Hi. My name is Jessica and I’m fifteen years old. I was diagnosed with scoliosis when I was six, but we never thought anything of it. That is, until I noticed my hips were really uneven when I was 13. My family doctor recommended that we go see a specialist at the children’s hospital.

I got to the hospital and had some x-rays done. They showed my curves had gone from 16 degrees thoracic and 23 degrees lumbar to about 23 thoracic and 30 lumbar. I was told I would need to come back for a brace, since my curves were progressing so quickly. I got a TLSO brace that I was supposed to wear 23/7. I did that for the first few months, but quickly got tired of the whole routine. I knew it wasn’t working. My curves progressed up to 5 degrees a month, even when I wore my brace 23/7.

I was told I needed surgery In about November 2006. I never actually got onto the list until January 2007. That was because there is actually a wait list for the wait list for surgery. I finally got a permanent date in the end of June 2007. That date is for November 26, 2007. I’m now awaiting that quite patiently. I wanted it over with, but I’ve decided I can wait. My curves are now 28 degrees and 54 degrees and progressing. I no longer need to wear my brace.

Here are some before pictures of my back. These were back in the end of July.

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