We're Number One (at Least in 's Book)

[Guest guest]

I'm pleased to report that we are number #1 in group rankings for

the search terms " adult scoliosis " and " flatback syndrome. "

On the downside, I was surprised to learn that we do not come up at ALL

in Google under these or several other search terms I tried! Considering

we are the oldest and largest group for people with adult complications

from scoliosis fusions, notably flatback syndrome, it's kind of

dismaying to find us nowhere amidst the various MDs promoting themselves

on the Web and other such Google entries. I would like to think that new

flatbackers could find us more readily via Google.

Both and Google keep their " special sauce " (the respective

algorithms they use for ranking groups) under tight wraps, so I'm not

sure why I am coming up with these results or what to do about Google. I

wonder if the problem might be our rather nondescriptive group name, or

perhaps even the fact that Google seems to prefer the spelling " flat

back syndrome " to " flatback syndrome. " Or maybe we just need to brew up

a better " key words " recipe, or . . . .?

Just for kicks, I tried inputting my new and dormant blog into Google. I

had heard that it can take up to a year for a new blog to register at

all there. I started my blog a few months ago, encouraged by a long chat

with from Italy about the needs of seasoned flatback veterans. But

I have not had time to do much with it. Yet . . . Sure enough, the blog

is right up there on the first page of Google search results for its

name ( " Revisionary Woman " ).

Which reminds me . . . I always welcome people's input and have

understandably received little of it at this new, experimental, and

possibly obscure blog of mine. Anyone who is interested in the

old-timer's perspective is more than welcome to drop over and comment on

any aspect of the blog. You can find it at

revisionarywoman.blogspot.com/

Initially I had the idea of a blog or group for those of us who

have been through the whole process and have some concerns which differ

considerably from those with newly diagnosed flatback. Personally, I

have undergone eight revisions, but I believe my particular issues and

interests are very similar to those of women who have had one revisions

procedure for flatback syndrome -- and women who have not yet had any

revision surgery but who have been with flatback for a period of years

and have come to " know the ropes " pretty well. In some sense, The Big

Revision is a real rite of passage, I think. It opens up many

questions, can precipitate major develpmental life-changes (and, let's

face it, crises). If you share my feelings about this, I hope very much

you will email me or contribute to the blog. I think we all feel an

ongoing commitment to helping newcomers as much as possible. At the same

time, we could really use a " place of our own " for sounding off and

swapping ideas regarding life after revision surgery. Just my 2 cents,

as always!

Best,