Ironically, it took such a sore subject (yes, pun intended) to bring me back
to the list. Some of you might remember me as the long-winded woman with only
tempered tact.  For those of you who are new, just know my heart is always in
the right place.  (Sometimes, however, my foot is in the wrong place- like my
mouth- so bear with me.)

Two short days ago Betty assumed she had a "Bonehead" question.  Based on the
amount of interest sparked by this subject, I can only surmise one of two
theorys.  One:  We have more than our fair share of students into
Osteotomy,or Two: Pain, primary or secondary is an obstacle we all share and
find difficult to traverse.

No matter how many times it happens, I am always caught off gaurd and
surprised.  When I stray from the list I begin to feel isolated, alienated,
alone.  Then I read the experiences of others and once again find, "No
Denise, you are NOT alone."

Personally I don't feel it's a case of misery loving company.  On the
contrary!  I think we all need to feel/know there is someone else who has
expereinced the same physical, mental, and emotional aspects of life with cp.

When I read Carla's post, it might have a been a page from my own diary.  I
began to expereince the same loss of mobility at the same point in my life.
Then began the ardous journey to Doctors who had no direction for me to head
in.  Worse yet, many didn't even believe I was lost and in need of help.  It
took a lot of "foot work" on my part to believe in myself, then find and
convince a doctor the problems I had weren't "all in my head." (Unless of
course you consider the actual brain damage :D - but you know what I mean.)

Anyway I will probably have more to say (I usually do :D), but for now I
simply wanted to say I must always remember how important support from this
list truly is.  To my mind the fellowship here is as valid and "medically
necessary" as any medication, brace, or operation.  - Take Care, Be Well -
Good to be back: Denise.