New Girl

[titaniumed]

My Colorado ski list is
Monarch
Crested Butte
Telluride
Powderhorn
Copper
Keystone
A-Basin
Loveland
Winter Park, Mary Jane
Steamboat
Breckenridge
Vail

Ive been to approx 95 areas in North America and Canada. I remember every one of them.
I also heli skied in British Columbia in 1995. Chasing powder, watching for storms all these years.

I never made it to Aspen... Maybe some day. Ive been around the Tahoe basin since 1982.
Dec 11th, oh no, were in trouble now...
Comedy is a stress reducer. Sometimes its necessary.
Ed

[Shari]

Welcome, from me as well foofer,

I couldn't help myself from cracking up when you said "I have found my people". Sounded to me like you were looking for aliens. Which some of us do appear to be "out there".

I know how I felt when I found these people, and was instantly addicted.

Good Luck,
Shari

[mbeckoff]

I know that I felt that way when I found this forum.

We really should have a get together

A thread should be started as to where we live

Is any one else interested?

Melissa

[LynetteG]

Shari - that is hilarious - looking for our people "looking for aliens". I sure feel like an alien a lot of the time

[titaniumed]

It reminded me of Moses, leading his people from bondage....

I guess I was in bondage for awhile....
Ed

[foofer]

I've often felt like an alien, and it always worked best to pretend otherwise...

I think one of the hardest things about scoliosis is that it's such a challenge to talk to people about it. On the surface, I look pretty normal, I can be active, although I am Captain Careful about most that I do. If I tell people I am considering surgery and then describe the surgery, they pretty much act like I have taken leave of my senses. Then I get a lot of advice on cures and therapies, most of which I've tried. It's all well-meaning, but misguided, so it's nice to find people who speak my language.

Here at the promised land, here on Mars....

Amy

[allycat]

Amy,
First, welcome! There is always room at this table for more!

It is amazing to try to explain the challenges and complexities of scoliosis to anyone that does not experience it. Prior to my first surgery, I had great posture but tons of pain. Apparently I managed to put on a brave face, because when I explained to some co-workers that I would be off work for quite some time and told them what I was having done one of them actually asked if the surgery was elective. Really?!?! Yes, I'm going to go through all that by choice because I need a long vacation! Even my mom, my husband, my kids and my best friend, bless their hearts, still don't get it. So this is MY place to come for companionship, comfort, sanity, solace, information and understanding. I found this beautiful utopia about 6 months before my surgery and learned more from the wonderful and intelligent people here than I did from any website and my surgeon put together. I told my friend yesterday that several of my friends are having surgery this week. And you all are my friends. And I thank you all for that.

By the way, I absolutely LOVE Captain Careful! That's fantastic!

[gmw]

Amy -- So glad to read your post. I get the same reactions from family, but friends in particular. When I talk with them, I question myself and feel like I shouldn't be considering the surgery. I, too, am very careful not to do things that tend to make my pain worsen. Thank goodness my husband is with me and knows the pain I'm having so he gives me validation. I know they are well-meaning, but it hurts more than it helps.

[doodie]

Ditto!

I was nodding my head in agreement while reading through these posts...it IS difficult to describe the scoliosis we have all lived with for so many years before 'electing' to have these surgeries. We live our lives being active like everyone else and put on a front when the pain gets worse, until when we finally start talking about it, those around us are taken by surprise that we HAVE scoliosis and that we are considering something so drastic as surgery.

I put off surgery for as long as I could and most people did not know the extent of my suffering. Even my husband until the last year or so. Once I made the decision to DO something about my pain, I felt empowered. It was the right decision for me and I would do it again in a second if I had to do it all over again!

I need to say Welcome to you Amy! Nice to see you here - you're in the right place if you're looking for support and answers - and a lot of laughs too!

[Shari]

Wow!!!! Getting some goosebumps here. This should turn out to be one of the more often read threads. Every single post here, is a slice of insight into the hidden world that we all tend to share.

I am completely blown away, and can't wait to hear more!!! In so many ways, I think at some time or another, we have all felt some kind of alienation from "straight" people. This is a must read, don't ya think???
For some crazy reason, I am overly emotional right now???

Shari

[gmw]

The posts on this thread have definitely struck home for me. I just had to read the ones about the things well-meaning people say to my husband. He was touched as well. Thanks to all of you!

[allycat]

Wow!!!! Getting some goosebumps here. This should turn out to be one of the more often read threads. Every single post here, is a slice of insight into the hidden world that we all tend to share.

I am completely blown away, and can't wait to hear more!!! In so many ways, I think at some time or another, we have all felt some kind of alienation from "straight" people. This is a must read, don't ya think???
For some crazy reason, I am overly emotional right now???

Shari

Shari,
It's an amazing feeling when you find you aren't alone in any particular situation. And to find that there are others that can relate, truly relate instead of just saying "Really. Wow that sucks." when you try to explain your situation, IS emotional. Alone is an awful place to be and when you finally find that you aren't alone it's such a relief! For me, it felt like I found a family I had been looking for most of my life and it was fantastic!

[jesscv]

Amy,
I sent you a private message, but I live in CO, too...so let me know if you have any questions... =)

[foofer]

When I first started reading here, I ran across a post from a young woman- don't remember her name- who talked about scoliosis as "the silent disability".
She was on the threshold of surgery and she let it fly about all the years of carrying this condition. I was deeply moved and started to really let myself think about it and all the moments and comments through the years. Stuff comes up to be healed and usually brings some tears.

Another factor is what I think of as the "fraud factor"- not even believing yourself that you "have something" that needs to be reckoned with. And then it's compounded by reactions of others. It's an awful feeling to not be believed, or to sense doubt or be second-guessed.

Mostly I try to stay quiet about myself in my immediate world. A few years ago at my present job, I decided to let my manager know what I was dealing with so that I would have someone in my corner, understanding that I have challenging days and might not be comfortable moving furniture around or heavy lifting. I still get uppity though and try to do things that I should not. We are our own worst enemies sometimes!

I've been quite the crying girl since reading here....every time someone goes to surgery= tears. Every time someone is having a tough day=tears. Every time someone reports in terrific news= tears. So a lot of weeping. Have to change to waterproof mascara. I feel like Naomi Judd, dabbing at my eyes all the time.

Thanks everyone!
Amy

[gmw]

Amy -- Thank you! So glad you're here. I even had a physical therapist tell me that much of our problem was psychological. So I really started to question whether the pain was a bad as I thought it was.