Rosanne Sartori

Welcome to my CaringBridge website.  I am using it to keep family and friends updated in one place as I go through the journey to straighten my spine.

I am not sure when my scoliosis began, possibly as a teen.  But in recent years, I have experienced increasing pain and inability to stand or walk any distance.  I have pursued all methods to alleviate this pain - injections (many, many of them), physical therapy, all types of herbal and pharmaceutical medications, braces, etc.  I have sought out chiropractors, pain management doctors and orthopedic doctors and more.

I finally found my way to  Dr. Munish Gupta, Chief of Orthopedic Spinal Surgery at Barnes Hospital.   After reviewing my x-rays, he told me that he could help me by placing rods along my spine - from T4 (just below my neck) to my pelvis.  When I saw a model of a spine with this kind of hardware, I felt that it must be a terrible joke.  The screws that will be in my tail bone looked to be 3 inches long!  But after reading all of the testimonials about Dr. Gupta, both from former patients and fellow doctors, I decided to go for it.  I really don't have a choice...my scoliosis is degenerative and is progressing.  If I want to live the rest of my life in any kind of upright position, I have to undergo this rigorous surgery. 

My surgery date is April 26, 2017.  I have passed all the preliminary testing and I have been getting my house ready.  I will never again be able to bend except at the waist, so I have bought every length of reacher that Amazon sells :)  I have rearranged all of my drawers, cleaned out my closet and am ready to go!  

My loving husband, Glenn, is supporting me all of the way and I know my sister, Chris, will be at my side as much as possible.  I have invited both of them to be my co-authors on this site.  They are instructed to keep posting updates, so you will know what is happening.  I appreciate all of your well-wishes, prayers and encouragement.  It makes me feel stronger to know you are out there pulling for me.  Next year, I plan to stand without a cane and walk any distance I want. 

It will be wonderful!