Patient Stories

My name is Piper, I am 14 and I was diagnosed with scoliosis. I didn’t know what that was until I was in 6th grade when I found out that I needed surgery for my severe scoliosis. I wasn’t scared because I knew that it would correct my spine but I was nervous about what would happen after the surgery. When I had scoliosis I had many problems. When I got home from school, I would have back pains and I wouldn’t be able to sit up for long. Also, when I wore shirts, you could see my back sticking out and it was very embarrassing because it didn’t look normal. Luckily I was able to get surgery to fix my spine. After my surgery in 2008, I remember a lot of pain in my back and not being able to move that much or it would hurt. After a few days at the hospital, I would have to get up and walk around so I could get my back used to movement and so I wouldn’t stiffen up. After the 5th day I finally went home and started to do more mobile activities. Now that it has been 2 years after my surgery, I feel wonderful and am able to do all the activities I love to do. I would like to thank Dr. Shah and everyone at DuPont Children’s Hospital for my successful surgery and helping me all week after my surgery. I am glad I got the operation because now I am happier with my life and appearance.