Hello, Dr. Janssen and everyone at the Center for Spine and Orthopedics!

I am one of your spinal fusion patients from 1993 (I think). I want you to know what a great job you did and how wonderful my life has been as a result. I’m the girl who compressed a vertebrae while sledding in Vail, and whom Dr. Hawkins of Steadman Hawkins Clinic sent to you for surgery the day after my 26th birthday. A year later, you removed the rods and I met up with you in a hotel ballroom in Vail where you took out my stitches! So funny to think about that! You even gave my dad tickets to go see the new Rockies team play at Mile High during my hospital stay. :-)

Anyway-I have now raised 2 kids to the ages of 11 and 13, and my back injury has never held me back. I ski, snowboard and hauled two baby seats around for years, and always felt that real life was the best physical therapy I could have to keep my back strong.

About a month ago, I strained my back and became concerned that my years without back pain were over. I had x-rays taken and the doctor was amazed at how great my back looked! She said that I am very fortunate to have had such success with my spinal fusion and that all I needed was a little PT to eliminate the pain. Apparently, my larger muscles are so strong that my smaller muscles have become weak. I have been doing specific exercises and I am already feeling better.

So—thank you very much for the gift you gave me and my family. I am so grateful to have been able to do—and continue to do—all of the things I want to. I do not take it for granted.

Sincerely,
Kari D.