Greetings all!!
I have only been on this site for a short time. I have had back and surgically neck issues for years (neck 2 years) and something I have noticed about this site I wanted to point out and say a huge THANK YOU to!
Most sites the "Administrative Staff" is an evil necessity, or you don't see them, or they put a site up and you never know they exist! This site is refreshing in that this is NOT the case at all - totally opposite actually!
Though I haven't chatted or exchanged forum posts with all the "Mods, Authority, Admin" etc., I have had the pleasure of 5 in specific. Please note, if I missed someone it is because I wasn't aware you were one!
dilauro, haglandc, tamtam, Neck of Steel,Paulgla
Be it chat, be it posts, these folks have been there 100% in support, advise, or general discussions. Very refreshing is an understatement. I can tell these guys are VERY dedicated to this site and its members. I want to point out some of them in particular. I had another fusion 10 weeks ago and along with it I am having some negative issues. I was getting concerned and not finding enough answers, Tamtam was there in a heartbeat. She like us is not a doctor, but she is awsome on listening and adding some insight to my concerns. She doesn't judge, she doesn't belittle, she is supportive! Haglandc "C" is another really positive person that supports US and this site. She too gives support, comfort, and just words of encouragement. Neck of Steel, same thing, very engaged and caring of what all goes on around here and too with its members. Dilauro "Ron", same. You are a veteran of much more than most of us will ever go through, and yet here you are for anyone that needs an ear! Paulgla, you and I have chatted, and your personality shows through also as caring and dedicated to this site.
I am a zillion percent sure the rest of the Admin folks on here are just as dedicated, I just haven't "had the pleasure" yet. Guys, I just wanted to put my own personal THANK YOU for the hours, personal investment and such that you all do here day in and day out! You all talk of us "members" making this site, well guess what, that also ties strongly to you all being engaged as you are. Thanks again. I will get off my soapbox now!
Brenda
ACDF C6/7 & Partial Corpectomy with Instrumentation Aug. 2009 - Top of fusion separated still not fusing 
ACDF C5/6 & Partial Corpectomy with Instrumentation Mar. 2008
Ulnar Subcutaneous Transposition and Guyon’s Release Apr. 2008
C2/3 Disk Bulge / Stenosis / Per NS - DDD (new) Oct. 2009 – No symptoms at this time: Left posterolateral disc osteophyte complex resulting in moderate crowding of the left C3 nerve root exit zone. Chronic moderate left-sided foraminal narrowing related to uncovertebral joint thickening and posterolateral towards foraminal bulging of the disc.
Lyrica
i am so glad you have found the mods and authority members to be so wonderful and supportive to you..
you will also find that the "regular" spineys have alot to offer as well.
we may not have titles by our name but we still have lots of information and insight to offer as well as compassion and understanding. i hope you meet some of these "regular" members. good luck to you and i am happy you are so pleased with the forum.
Jenny 
Double laminectomy L4-L5, bulging discs, DDD, Bone spurs, nerve damage in left leg and hip, DJD, and that to familiar visitor,arthritis
Jenny,
Oh, please don't get me wrong. I have gotten support from "regular" fellow spineys. No question there at all!
I like many have been on sites were the folks that keep the site "tidy" aren't always so well received or acknowledged. To me that is a very pleasant surprise.
Brenda
ACDF C6/7 & Partial Corpectomy with Instrumentation Aug. 2009 - Top of fusion separated still not fusing
ACDF C5/6 & Partial Corpectomy with Instrumentation Mar. 2008
Ulnar Subcutaneous Transposition and Guyon’s Release Apr. 2008
C2/3 Disk Bulge / Stenosis / Per NS - DDD (new) Oct. 2009 – No symptoms at this time: Left posterolateral disc osteophyte complex resulting in moderate crowding of the left C3 nerve root exit zone. Chronic moderate left-sided foraminal narrowing related to uncovertebral joint thickening and posterolateral towards foraminal bulging of the disc.
Lyrica
i know one thing that makes this site different from all others and that is we all care for one another with or without a title.
i am so glad you know that... we all work together and i am sure you have found "work" to do here as well!! it can be a busy place. take care and have a great afternoon.
Jenny 
Double laminectomy L4-L5, bulging discs, DDD, Bone spurs, nerve damage in left leg and hip, DJD, and that to familiar visitor,arthritis
It is so nice to be appreciated. Thank you for your kind words. My goal is to be a support to others, and I hope to always keep that in mind as I perform my role as authority member.
I hope to visit with you in chat one of these days. I seldom go there anymore, but will try to make a point to come in and say hello.
