"I think I found the person who can help me."

Those were the words Kellie whispered to her husband at 2 a.m. after nearly 20 years of chronic back pain, four failed surgeries, and doctors who kept telling her there was nothing more they could do.

In this episode, Kellie shares the emotional reality of living with Bertolotti Syndrome, a frequently overlooked spinal condition that robbed her of running, fitness teaching, and too many moments with her kids. We're also joined briefly by her two children, who reflect on what it was like growing up watching their mom push through it all.

This is a story about chronic pain, motherhood, medical gaslighting, and what happens when you refuse to stop searching for answers.

In this episode, Kellie joins us to talk about:

• Living with chronic back pain as a mother

• What pain looks like from a child's perspective

• Bertolotti Syndrome and why it's so often missed

• The link between chronic pain and mental health

• Self-advocacy when doctors say there's nothing left to try

• What it feels like to finally get your life back

From missing moments with her children to questioning whether she would ever run again, Kellie opens up about the reality so many women silently live through while continuing to show up for the people they love most.

If you've ever been told your pain is something you just have to live with, or if you love someone who has, Kellie's story is a powerful reminder that your pain is real, and the right answers may still be out there.

If you've been living with back or neck pain for a while, and now spine surgery is part of the conversation, it can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to decide between disc replacement and spinal fusion.

You may find yourself searching for answers, reading other patients' stories, and wondering what the right decision actually is.

In this episode of Get Back to Your Life®, VSI spine surgeon Dr. Colin Haines and physical therapist, Larry Grine, break down how these decisions are made, what makes someone a candidate for disc replacement vs. fusion, and what patients can expect throughout the recovery process.

You'll learn:

• The key differences between Disc Replacement and Spinal Fusion

• How anatomy, lifestyle, and long-term goals influence surgical decisions

• Specialized methods that lead to smoother recovery and better outcomes

• What to expect after spine surgery, from early movement to returning to daily activities

• How a coordinated surgeon + physical therapy teamwork approach supports long-term success

If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure what to do next, this conversation will help you move forward with more clarity and confidence.