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ROSEMARY: What brought you to Mayo Clinic Connect?
@sherrym25: I discovered Mayo Clinic Connect during my journey to correct my 40-degree scoliosis curvature. After researching the minimally invasive surgery technique, performed by Dr. McClendon at Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, I was evaluated and then scheduled for surgery to fuse my T11 to L4 vertebrates. My surgery was very necessary and it was scary for me. I felt “starved” for information on how to prepare for surgery and what to expect afterwards. I spent countless hours researching the internet without much success.
It was while navigating Mayo Clinic’s website that I discovered Mayo Clinic Connect. I was so relieved to be able to talk with others about their experiences and it really helped to answer my questions and reduce anxiety by having some idea of what to expect.
ROSEMARY: What motivates you to take part in the community?
@sherrym25: Helping others is what motivates me to be a part of Mayo Clinic Connect. I am nine months post-op and healing very well. I remember what it was like when I started my journey and if I can make it easier for someone by sharing my experiences, then that makes me so happy.
ROSEMARY: What about Mayo Clinic Connect makes you feel comfortable to share and to be open with the community?
@sherrym25: Mayo Clinic Connect feels a little like family to me. Everyone is here because of pain and looking to be healed. The common goal brings us all together and creates a situation where we rely on each other when it comes to sharing information. Nothing speaks stronger than personal experience.
ROSEMARY: What support groups do you participate in?
@sherrym25: Spine Health, of course! Bones, Joints & Muscles because I have had three knee surgeries during my firefighting career and wanted to be able to help others with my experiences.
ROSEMARY: Tell us about a meaningful moment on Mayo Clinic Connect.
@sherrym25: I am so grateful to the members in Mayo Clinic Connect who have supported me during my surgery and recovery. I feel blessed to be able to help other members by sharing my experience. The most meaningful thing to me is when my input helps another member, in even the slightest way.
There are members like @nlback22, @gently, @rwdixon4, @sassytwo, @vikkitennis, @dlydailyhope, and @jenniferhunter, who I want to specifically mention as being very supportive. I love you guys!
ROSEMARY: What surprised you the most about Mayo Clinic Connect?
@sherrym25: Initially, I was surprised by the openness and vulnerability expressed by a couple members. It made me realize that I might be able to help others better, if I opened up more.
ROSEMARY: What energizes you, or how do you find balance in your life?
@sherrym25: My faith in God guides me every single day. I have peace and happiness like I have never known before.
ROSEMARY: Tell us about your favorite pastime or activity.
@sherrym25: Horseback riding. I’ve been riding horses since the age of three. I have two young horses that I need to train and I can’t wait to get “back in the saddle”!!
ROSEMARY: If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see cast as you?
@sherrym25: Jennifer Lawrence — she is “no nonsense” and I love how honest she is!
ROSEMARY: What do you love about where you live or vacation?
@sherrym25: I absolutely love where we live!! It’s halfway between the snow and the ocean. We experience four amazing seasons on our awesome little ranch.
ROSEMARY: Puppies or kittens?
@sherrym25: PUPPIES!!
Member Spotlights feature interviews with fellow Connect members. Learn more about members you’ve connected with and some you haven’t met yet. Nominate a member you think should share the spotlight.
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Thank you @sherrym25 for letting others outside your usual groups get to meet you!
I can't think of a better testimony about the beautiful benefits of joining Mayo Clinic Connect than what you have shared. That it feels "like a little family" to you and how you came first looking for answers and now want to help others from your experience.
I feel just like you do! Anytime something I have shared has helped someone, even a little bit, I feel blessed to be able to help. We can comfort others, because of the comfort we have received.
I had to stop riding when I was diagnosed, and haven't been able to ride since, but my "horse" is a Harley Davidson. I used to have horses though, and I love them too.
Thank you @rosemary for introducing our Connect Community to a inspirational member.
@sherrym25, thanks once more for sharing and here's hoping you're sitting up straight in the saddle again soon!
Giddy-up!
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9 Reactions@sherrym25 It’s so nice to read your spotlight and you are a valuable member of our Connect family. I’m glad you’re here to help and have a different experience than my own with spine care. You are making a difference for patients by sharing your knowledge and compassion. We all need that. I’m sending the love right back at you!
Spine surgery is pretty scary for most people and having a friend to hold your hand to navigate the journey really helps and I honestly believe that when we believe we can succeed in recovery after surgery, it becomes our “super power” and we are better for that.
I know you’re looking forward to working with your horses again when you are healed enough to do that. My horse was part of my rehab when I started trail riding at 7 months postop from my cervical spine surgery. That built core strength and helped my stamina and it just feels so good to be out in nature watching the world go by and hearing the birds singing.
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10 Reactions@karukgirl - It has been my pleasure to be able to interview and introduce some of the Mayo Connect members who have shared their own experiences to support and encourage others!
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8 Reactions@sherrym25 It has been an honor to get to know you during the spotlight interview. I don't think that our paths would have crossed on Connect otherwise, as we hang out in different groups with different medical issues.
I am happy hear that your recovery is going well, and am hoping for the day when you can 'play' with your 2 young horses again.
Thank you for this Interview.
@rosemary2
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8 ReactionsIt is so good to meet you, @sherrym25. I agree that Connect does feel like family. I appreciate all of the support you received, and I'm so pleased that you are now giving back support to others.
You are an important part of the Connect family!
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5 ReactionsIt's so nice to meet you, @sherrym25! I CAN imagine how scoliosis curvature must have been such a negative part of your physical wellbeing. A childhood friend of 70 years and my hairdresser both underwent surgery for those as older adults in their 60's and like you, are so glad they got their "straight upright" lives back. Glad you are so happy with and grateful for your Mayo experience and able to support others. Wishing you a continued successful recovery and that you soon have two newly trained horses. I was the Spotlight person before you and I enjoyed reading the interviews of others. That has brought a new awareness of how Mayo helps people with such differing medical needs.
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6 Reactions@sherrym25 Thank you for all you shared about yourself and what brought you to Mayo Clinic Connect. It is an incredible community. I'm happy that you agreed to this interview as you and I do not "hang" in the same support groups so I would not have otherwise come to know you. I've been here on Mayo Clinic Connect for 6 years and I encounter something new from our members most every day.
Like you I was reluctant to share much about myself. As others have opened up to me I have done the same. I cherish the incredible compassion and empathy I have received and in return wish to offer that and more to our members.
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7 ReactionsIll have to learn as I go, with ckd for many years now, i am still avoiding dialisis but Im anxious to hear how others have managed along the way and what they have done to avoid problems.
Bonnie.
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7 ReactionsHello @bon123 and welcome to Mayo Connect. I see that you are looking to meet others who have been dealing with CKD and perhaps have used dialysis. Here are some news feeds and discussion groups that might be of interest to you:
--My journey with diabetes - CKD meet cehunt
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/about-connect/newsfeed-post/my-journey-with-diabetes-ckd-meet-cehunt57/
--A recipe for connection-conversation and living with ckd-meet kamama94
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/about-connect/newsfeed-post/a-recipe-for-connection-conversation-and-living-with-ckd-meet-kamama94/
And
--Dialysis Decisicion
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/dialysis-decision/
--Peritoneal Dialysis
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/peritoneal-dialysis-1/
As you read the posts, you will meet others who are dealing with CKD.
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5 Reactions@ bon123. Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! You mentioned chronic kidney disease and you don’t want the full disease and dialysis. I found a support group that would be great for you.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/chronic-kidney-disease/
I’m sure you will get all the answers you want!
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4 Reactions