For years we have done psychological evaluations with persons with long term chronic pain who desire the Spinal Cord Stimulator to try to get relief from the ongoing terrible pain. Anyone who has chronic pain and/or chronic illness will relate how horrible and debilitating it is 24/7. The effects also negatively impact on loved ones and caretakers. The following are representative of the emotional trauma persons with chronic pain and/or chronic illness experience over time: 1.DIFFICULTIES WITH APPROPRIATE DIAGNOSIS. 2. BELIEF IN RECOVERY IN SPITE OF LONG TERM SIGNS THIS WILL NOT OCCUR. 3. ONGOING EMOTIONAL AGONY OF BOTH CERTAINTY AND UNCERTAINTY. 4. SEVERE DEPRESSION AND EVEN DESPAIR. 5.SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND/OR ADDICTION. 6.SUICIDE IDEATION AND EVEN SUICIDE. 7.REASONABLE ACCEPTANCE AND TRYING TO FIND EFFECTIVE COPING MECHANISMS…I salute the many persons who daily fight and succeed in the very difficult battle of chronic pain and/or chronic illness. I also salute their loved ones and caretakers.