sic) was last year. It's me vs me.”

My #recovery from #NeckPain, #migraine & #headache #ChronicPain #NerveSurgeries, after 10+ years of #excruciating to #debilitating
#HeadPain.
This is #MyJourney...
“I don't care who is doing better than me. I am doing better than I was last year.
It's me vs me.”
…and that is #MyTruth.

“DON'T TELL PEOPLE WHO HAVE FIBROMYALGIA TO EXERCISE YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY ARE GOING THROUGH” Credit: Veron Mark Abraham posted in Chronic Illness Memes on Facebook

“DON'T TELL PEOPLE WHO
HAVE FIBROMYALGIA TO EXERCISE
YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY ARE GOING THROUGH”

Credit: Veron Mark Abraham posted in Chronic Illness Memes on Facebook

Stephen Colbert is going SCORCHED EARTH right now. To RFK Jr: “Fuck you, you roid-addled nepo carnie! Fuck you, you roadkill-munching Luddite human slim jim!”

Alt Text typo correction: image 4/4 typo “MigrainMiracle.” should be “MigraineMiracle.” I apologize for my error.

(Image 1/4 of my update posted originally on my Facebook page.) One day shy of six weeks post-op update: I've had plenty of head/neck #pain and #headaches come and go (#AcutePain, I hope) during my first six weeks of post-op #recovery, but I don't think I've had any "true #migraines." That doesn't mean l've not had any #ExcruciatingPain - because I have - but it's been "different pain," mostly, I think. Two of the hardest parts of my remaining recovery (three months & one year time frames are the two major time measurements my surgeon uses to gauge progress and success/failure) from #NeckPain, #migraine & #headache #ChronicPain head #nerve surgeries include: (1) trying to figure out if the pain/s is/are the same or different versus before the head nerve surgeries…

(Image 2/4 of my update posted originally on my Facebook page.) …(I know that may sound weird but it's actually difficult, at times, because, sometimes, "pain is pain" - especially when one is experiencing pain in multiple places around the body) and (2) not allowing myself to be overwhelmed by frustrating and sometimes "scary" worrying if the pain/s is/are a sign the surgeries failed. (I hope that word salad is understandable - lol) So far, I think, the mental/psychological healing process has been as hard - if not harder - than the physical healing from the multiple nerve surgeries. (More on that in a future post...)

(Image 3/4 of my update posted originally on my Facebook page.) I have a telehealth follow up #appointment tomorrow and Marnie & I will head back to The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in a few more weeks for my three month post-op checkup. Keep your fingers crossed for me! I appreciate your ongoing support... Much love, —TMS.

(Image 4/4 of my update posted originally on my Facebook page is of a post I shared there which is credited to “MigraineMiracle.”) “Because migraines aren't just headaches — they're so much more. Migraines can take over your whole life... Stay strong, and take care” (Meme text follows; originally it was placed in a “burger” design.) “The migraine burger “Headache Sensitivity to smells Dizziness Aura Sensitivity to light Fatigue Nausea Neck pain” (Credit to:) “MigrainMiracle.”

“One day shy of six weeks” post-op update:
(see attached images for full update text)
My #recovery #update from #NeckPain, #migraine & #headache #ChronicPain #NerveSurgeries after 10+ years of #excruciating to #debilitating
#HeadPain.
This is #MyJourney...

The man who just fired the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics because their numbers supposedly weren’t accurate just claimed that he lowered drug prices in America by 1500%.

The man who had his doctor report that he’s 6’3”, 238 lbs fired the person in charge of reporting labor statistics.

#NoKing

#Clarification:
I had #NeckPain, #migraine & #headache #ChronicPain nerve surgeries at @osuwexmed.bsky.social on 6/25/25. After 1 unexpected night in hospital for observation, I had a 5 day post-op appt & was released to go home. I’ve been home in Iowa recovering. I’m not recovering “at” #OSUWexMed.

Now Trump is calling the latest White House boondoggle the Golden Ballroom.”

“Golden” is starting to sound a lot like code for “white people are the best!”

(Screenshot 1/3 of my update post as shared on another social media platform.) “I still haven't slept since Monday night (I woke up Tuesday morning and have been awake since then - insane mix of chronic fatigue & insomnia) but for some crazy unknown reason I got a burst of energy and the solar system must've been in rare perfect alignment this afternoon because I actually got some things done in the house and even went outside and checked some things off my years long lists - and then I showered. Yes, I showered, after all that — and I am proud of that seemingly simple act. You see, simply showering can be a serious challenge when you live in chronic pain. I really don't think the vast majority of people who may see this post on any of my social media accounts will ever completely understand what a major accomplishment today has been - or what a major hell l've been trapped in for over a decade. (Of course, I'm kind…”

(Screenshot 2/3 of my update post as shared on another social media platform.) “…of "paying for it now" - but it was so worth it!) I'm in the early weeks of recovering from multiple #NeckPain, #Migraine and #Headache #NervePain head surgeries on June 25, 2025, at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. I'm working hard on reclaiming my life. #Pain #ChronicPain #LifelnPain #MyPainMatters #PainChangesPeople #ChronicPainChangesEverything #UntreatedPainIsTorturePerTheUN #99PrescriptionsButAPainPillAintO ne #OccipitalNeuralgia #Fibromyalgia #DiabeticNeuropathy #TMJD #Tinnitus #ChronicFatigue #HiatalHernia #IBS #Chroniclllness #SpinalArthritis #Osteoarthritis #Hyperhidrosis #HeartDisease #Type2Diabetes #Depression”

