Meet Jen   My name is Jen and, as an assistant manager, I would like to welcome you to the DWCP community.  I am glad you have found us, as we are a very supportive bunch!  I am a 24 year old Doctorate of Physical Therapy Intern.  I suffer from DDD and arthritis of my lumbar spine. I have had five bulging discs, which have significantly improved through intensive therapy.  I have extra bone in my lumbar spine, which I believe is related to the radicular pain down my left leg. I also have scoliosis with the rib hump on the right.  I recently had surgery (Dec. '07) on my right hip due to significant discomfort  which made driving, walking, and climbing stairs very difficult. This was due to a tear in the acetabular labrum, a cyst, hip dysplasia, acetabular retroversion and femoroacetabular cam impingement (FAI).  This first surgery was an arthroscopic labral debridement.  Pending results, I may have a periacetabular osteotomy with capsulotomy to address the bony deformities.  I may also have an iliopsoas tendon release to address the popping/clicking. I have one kidney, which is due to 21 years of undiagnosed kidney failure on the left side. Thankfully, this no longer causes me any pain.   I have had 8 different PTs in my past, but am currently not under any PT care (I treat myself )  I have undergone two medial branch blocks, radiofrequency ablation, S1 nerve block, facet blocks, and multiple epidural steroid injections.  I refuse to have back surgery, although many of these minimally invasive procedures have helped significantly improve my quality of life.  I have also had acupuncture, with limited success.  Exercise, stretching, and strengthening have been the most beneficial in keeping my pain levels under control, however I do have pain meds as my emergency back-up plan.   My greatest motivation to improve my condition is my desire to treat my patients to the best of my ability. I feel that to treat others, I must first treat myself.  My fiancee, Andy, has encouraged me every step of the way. He wants to see me walk down the aisle without pain on November 22, 2008.  I do too.   This community has provided me the encouragement I have needed every step of the way.  Whether it is an ear to listen or a shoulder to cry on, they were there for me; as I plan to be there for you.  I am told I give wonderful advice, not only as a physical therapist in training, but as a friend.  Jen, PT intern