When I was in the sixth grade, I was diagnosed with scoliosis. I was put in a new experimental type of brace, which I wore for a couple of years. That is, until the eighth grade. I had survived two years of buying different, not trendy clothes that would cover my brace, but now I was faced with something much worse. The curve in my back had progressed to the point of no return, meaning that a brace would no longer work. This left my family and I with one option: surgery. It was decided that I would end school early and have the surgery in May of 2001 so I could spend the summer healing. I was frightened but I knew that this was for the best. After the surgery, I spent a week in the hospital. During this time, I accomplished many things that to someone who doesn’t know about the surgery seem easy. The day after the surgery, I got up out of bed, sat in a chair, and walked a bit. Each day, I did more and with slightly less pain than the day before. When I went home, the only pain medication I took was Tylenol. Though most said I would take about two months to go back to my normal schedule, it only took about four weeks. Sure, I couldn’t do everything. In fact, I probably couldn’t lift anything over five pounds for a while. Yet I felt a whole lot better. Pain that I had before the surgery no longer came as often or for as long. It took a year before my doctor said I could ride a roller coaster or go for a long run, but it was all worth it. Now I am in high school and driving, doing things that my parents never thought I would ever be able to do. So, I know it is tough, but eventually you will look back on your surgery as one of the best things that have ever happened to you (in the long run, maybe not the experience itself). Just remember, you can always email me with any questions or concerns you may have; my email address is on the front page. Thank you for visiting the site and feel free to look around some more.

Back to top.