(Screenshot 3/3 of my update post as shared on another social media platform.) “…#LegallyDisabledWithoutDisabilityBenefits #ButYouDontLookSick #InvisiblellIness #YourChroniclIlnessIsNotYourFault —TMS.” (Meme with printed credit to “@RAREVISIBILITY” - meme’s text is below) “your chronic illness is not your fault” “You didn't choose to be sick & you didn't cause your sickness” “It does not define you, you are more than your illness” “It is completely beyond your control, you are doing everything you can” “your illness is not a punishment and you don't deserve it” “you are doing your best even on your worst days” “It does not make you weak or a failure”

Day 37 post-op update:
I'm in the early weeks of recovering from multiple #NeckPain, #Migraine & #Headache #NervePain head surgeries on 6/25/25, at @osuwexmed.bsky.social. I'm working hard to reclaim my life.
#ChronicPain #LifelnPain #ChronicPainChangesEverything
(see pics for full update text)

(Upper left corner: “Thanks” in multiple languages.) “THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR REPOSTING! I APPRECIATE YOU TAKING THE TIME TO HELP SPREAD AWARENESS. THANKS, AGAIN! #UntreatedPainIsTorture #ChronicPain #ChronicPainAwareness #MyPainMatters #PainChangesPeople #ChronicPainChangesEverything -Todd M. Stein, chronic pain advocate & patient, todd-m-stein.bsky.social” (Right side: Bluesky logo used to recognize and promote the platform we are on. I am not affiliated with the ownership/management of this platform. Logo remains property of its owner/s. Credit for the meme, excluding the Bluesky logo and the multiple languages “thanks” clip art, goes to Todd M. Stein. Meme created with a free postermywall.com account.)

@frigyacrowmother.bsky.social

(Upper left corner: “Thanks” in multiple languages.) “THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR REPOSTING! I APPRECIATE YOU TAKING THE TIME TO HELP SPREAD AWARENESS. THANKS, AGAIN! #UntreatedPainIsTorture #ChronicPain #ChronicPainAwareness #MyPainMatters #PainChangesPeople #ChronicPainChangesEverything -Todd M. Stein, chronic pain advocate & patient, todd-m-stein.bsky.social” (Right side: Bluesky logo used to recognize and promote the platform we are on. I am not affiliated with the ownership/management of this platform. Logo remains property of its owner/s. Credit for the meme, excluding the Bluesky logo and the multiple languages “thanks” clip art, goes to Todd M. Stein. Meme created with a free postermywall.com account.)

@crycepaul.bsky.social

(Upper left corner: “Thanks” in multiple languages.) “THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR REPOSTING! I APPRECIATE YOU TAKING THE TIME TO HELP SPREAD AWARENESS. THANKS, AGAIN! #UntreatedPainIsTorture #ChronicPain #ChronicPainAwareness #MyPainMatters #PainChangesPeople #ChronicPainChangesEverything -Todd M. Stein, chronic pain advocate & patient, todd-m-stein.bsky.social” (Right side: Bluesky logo used to recognize and promote the platform we are on. I am not affiliated with the ownership/management of this platform. Logo remains property of its owner/s. Credit for the meme, excluding the Bluesky logo and the multiple languages “thanks” clip art, goes to Todd M. Stein. Meme created with free postermywall.com account.)

@crycepaul.bsky.social

#This is #TheTruth!

#Pain #ChronicPain #LifeInPain #MyPainMatters #PainChangesPeople #ChronicPainChangesEverything #UntreatedPainIsTorturePerTheUN #99PrescriptionsButAPainPillAintOne #ExcruciatingPain #DebilitatingPain #Disabled #ButYouDontLookSick #InvisibleIllness #ThisIsntLiving

Young boy looking in a full length mirror and he sees an old man. Text reads: “It is only a short trip. Enjoy it”

#Truth #EnjoyLifeWhileYouCan #EnjoyEveryMomentWhileYouCan
#MakeTheMostOfLife #ProtectYourHealth #WorkLifeBalance #DoThingsNowWhileYouAreHealthy #HealthIsNotValuedUntilSicknessComes #PainChangesPeople #ChronicPainChangesEverything #AgeIsJustANumberUntilYouAreSickAndOld #LiveWhileYouCan #GoOnVacation

Disabled people are not expendable.

The elderly are not expendable.

Children are not expendable.

We must stop assessing worth based on perceived economic contributions.

No one should have to prove they “matter” to get basic healthcare, housing, food or education.

White (“dark white”) coffee cup on white (“bright white”) background. Black print on coffee cup states: “I don't look sick? Well, you don't look stupid, but ... #invisibleillnessdumbass”

“I don't look sick?
Well, you don't look stupid, but...”
#invisibleillnessdumbass

I agreed, then I remembered it’s about resources (access to Party donors, infrastructure, labor, money, people, support, tools & votes).

Good.
Now, I wonder if/when someone will do something real about these people…that is, if #NoOnesAboveTheLaw is correct…

“It’s a joke, people!”

Looking beyond #pain…
In my case, being #chronicallyill with multiple #chronicpain disorders has brought on an array of #accompanyingconditions, some being: #anxiety, #depression, #heartdisease, #IBS, #obesity, #sleepapnea, #type2diabetes, yet I still get #butyoudontlooksick from some people. SMH