Jamie J

I was diagnosed with AVN in January 1995. I was 18 and didn’tunderstand what this would mean or truly what AVN even was. I searched andsearched for answers but back then there was very little information out there, letalone someplace that could answer my many questions; at 19 my surgeries began.

Over the next several years I had problems on and off. No one new how to treatAVN, especially AVN of both talus bones. I became a nurse which allowed me away to learn more, but still I felt Isolated. 10 years later I found this site. I hadstill never met a person with AVN, and after several more surgeries, with more tocome, I never felt so scared or alone.

That ended the day I joined this group! Here I found people that understood withboth compassion and empathy. I no longer felt like a freak with a disease no oneunderstood. Here I found people struggling with the same issues, finding a rightdoctor, hearing about which procedures worked for some, a group that understoodthe pain and the daily toll of living with this painful and debilitating illness.

Now I am 30, with still more surgeries to come, but in here, in this group, I havefound a family that supports, understands and accepts me. Here I can vent myfrustration to those who understand, and also a place where sometimes I haveanswers others are seeking. It's a give and take cycle, as it is in most families.

But the greatest gift is the love, support and comfort of belonging. When I countmy blessings this group is high on the list. Anyone looking for answers, support,understanding are each welcomed with open arms to this group, this family.

Jamie J