OH Kathy, From one spiney to another, I can sure understand the frustration, pain and limitations you are having since the surgery. It sounds like you really need to get another opinion from another spine surgeon. Your present one has obviously given up on you. His view is something like, I did my job, you healed from that, the surgery was a success and it's not my fault that you have all these problems. All of that may be true, but his answers aren't helping you out. A fresh set of eyes on everything, including the new MRI that you are getting tonight, may very well show something, and an EMG, though it can be somewhat painful, can also provide some answers as well. When a doctor "gives up" on a patient, it's time for the patient to take hold of the situation and find another doctor, get another opinion, even more than one and see what is going on. In the mean time, don't give up. I've seen too many spine patients that where told the same kind of thing by the spine surgeons, went on to find a new one and did get help, the help that they needed. You're in my prayers and e-mail me through GW anytime. We can comiserate together about our spines, rotten spines that they are. Fran

Glad you got a chuckle out of it, Sylvia, Florence, and Judy! And yes, Judy, Merry Christmas to all indeed!! :) Debbie

I don't always send them, but I always intend to! I have been pretty good, a couple years in a row now... Like Bill, I think it's an extra special treat to those who get one from me, the odds are dodgy!! It sure is a feeling of accomplishment, getting those cards in the mailbox. I also write a short personal message, since I don't have kids or photos or newsletters to share. It gets a little tedious to write in each one, but I make sure I have eggnog and carols playing and make it festive. This year I wrote half while watching "Holiday Inn." I like reading the newsletters, even when they are braggy! Usually they are from relatives I don't keep in touch with so it's just a nice record of their year. I don't mind cards that are just signed (always the photo ones) but I prefer the ones with a message! I also don't compare give-to-recieve. I am sure I've fallen off a list or two for the years I missed, but I send cards to people I want to extend a greeting to, not to those whom I owe anything!

Hey, mine aren't going out this weekend either. I have to get to the post office to get stamps. I'm glad that this is all your message was about I thought "Oh no!!"