When Life Threw Me a Curve: Embracing Scoliosis

Although June is at a close, this month is National Scoliosis Awareness Month and this one is near and dear to my heart. Here's storytime for you.

I have advanced scoliosis.

When I say advanced scoliosis, I want you to take a pencil and draw a wiggly, sideways "W" on a piece of paper. Now imagine a spine.

That's my spine.

This condition has contributed a lot to my resilience, perseverance, steadfastness, and optimistic view on life. It (literally) makes up who I am. Here's a bit more context there:

I was thankfully diagnosed fairly early; when I was 10 years old. As a result, I wore a bulky plastic back brace for 5 years, for 20+ hours a day. To say the least, this thing was the exact opposite of what a pre-teen girl wants to wear.

Instead of cute skirts, adorable shorts, and flirty tank tops, I wore overalls that were 3 sizes too big and bulky dresses to hide this accursed contraption as best as I could.

It wasn't easy.

Bullying occurred through middle school. Girls would randomly knock on my chest and ask "Anybody, home?" in the middle of the hall between classes. Boys would refer to me as a "bag of potatoes" or a Transformer.

I tried to sneak out of wearing the brace during the day when I could. Anything to feel normal.

My parents found out. We had conversations. These conversations were exhausting. I hated the brace. "Do you want to have surgery?" They'd ask when I threw the brace across the room, crying, after a day of being heckled. "No," I'd mutter in reply.

5 years of monthly doctors' appointments and hospital visits, thousands of X-rays, and continuous physical therapy was enough for me.

It was a terrifying experience on a monthly basis to sit quietly in the doctor's office as the medical team measured my X-rays, muttered among themselves, and gave an update. I had to wait every time to see if this was the appointment where they'd recommend surgery.

I was lucky. I didn't need surgery; thanks to the dedication of my parents and modern medical marvels. Those who have had scoliosis surgery are far stronger than I am; they undergo one of the most invasive surgeries to the human body.

During this time, I learned perseverance. I embraced the power of positive thought. I grew as an individual. Tomorrow will be a better day but I need to work as hard and intelligently as it takes to get there. And that is what I do every day.

Advanced scoliosis is a condition I live every day with. It can't be cured. It won't go away. It's always there. Sometimes, my back pain reminds me of that and then I do my physical therapy exercises.

Thankfully, for most, scoliosis is a minor condition that won't have an impact on daily life. But for those like me, it can upend your world.

If you have children, particularly girls, I implore you, please, connect with a medical expert and have your kids checked for scoliosis on a yearly basis. Early detection is key. It helped me.

I've had a few people in the past ask me, "Don't you wish you never had scoliosis?" On the surface, I want to say "Yes." I'd be four inches taller and probably more confident with the boys in middle school.

But ultimately, no.

I am who I am because of scoliosis. And I love who I am.

I love my confidence. I love my stubbornness. I love my outlook on life. I love my ability to connect with people.

So I embrace scoliosis like scoliosis embraced me...ironically, through a physical brace.

Yes, National Scoliosis Awareness Month is almost over but I am aware of this condition every day, all day. I can do more and will do more to educate people and help those through trying times. My tribe helped me and I am obligated to return the favor.

When everything is said and done in the end, whatever obstacle we face; whether it be a medical condition, trying times at work, or personal relationships - we can get through it.

This rings particularly true as we live in incredibly challenging times right now with COVID-19, the economy, the uncertainty of the future.

Work hard. Work smart.

Connect with your community and tribe for reassurance, guidance, and love.

Remain confident.

Persevere. You can do it.

Remember, it will get better. There is always tomorrow.