I am happy you lost the weight too. That 50 does make a huge difference in the way you feel. I did it because I had to take weight off my ankles, the same kind of deterioation happened in my ankles. That will be my next challange. I was actually frightened of what I had done to myself. The pain was limiting my mobility, so I did less and gained through the years. I know about your condition, and know that it is painful. Did you have spinal epidurals for your neck? Mine helped, but in the end I had to have the surgery. I went to walmart, out of the house, felt great just to do that. I will see my surgeon next week to hopefully get released from my neck collar. I wonder when he will let me drive etc. I am glad you go see a good pain specialist, they are sure needed. ginnie