· Joey Lee's Bio ·
· All About Joey* ·
site updated on 01.24.08
Hi!, My name is Joey Lee, I am 42 years old. I am a Gay Male living in NorthEastern Pennsylvania, sharing my life with my "Life-Partner", David*. We have been together for 15+ years, as of August 7th, 1992.
As for my "Life" on the web, it began in 1994/95. I had been a Counselor for Sexually and/or Physically abused children and teens, a job I loved with all of my Heart.
Having been physically and emotionally abused as a child, by my Father, I felt I would be able help the children/teens by understanding some of what they go through. As a counselor, I believe I was able to help many of the children/teens.
· February 18, 1992 - The Day My Life Changed Forever ·
On February 18, 1992, the residential setting I worked at became the scene of an "almost" riot. Many of the elder kids began to fight, throw furniture and create complete havoc. I was among only 4 staff members at the time, as there were, at least, 15 Children involved.
Being the ''smallest'' in size of all of the Staff, I still felt like I had to do something. So, as the other staff waited for more back-up, I went straight for the largest of the two Children, that happened to be fighting. It was then, that while struggling, the larger of the two fell and landed on my right leg, doing consideral damage to my Knee.
After that accident, I required various re-construction surgeries. Somewhere along the way, I was treated with "Prednisone", a commonly use Steroid. An unfortunate adverse reaction to Prednisone is a Bone Disease called Avascular Necrosis. AVN is a Disease that smothers the blood vessels to the marrow of the bone causing it (the bone), to die. I have AVN in both of my Knees..
So, more surgeries had to be done. Eventually all that could be done to my legs, had been done. Although I still had trouble walking, the Pain in both of my legs began to get more and more chronic as weeks went on.
Although I tried returning to work several times, the Pain and the medications took quite a toll on my body. Eventually, I could no longer work and was declared "Legally Disabled".
As months passed, the pain intensified. Doctor after Doctor could not figure out why I was having this amount of pain. Many, if not most, even told me that it was "psychological", it was "in my head". Many even went as far as calling me a "Drug addict".
It wasn't until late 1997 that I finally met a Doctor that truly cared. A Doctor that was determined to find out exactly what was causing the severe pain.
It was shortly after that I was then diagnosed with RSD - Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy. An severe Chronic Pain Syndrome with no known cure.
As time went by, and the pain worsened, oral pain medications became much too dangerous. In April of 2001, a Morphine Pump was implanted into my abdomenal area, which has helped greatly.
Throughout all of this time, Support, whether it be from Family or long-time Friends, quickly diminished. However, recently I was reminded that at one time, I had mentioned the abuse I went through as a child, on this very website. The reasons why I have been very open about this painful topic seem to have gone misunderstood.
When I first applied for my job as a Counselor for Physically/Sexually abused Children and Teens, I lacked the College degree that was usually required. However, during my interview, I spoke at length of my past, and the Physical and Emotional abuse I endured. With that past, I felt it gave me an ��edge��, so to speak, enabling me to truly understand much of what these Children and Teens had gone through. And, despite my lack of a Degree, I was hired.
As I stated previously, I was recently reminded of this, by an elder brother of mine. The ��misunderstanding�� was, that I have and still do, play a ��victim��. It has been many years since I have received any sort of emotional support, or, for that matter any real communication with my ��Family��. The question of ��Why�� has haunted and hurt me for many years now. However, due to this recent statement from my older brother, I guess I now have some idea of their reasoning.
This is, and has been, extremely difficult for me to understand, or accept.
It has been through allot of time and therapy, that I have come to terms with what I went through as a child. And, in my heart, I have even learned forgiveness.
Although this lack of support has been extremely difficult, I still have found many reasons to feel Blessed.
I have the unconditional Love of David*, whom has stuck by my side for over ten years now. As well, I have a wonderful base of Friends, many of which are online.
Back in 1994, after receiving a "settlement" from my workplace, I purchased a Computer. Never did I imagine that this "Computer" would become my outlet to the outside world.
I soon began joining different on-line chat areas and Bulletin board Groups. I soon became a Volunteer, first with The Microsoft Network, then TheGlobe.com, and now, with Yahoo! Groups.
Spending much of my time in these chat rooms and posting to these "bulletin boards", I soon found there were many many more people out there in similar, and worse, situations than myself. So, that is when I first began to reach out to others by creating a web-site devoted to Support and Information.
Through word of mouth, and through my volunteering, I quickly began to receive many Emails of others reaching out. One by one I would write to each and every one. Some wrote to me in desperation, ready to end their lives. Many wrote to me that were terminal with their illnesses, such as HIV/AIDS.
It was through these People I gained my own Strength again. I was able to literally Help these other people from every part of the World. My "Life" began to have "meaning", once again. The feedback from these people was incredible. My self-worth was once again restored.
To this day, I am now able to be Thankful for ALL that I have. Despite my "Disabilities", my Abilities were astronomical. Through TheGlobe.com and MSN, I was being rewarded with Real and True Friendships, and I, me, was able to actually help others to LIVE with their illness, much like I had learned.
I still have David by my side, and my Life is filled with Love. By being able to Give Love to SO many other People, I learned to Live again, myself....
So, although many people would think that a Disease like RSD is the end of their Life, for ME ? It was, and is, The Beginning......
If You'd like to Email Me, Click on the Link Below:
Email Joey
Due to many changes since I first started this ''Bio'' , instead of constantly rewriting it, I'll simply be adding additional sections to it.
I am hoping that anyone who might be reading this, that just might be dealing with similar health issues, will find some comfort in knowing I am willing to help in any way I possibly can. As many people have already told me, just by having someone that does understand what they are dealing with, I just might be able to help you to find a way to cope with Chronic Pain.
Please, if you'd like to, Email me anytime at JoeyLee.com.
Below I have provided links to information and resources regarding RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy)
· Resources, Contact, and Personal Information ·
To learn more about RSD/CRPS, I have created a comprehensive ''What is RSD'' page from the National Neurological Association, just go to What is RSD?And, I have also written a separate story on just what it's like TO live with Chronic Pain, just click here
I have also created a ever-growing list of Resources and Information pertaining to RSD and Chronic Pain.
Go to my RSD Resources page.
Please, feel free to contact me via Email at JoeyLee.com
· Joey's Guestbook ·
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http://www.joeylee.com