It was the year of 2020 when I was 12 years old that I was diagnosed with scoliosis. I remember looking in the mirror and seeing how my waist, hips and shoulders were uneven, and I had a rib hump. 12-year-old me did not even know what scoliosis was and how it would affect my health until an x-ray was taken and I already had a 32-degree S curve. Of course, this came as a big shock as no one in my family had suffered from scoliosis before. Tears and pain washed over me as I listened to the doctor tell me the next steps of which marked the beginning of my scoliosis journey. I started bracing which was extremely uncomfortable and I felt very self-conscious as I had to wear it at school too. I understand the pain of wearing that hard, tight brace where it feels like its digging into your body and it feels hard to breathe but trust me, it gets better with time.
Physiotherapy was what helped me get through bracing and relieved my pain which started getting worse and more intense as months went by. At the time it felt as though I would never get better but the support I had from my family got me through it. Fast forward to 2023 where I had my usual x-ray checkup, and this was when things took a turn for the worse. I had severe scoliosis where my top curve measured 73 degrees and the other curve 33 degrees. I was left with no other choice than to undergo spinal fusion surgery. I was 15 years old and felt scared and nervous for the 6 weeks that was yet to come. Despite what I thought, I made it through it. Although it was the toughest thing that I had ever been through, after 6 hours of surgery, I did it. It was a rollercoaster of emotions and definitely tested my limits but, 2 rods and 19 screws later, I did it. I’m currently 17 years old, 2025, and I embrace my scar with pride, a testament of my strength and determination. What I thought was the worst thing to happen, turned out to be the best life lesson. I no longer take things for granted and I am grateful that I get to share my story in hopes of making others feel seen and loved, there is a community that is here for you. Scoliosis does not define you; it only makes you stronger.
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