No smile is as beautiful as the one that struggles through the tears.
Cindy,
Your goal is definitely being reached from what I see! I can see by your avatar you've had more than your fair share on the "neckie" side of the house, yet you maintain a great attitude, and help where you can. That says a lot! I look forward to chatting with you! Take care...
Brenda
ACDF C6/7 & Partial Corpectomy with Instrumentation Aug. 2009 - Top of fusion separated still not fusing
ACDF C5/6 & Partial Corpectomy with Instrumentation Mar. 2008
Ulnar Subcutaneous Transposition and Guyon’s Release Apr. 2008
C2/3 Disk Bulge / Stenosis / Per NS - DDD (new) Oct. 2009 – No symptoms at this time: Left posterolateral disc osteophyte complex resulting in moderate crowding of the left C3 nerve root exit zone. Chronic moderate left-sided foraminal narrowing related to uncovertebral joint thickening and posterolateral towards foraminal bulging of the disc.
Lyrica
The members here are the most important part of spine-health. You have spent countless hours welcoming new members and making a difference here. It does not go unnoticed. I would like to personally thank you for the time you spend here uplifting and helping others. Keep up the good job.
No smile is as beautiful as the one that struggles through the tears.
Brenda, your kinds words about the Moderators and the Authority team are well received. What I have seen what helps make this site regarding the 'staff' is that all of us are members first. Each of us have been through and are still going through many of the problems that each of you have, so its easy to understand.
But with just the nine of us, it is impossible to be able to extend a helping hand to over the 11,000 members on this site. What really separates this site from the others is the member community, Its close, its an understanding group. What puts us over the top, is that we all share a common bond.
This bond makes us a family and with any family you have differences from time to time, but there is always that respect and love that we all share.
Ron DiLauro (aka PapaRon)


Ron's Story
Welcome to Spine-Health
Spine-Health FAQs
How Spine-Health is configured
Suicide Hotline
_________________________________________
rdilauro@gmail.com
SH Moderator Team = dilauro, Priestess, Bruce, Paulgla , Jeauxbert
SH Authority Team = haglandc, tamtam, Neck of Steel, Cath111
"In his eyes we're all the same Someday we'll all have perfect wings, Don't laugh at me
The information provided by members of Spine-Health should never be considered as formal medical advice. It is recommendations based on member's personal experiences only.
This can vary from person to person, so do not take comments as medical facts or rules
Howdy Ron,
Actually I have to disagree with you a little bit.
Just by member posting, aren't you all and us "extending a helping hand" to 11,000 members? Sometimes just reading on areas similar to my own is a big help! I would gather there are a great many who don't post, but read bunches! 
The spiney family, soooo true, so true!!! Take care Ron.
Brenda
ACDF C6/7 & Partial Corpectomy with Instrumentation Aug. 2009 - Top of fusion separated still not fusing
ACDF C5/6 & Partial Corpectomy with Instrumentation Mar. 2008
Ulnar Subcutaneous Transposition and Guyon’s Release Apr. 2008
C2/3 Disk Bulge / Stenosis / Per NS - DDD (new) Oct. 2009 – No symptoms at this time: Left posterolateral disc osteophyte complex resulting in moderate crowding of the left C3 nerve root exit zone. Chronic moderate left-sided foraminal narrowing related to uncovertebral joint thickening and posterolateral towards foraminal bulging of the disc.
Lyrica
Good post Brenda,
But mistakingly Priestess (Miki) was omitted from this post. She is a true warrior that has been of great support to so many others not only here at Spine Health but for her family & friends. She has overcome and continues to battle her own health issues but always has the strength to be there and support others in need. This one is for you Miki! I and so many others want you to know what a positive impact you have had on so many lives.
The best to you all!
Ranger
Howdy Ranger!!!
Actually there are a few I didn't list that I am SURE are tops, I was just relaying my first hand chat or post exchanges and with whom.
I've since been reading all over this site, and I couldn't agree more with you Ranger, she seems like super people for sure! Sorry Priestess, no omission, we just haven't "met" yet.
Ranger, this was part of what drove me to start this thread...ALL can and should share their experiences with the folks that maintain this board/site, and help us maintain some sanity! We all help each other out, but it is not common for those who run the sites to be as engaged. I like that!!! Take care man, chat again soon!!! *hug*
Brenda
ACDF C6/7 & Partial Corpectomy with Instrumentation Aug. 2009 - Top of fusion separated still not fusing
ACDF C5/6 & Partial Corpectomy with Instrumentation Mar. 2008
Ulnar Subcutaneous Transposition and Guyon’s Release Apr. 2008
C2/3 Disk Bulge / Stenosis / Per NS - DDD (new) Oct. 2009 – No symptoms at this time: Left posterolateral disc osteophyte complex resulting in moderate crowding of the left C3 nerve root exit zone. Chronic moderate left-sided foraminal narrowing related to uncovertebral joint thickening and posterolateral towards foraminal bulging of the disc.
