The Beginning

I have never had a blog before and I am NOT a writer but here we go...

My journey started in 1975 when I was diagnosed with Scoliosis. I had a double curve of 76 and 80 degrees. I had surgery to fuse my spine on my 15th birthday in 1976. The rod goes from T4 to L4. Post-op my curves are 18 and 21 degrees. A major improvement! I remember a lot of the pain and pt that I had to go through pre and post surgery. When I had the spinal fusion it was the newest and the best procedure out to help me.

I started having problems with pain in my lower back and weakness in my legs. I went to a spinal specialist in Milwaukee, WI. He told me there was nothing he could do but remove the rod and that would be MAJOR surgery. He was concerned about nicking something and I could not walk again.

So this was not an option. Prayer was the only option and it has worked for many years. The symptoms continued to get worse. In 2008 I had enough. I tried to have injections in my spine to numb the nerves. They could not get the needles in my spine. The arthritis is so bad the vertebrae are crushed together.

I have continued to live in pain. Finally I said - THIS IS ENOUGH! I cannot be the wife and mom I want to be. I have 3 boys at home that need a mom that is not on pain meds and asleep all day.

I called a spinal specialist in Longmont, CO and had an appointment on 5/7/2010. He said the rod needs to be removed because it has caused my spine to curve into my body - flat back. I was devastated. I thought this might be the case, but to hear a doctor confirm my suspensions was a shock.

I have done a lot of research on the Internet and feel more prepared.

This is just the beginning of a long journey. I know God has a purpose for the journey we are on. He had me meet the man of my dreams. He had a son for us all the way across the world in VietNam. He had us move to Colorado to be foster parents and adopt. He had a son here for us to adopt. He has all our days planned for us. He holds my tomorrows. He holds me in the palm of His hand.

I know this and I'll try to remember this all the way through the journey.