Hi my name is Amanda, and I'm 13 years old. I got diagnosed for scoliosis when I was 9. I was very early considering usually girls (or boys) get it around 10-12. When I was 10, I got a backbrace and my scoliosis was at a 27 degrees. My mom had scoliosis and had a backbrace too. Scoliosis basicly runs in the family.

When I got the brace I of course tried to wear it. I got to about the point wear I was wearing it to school then going to the nurse and taking it off. Then putting it back on again. I would wear it to bed to. I was wearing it for about 12 hours (give or take). Then it started really getting uncomfortable and I stopped wearing it. My mom didn't make me wear my brace and told me the consequences of surgery if I didn't wear my brace. I didn't care and almost wanted to get surgery. I didn't wear my brace for about 2 years. I also didn't go to the back doctor. That was a big mistake considering doctors are to help you.

When I went back when I was 12, they told me that my scoliosis went from 27 to 60 degrees in 2-3 years. They knew I wasn't wearing my brace. The doctor didn't yell at me but she did send me to an orthopedic doctor to get back surgery. They told me all the ups and downs of back surgery. They also told me that because I didn't wear my brace and also because I got it at an early age the brace wouldn't have helped much. I went in for x-rays. After what seemed like forever, the doctor came in. The doctor who was looking at my x-rays showed me and my mom how when I bent a certain way my lower curve was almost gone. He told me I might not have to have a scar on the lower half of my back. I was very greatful for at least that. The doctor talked for a while longer then we scheduled a pre-op for July 13th 2005. I will be getting surgery on July 20th 2005. I will update this after my surgery. I hope all goes well. I’m very nervous. I have people to talk to though because my cousin just got a back operation done too.

UPDATE - April 24, 2006
Everything went well with surgery, although unfortunately I do have a scar on the lower part of my back. My scoliosis from when I went to the doctors on July 13, 2005 was at 77 degress and the lower part was at 50 degrees. They considered doing the other surgery but since the surgery was only a week away they left the decision up to me and my mom. I decided to keep the same surgery.

I had Posterior Spinal Fusion with Instrumentation surgery. This is the most common surgery for scoliosis. This involves placing pieces of bone between two or more vertebrae. Eventually, the vertebrae and the pieces of bone grow together. The instrumentation of metal rods, hooks, screws and wires hold the curve from moving for thetime that it takes the fusion to become solid. After surgery I was 2 inches taller, and my scoliosis at the top was 15 and at the bottom is less than 10. My surgery was about 10 hours long. Maybe long I’m not sure. Right after surgery I had lots of tubes going down my nose and in my mouth so don’t be surprised if that happens to you to. I was on morphine to help lessen the pain. When I was walking for the first time all I was saying was I couldn’t do it. I did though.

Now 9 months later I am feeling better than ever. I don’t even remember that I had this major surgery sometimes. I don’t regret getting this surgery at all. I hope everyone is well.

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