My name is Katelyn and I am a 13 year old girl. I was diagnosed with a small curvature of my spine about a year and a half ago. Then about 3 days ago I got my brace. It all happen so fast. First it was only a 6 degree curve, then in 6 months it turned into a 17 degree curve, the doctor said not to worry. Then another 6 months passed and I was diagnosed with scoliosis officaly. My curve had progressed to 25 degrees and before I knew what was happening I was at the hospital getting my fittings for a Boston Brace. I was really scared and curious about what was to come. I never knew anyone that had scoliosis so I really had no idea what to expect. When I was told that I would pick up my brace in the next 10 to 13 days, I was petrified.

Before I had time to think through the next week I was back at the doctors being fit. When the doctor told me to step into the ugly white piece of plastic I almost hurled. Finally when I stepped into the brace I was scared. I couldn't breathe easy and my back imideatly began to ache. I almost screamed but my lungs wouldn't allow me in the brace.

I have been wearing my brace for only 5 days now and it was as bad as I thought it would be at first. After about an hour of wearing it I got used to it. I could sit and lay down and breathe normally. About 3 days into it I could begin to eat with it on. But it is still a little uncomfortable. Overall I think that this should be an experience that I should think of as good.

The brace, uncomfortable and annoying, is also my best friend, pushing my back into the only place I want it to be: Straight and Normal!

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