Lyrica
Hey Brenda,
So much what you have said is how we all feel here. I stumbled on this site a few years back when I was looking for information that would educate me more about what was happening to my spine. About saving the sanity, I can't agree with you more. Chatting with you and others here always leaves me smiling long after. BTW, I hope you find the answers and relief to your C2-C3 issue. Take care and a warm cyber-hug to you Brenda!
Ranger
Howdy Ranger!!
I too very much enjoy our chats! Looking forward to the next time for sure.
Thanks much about my odd ball C2/3. Hopefully it will "stay" as is and need nothing. I doubt it in the long term, but one can hope.
In the oath when you join the Fraternal Order of Police, there is a line in there that we will "extend a hand or word to a brother or sister in need", or real close to that effect. What I have learned over the years, and it shows well on this site is this. While we can't physically hug each other, or pay each others bills and such, just the "word" of understanding, clarification, allowing to vent, cry, smile etc....goes miles!!! Our mental "selves" are just as important as the physical parts of us that are hurting. Before the Internet, most of us suffered solo or much restricted. On here...there are a ton of friends that I may never meet.
*HUG*
See ya in chat!!!
Brenda
ACDF C6/7 & Partial Corpectomy with Instrumentation Aug. 2009 - Top of fusion separated still not fusing
ACDF C5/6 & Partial Corpectomy with Instrumentation Mar. 2008
Ulnar Subcutaneous Transposition and Guyon’s Release Apr. 2008
C2/3 Disk Bulge / Stenosis / Per NS - DDD (new) Oct. 2009 – No symptoms at this time: Left posterolateral disc osteophyte complex resulting in moderate crowding of the left C3 nerve root exit zone. Chronic moderate left-sided foraminal narrowing related to uncovertebral joint thickening and posterolateral towards foraminal bulging of the disc.
Lyrica
BrendaB, is that you? This is "BTCat" from the CuTS site.
Hi Lumpy AKA BTCat! Small world huh? Too funny! I didn't know you had any spine issues - bummer! Good to see ya here!
Brenda(

ACDF C6/7 & Partial Corpectomy with Instrumentation Aug. 2009 - Top of fusion separated still not fusing
ACDF C5/6 & Partial Corpectomy with Instrumentation Mar. 2008
Ulnar Subcutaneous Transposition and Guyon’s Release Apr. 2008
C2/3 Disk Bulge / Stenosis / Per NS - DDD (new) Oct. 2009 – No symptoms at this time: Left posterolateral disc osteophyte complex resulting in moderate crowding of the left C3 nerve root exit zone. Chronic moderate left-sided foraminal narrowing related to uncovertebral joint thickening and posterolateral towards foraminal bulging of the disc.
Lyrica
I thought I recognized that list of issues. Yep, my main issue seems to be C6C7. Don't know what's going to happen with that.
See you around on the board.
BTW, the staff has been very quick to respond and help me also. Kudos to you all! This is an information packed board. Even my NS has a link to it.
Wayne
Wayne,
Never knew your name, nice to meet you! I mentioned this site the other day to my NS, and he was fully aware of it - in a positive way! I know a lot of doctor's aren't thrilled with the info we get off the "net", but with this site, he thought it was a good site, and good place to learn, vent, share etc.
To my original list, I want to add thanks to Bruce! I had the pleasure of meeting him in chat. Nice guy for sure!!!
Cath, another wonderful support person. She and I have been exchanging posts of late. Thanks ya'll!!!
Brenda
ACDF C6/7 & Partial Corpectomy with Instrumentation Aug. 2009 - Top of fusion separated still not fusing
ACDF C5/6 & Partial Corpectomy with Instrumentation Mar. 2008
Ulnar Subcutaneous Transposition and Guyon’s Release Apr. 2008
C2/3 Disk Bulge / Stenosis / Per NS - DDD (new) Oct. 2009 – No symptoms at this time: Left posterolateral disc osteophyte complex resulting in moderate crowding of the left C3 nerve root exit zone. Chronic moderate left-sided foraminal narrowing related to uncovertebral joint thickening and posterolateral towards foraminal bulging of the disc.
Lyrica