Kim,

I was concerned about you being any surgeon's "first" when I read your posts.

I admit that's based on my own personal concerns, after having been accepted as a 3-level ADR patient, but then not getting any answers to my questions about the surgeons' experience, patients' prognoses, complications, etc. I was SO confused about my choices because I could see so few.

I'm sure you'll be happy that you found yourself "here" and talked with Mark. Your local surgeon may be a fine choice in the end (and I admire your doc for being honest!), but with Mark's help and the vast info available in this forum you'll know you've made your ultimate decision based on all the choices available.

I feel as though finding this site kept me from making a potentially risky decision (at best), not realizing that there were other options. I hope you'll be as happy to have found yourself here, no matter what you choose.

Very best wishes, from one newbie to another ,
Jenn