My Story By Blondebeca

Hi, im a sixteen year old girl and my scoliosis was discovered when i was 14, nobody really noticed my scoliosis at first, it wasn't until my shoulders became extremely uneven that i went to the doctors and was diagnosed with scoliosis, when i was first diagnosed my curves were already at 50 degrees, i was monitored but told i would need an operation, i suffered with constant back ache.

I had my surgery 9th July 2009 and i was in hospital ten days, at the time of the operation my curves had grew to 54/55 degrees, i had two metal rods and twenty eight screws inserted into my spine, i had both of my curves operated on, it was extremely difficult as i had to learn to sit up and walk in a totally new way, it was also frustrating that i couldn't do simple things, such as opening doors and sitting up. I had a lot of support during and after my operation by my family and friends and most importantly the hospital. I suffered horendously from back spasms although i found that heat pads and hot water bottles helped ease it. My degrees went from 54/55 degrees to ten and five degrees, i still have a residual curve at the bottom of my spine but i couldn't care less, My ribs also stuck out and i was extremely self consious, i was told that the only way i could improve the appearence was to get some of my ribs taken out so that they woul collapse into each other and look less pronounced, does anyone else have this problem?

It is now nearly a year since my operation and i feel a lot more confident in myself, i stand taller and  grew one and a half inches, i am still in pain although no where near as much as before the operation. My advice to anyone who is having or needs to have scoliosis surgery that is nervous, there are going to be good days and bad days when you have surgery, you could feel the worst one day but the next day you will feel better, my nurses told me this when i was in hospital and i was like pfft whatever but it was actually really good advice and the truth, I have met many new friends through having scoliosis, at the time i was diagnosed i thought i was the only one but there are lots of people who have it and you don't need to feel alone, My scar is right down the middle of my back and i love it, it is a reminder of what i have been through and what is still to come.