What do you do for work?

[Shari]

Hi Chris,

I think it's wonderful that you have found a way to have a career doing something that you love!!! This surgery can be a life changing experience sometimes, and you have obviously taken the right path for you.

We can't always return to our previous professions, and I admire how you have made the adjustment. I also would bet that you are much happier singing than sitting at a computer!!!

All my respect,
Shari

[Singer]

Thanks Shari! I consider myself very fortunate also.

By the way -- you do realize that I'm still waiting for surgery, right? I thought maybe you assumed I'd already had it.

[melissak]

Shari, you're very good at emphasising the positives!!!

Please let me say here, I am not complaining about sitting all day, I just can't do it anymore! I knew I shouldn't (on doctor's advice) go for a career with a sitting environment but foolishly, that's exactly what I ended up doing. I've done many things since my surgery, I dance regularly (ballet and jazz), I can still do the splits, cartwheels and have better flexibility than some un-fused people. I've jumped out of a helicopter, I've carried heavy equipment around and I've been determined right from the start not to let the surgery have an adverse affect on my life.

Five years of being at a desk job and I realise that sometimes there is an affect and I need to make choices now to allow me to lead the life I want in the future. I'm still young at 29, there is many years left for another career to start now. And, I'm really looking forward to feeling 'normal' again, where I don't need to plan my day so carefully so as not to put myself in pain from sitting.

[Shari]

Hi Melissak,

I do try to stay positive as much as I can!!!! I have had a difficult recovery and I am still not back to work. I think it's wonderful that you have been able to achieve all that you have after your surgery!!!

You are young and strong and I have no doubt that you will be able to achieve whatever goal's you set for yourself. You have to be strong to get through this surgery!!!

Shari

[Shari]

Hi Chris,

Yes, I do know your surgery is in June of '07.

I am just showing my respect, to you, for being able to find a different path. I think it's great!!!

Shari

[Janet]

Excellent chair

I have a 93 degrees thoracic kyphosis on the right side, with slight lumbar scoliosis on the left; no surgery yet. All work experience has been sitting at a desk. Typical office chairs provided no back support, mostly because my back is assymetrical. Now I work from my home office and I bought a chair that was worth the approx. $1,000 investment. I went to store that specializes in fitting chairs to one's body (the "Back Shop" in Berkeley CA) and the sales rep was very knowledgable and helpful. The chair I bought has all the usual adjustments, plus an adjustible back with velcro straps to tighten the padding; the sales rep fitted the padding to my curvature. Now I can sit comfortably with adequate support.
Sorry I don't have the name of the manufacturer now, but when I find it I will post it.