A Big Anniversary......and thanks.

[Katie]

It's been a year since my surgery in Brazil with the amazing Dr. Pimenta

Hubby says it seems like it's been years since we flew down there, and to me it feels like it was just three or four months...and years at the same time I have a hard time believing that so much time has passed.

And I am pleased to announce that I have most of my life back. The bit that is still hiding has more to do with the rotten food and medical intolerances I've developed than any back pain. My energy levels are very low and I keep getting surprised when something disagrees with me, like the last antibiotic I had last week for strep throat. But I got to meet a cute new doctor at the local emergency room

I went searching for my old thread about that adventure to Brazil, and was shocked that it was buried on page 10 of the Surgical Outcome forum! I guess it really was that long ago. But when I found it and went through all the wonderful comments that so many here sent along, it brought back so many good memories of the support system I have here.

As I've said before, without the help and information I was given by so many friends here, I never would have found Dr. Pimenta, nor the probability of metal allergies that someone warned me about. It literally was a life saver. I was tested and discovered that any of the conventional metals that would have normally been used for my spine surgery would have caused a massive allergic reaction.

So again, thanks for all the support and great show of friendship over the past few years. I have been MIA over the past month or three, but only because I'm battling other issues. If I can be of any help to others on a similar journey, please feel free to send along a message.

Paying it forward is what it's all about.

[ajj1001]

Congratulatons on your anniversary. Sounds like you are getting the reward for all your searching for the very best solution to your spine problems. Hope other things settle down to normal (or your own personal version of it) very soon. x

[Justin]

It's been a year since my surgery in Brazil with the amazing Dr. Pimenta

Time has really flown by, Katie!

And I am pleased to announce that I have most of my life back. The bit that is still hiding has more to do with the rotten food and medical intolerances I've developed than any back pain.

It's incredible to read the bolded statement above--you have really come a very long way, Katie. I'm sorry that you are still dealing with allergies. Hopefully, you will get things figured out on that front too (and soon!).

I went searching for my old thread about that adventure to Brazil, and was shocked that it was buried on page 10 of the Surgical Outcome forum! I guess it really was that long ago. But when I found it and went through all the wonderful comments that so many here sent along, it brought back so many good memories of the support system I have here.

I'm glad the Spine Patient Society has helped you and been a support system for you. You have graciously given your time to others and have selflessly shared what you have learned through your own battles with your spine. We are indebted to have you as an SPS Member. The other day I was thinking how much time we spent on the phone brainstorming together...it's truly amazing how far you have come and that you are a year post-op...truly incredible any way you look at it.

As I've said before, without the help and information I was given by so many friends here, I never would have found Dr. Pimenta, nor the probability of metal allergies that someone warned me about. It literally was a life saver. I was tested and discovered that any of the conventional metals that would have normally been used for my spine surgery would have caused a massive allergic reaction.

The quoted text above underscores the importance of reaching out to other Spine Patient Society Members--the wealth of knowledge and first hand experience from the Spine Patients that frequent our Forums is unparalleled.

So again, thanks for all the support and great show of friendship over the past few years. I have been MIA over the past month or three, but only because I'm battling other issues. If I can be of any help to others on a similar journey, please feel free to send along a message.

Paying it forward is what it's all about.

On behalf of SPS, thank you. You are a dear friend and we are so very lucky to have you as part of the SPS family.

Be well.

[KBear]

I was just thinking about your anniversary today.... not that my memory is that great, but easy to remember since it's the same as mine. I can't believe it's been a year for you. You have definitely made major progress and defied the odds. I'm so happy for you!

[Katie]

Thanks guys. I think the most amazing part was in regaining the neurological functions that were supposed to be lost. I was told by some of the best surgeons that the surgery on my C 5/6 would simply stop any progression in the deterioration of my abilities. My hands and arms were going numb when I was typing or painting (my living), and I could not walk on my heels or toes, nor walk with one foot in front of the other. I would have failed a sobriety test if pulled over.

Just days after surgery, I could do all of the above and more. While I had little pain in the upper part of my spine, the problems the compression was causing there were the most scary. It was like winning again with a bonus number after winning the lottery.

And Kathy, so many congratulations to you! I'm so impressed that you are off all medications, plus expecting a wonderful new life very soon. Your life is so full.

[Katie]

And Justin and Alison, I couldn't have made it through the darkest days without your help, along with our other friends. Without the SPS family, and your enormous efforts in bringing it all together, Justin, so many would still be floundering.

I hope everyone else experiences as much success as I've been blessed with.

[Gilbert P]

HI Kate

Congratulations on having your life back
I am pleased to be your friend and for your help.
As always I wish you the very best

Gil

[jss]

Katie,

Congratulations on the anniversary and your outstanding recovery!

Here's to hoping that it continues, Jeff

[Cindylou]

Katie,

Congratulations on the anniversary and your outstanding recovery!

Here's to hoping that it continues, Jeff

Ditto to what jeff and many others have already expressed Katie! I cannot believe it has already been a year. Unbelievable. Your recovery is just unparalleled to anything I have ever seen or heard. I am so happy for you sweetie! I sure have missed you tho, and wondered why you have been so visibly absent of late. I hope you are ok. Please let me know if there is anything I can do. You are such a dear friend....God bless you, Cindylou. (I'll be home from Mexico in about 4 days, FYI, in case you'd like to chat).