1. < About Connect: Who, What & Why

Nothing speaks stronger than personal experience: Meet @sherrym25

Nov 13 8:00am | Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | Comments (21)

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.

See more Member Spotlights.

17 Reactions

Interested in more newsfeed posts like this? Go to the About Connect: Who, What & Why blog.

Profile picture for sidegate83
sidegate83 | @sidegate83 | 6 days ago
In reply to @bon123 "Ill have to learn as I go, with ckd for many years now, i am still..." + (show)
Profile picture for bon123 @bon123

Ill 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.

Jump to this post

@bon123

REPLY
Profile picture for susan38
susan38 | @susan38 | 6 days ago

Thank u Rosemary for sharing your doubts and fears.
Acknowledging the empathy and help received through mayoconnect is positive assistance to others who are new to the “family”

REPLY
Profile picture for Ginger, Volunteer Mentor
Mentor
Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | 6 days ago
In reply to @bon123 "Ill have to learn as I go, with ckd for many years now, i am still..." + (show)
Profile picture for bon123 @bon123

Ill 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.

Jump to this post

@bon123 Let me add my welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! I am one of the volunteer mentors for the Kidney Conditions and Chronic Kidney Disease support groups. I am on daily peritoneal dialysis, myself.

Let's connect some more over on one of those groups. You will have the chance to see several different discussions and hear what others have to say. See you over in those "kidney halls"!
Ginger

REPLY
Profile picture for sherrym25
sherrym25 | @sherrym25 | 5 days ago
In reply to @karukgirl "Thank you @sherrym25 for letting others outside your usual groups get to meet you! I can't..." + (show)
Profile picture for Debra, Volunteer Mentor @karukgirl

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!

Jump to this post

@karukgirl Thank you Debra!!! I appreciate your kind words and agree that a motorcycle is the “other horse”! I wish you were still able to ride but that is a huge motorcycle to handle!
Thank you again,
Sherry

REPLY
Profile picture for sherrym25
sherrym25 | @sherrym25 | 5 days ago
In reply to @walkinggirl "It's so nice to meet you, @sherrym25! I CAN imagine how scoliosis curvature must have been..." + (show)
Profile picture for walkinggirl @walkinggirl

It'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.

Jump to this post

@walkinggirl Thank you so much for the nice comments!! I’m still getting used to my straight back and I love it! I’m so glad you were able to share on connect and I will look for your spotlight!

REPLY
Profile picture for sherrym25
sherrym25 | @sherrym25 | 5 days ago
In reply to @jenniferhunter "@sherrym25 It’s so nice to read your spotlight and you are a valuable member of our..." + (show)
Profile picture for Jennifer, Volunteer Mentor @jenniferhunter

@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.

Jump to this post

@jenniferhunter I have an X-ray scheduled in a few weeks to make sure my spine has fused before I start working with my horses. One is only a year and an half old and I was just able to get him halter broke before my surgery and he is a big boy now!
Thank you for your support over the past year😊

REPLY
1 reply
Profile picture for Jennifer, Volunteer Mentor
Mentor
Jennifer, Volunteer Mentor | @jenniferhunter | 4 days ago
In reply to @sherrym25 "@jenniferhunter I have an X-ray scheduled in a few weeks to make sure my spine has..." + (show)
Profile picture for sherrym25 @sherrym25

@jenniferhunter I have an X-ray scheduled in a few weeks to make sure my spine has fused before I start working with my horses. One is only a year and an half old and I was just able to get him halter broke before my surgery and he is a big boy now!
Thank you for your support over the past year😊

Jump to this post

@sherrym25 You’re welcome! It will be so good when you are cleared to work with your horses. That will help your spirits too. Even just grooming and feeding is therapeutic. I have a picture of myself right after surgery for an ankle fracture where I was sitting on a stool at the pasture gait with my crutches on the ground talking to my horse who was visiting me. I also have a picture a few months later sitting on my horse with my ankle in a brace. I did a painting from one of those.

Foals grow fast, don’t they? I bet he’s cute!

REPLY
Profile picture for Teresa, Volunteer Mentor
Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | 4 days ago

Hello @sherrym25,

I'm so glad that Connect helped you find the courage you needed to have the surgery required to do the things in life you love. I love the way you now encourage others who need to face a similar experience. Connection is what makes this patient forum so helpful. It is here that we find the encouragement we need to take steps forward toward a more fulfilling life.

Thanks for being part of rhe Connect family!

REPLY
1 reply
Profile picture for ellesea01
ellesea01 | @ellesea01 | 3 days ago
In reply to @jenniferhunter "@sherrym25 It’s so nice to read your spotlight and you are a valuable member of our..." + (show)
Profile picture for Jennifer, Volunteer Mentor @jenniferhunter

@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.

Jump to this post

Recovering step by step is a reward in itself. Especially when there's results even if slow, it's encouraging. Good for you. Also had spimal surgery re a couple lower lumbar discs. 3wks after an initial 'Uh-oh' nerve electric feeling twang I was in hospital doing the drink the dye, hang up side down, wait for the results. Surgery followed. Recovery went slow but smooth & took about 1 year till my right heel could be fully on the ground when walking. That's
how seized my right side below the knee calf muscles got in those 3wks of cray-cray pain. Hope you recover very well too. Thanks for sharing here.@jenniferhunter

REPLY
Profile picture for sherrym25
sherrym25 | @sherrym25 | 3 days ago
In reply to @hopeful33250 "Hello @sherrym25, I'm so glad that Connect helped you find the courage you needed to have..." + (show)
Profile picture for Teresa, Volunteer Mentor @hopeful33250

Hello @sherrym25,

I'm so glad that Connect helped you find the courage you needed to have the surgery required to do the things in life you love. I love the way you now encourage others who need to face a similar experience. Connection is what makes this patient forum so helpful. It is here that we find the encouragement we need to take steps forward toward a more fulfilling life.

Thanks for being part of rhe Connect family!

Jump to this post

@hopeful33250 Thank you Teresa!! I really do love how everyone is trying to help each other.

REPLY
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.