A New Member Here to Say Hello - FROM TEXAS!!!!! Yee Haw!

[Guest guest]

Ladies,

I have been reading yawls posts now for about 2 weeks and have

enjoyed the bond you all share. I've been waiting for the right

time to say hello to you and tonight the mood hit. I felt the need

to mix the bloodlilnes up a bit and throw in some good 'ol southern

hospitality from the Lone Star state of Texas! It seems ya'll are

from the east coast and see the same doctor! Anyway, with that I

want you each to know that I appreciate how open and encouraging you

are. My name is Alpine, I've lived in Texas for about 16 years or

so. My husband works for ExxonMobil and we have moved around a

lot. We even did a tour in Northern Virginia. I grew up in So.

California and had my harrington rod procedue at UCLA in

December '84 by Dr. Edgar Dawson. Then in '86 the rod broke and had

to be removed. I am now almost 48 years old and I have experienced

a great deal of pain for the past several years but with moving

around so much and not knowing anyone I never thought to see a

doctor for the pain. I assumed it was my " lot " in life to live in

pain. Until one day as I was talking to God and asked Him why was I

in so much pain if I've had the surgergy to correct this socliosis

issue, he softly wispered to my heart, join a chat group about

scoliosis. He's such a smart God. I did and eventually found ya'll

through Racine's site. Girls, it has been profound to learn

about Flatback. I've only been aware of it now for about 6 weeks.

I've pondered it long and hard and will be flying to Amarillo on

March 9th to see Dr. LaGrone to be " officially " diagnosed

with Flatback.

I have many concerns about having the surgery. I live a very active

life while living with my pain. I teach little two year olds on

Tuesday mornings at my church while their moms are in Bible study.

I LOVE this time with the little ones. On Sunday nights I have 11

8th grade girls over for Bible study which has been extremely

rewarding. I'm raising two teenagers and have a small business in

my home raising Lady Gouldian Finches that require daily care (I

have over 250 birds). How soon after surgery will I be able to

resume my lifestyle? When I read no driving for 3-6 months is that

true? Most importantly, will I really be pain free and done with

this issue? Or will I simply be gaining a different set of

headaches if you will. I am no stranger to surgery unfortunately

and have been pretty good at bouncing back after each procedure.

But will bounce back after this one? Can I time the surgery to be

just before summer break and then resume everything when school

starts back up? Ugh, so many questions.

I appreciate you taking the time to read this book I've written and

I look forward to becoming " one of the girls " . Are there any guys

out there going through this?

I'll be going for an MRI tomorrow of the complete spine to take with

me so that I can optimize my time with Dr. LaGrone. I will begin to

pray for each one of you by name as I get to know you and would

covet your prayers as well. Blessings to you all - Alpine (to see

pictures of the birds, if your curious to know what they look like,

go to www.thegouldianlady.com and click on mutations.