I am a scoliosis mum - AMA

[ScoliosisMum5]

My DD was diagnosed with scoliosis a few years ago and has since had major corrective surgery. More than happy to answer any questions and raise awareness of an often misunderstood condition!

So sorry to hear about your DP - that must be really tough. Does he have the old Harrington rods? It is great though that he was able to recognise things for your DD, early diagnosis always best. I (unknowingly until recently) also have scoliosis, albeit quite mildly - not having the knowledge to check DD’s back when she was younger will always be one of my biggest regrets - the ‘what ifs’ will always be there!

Yes he does. He’s in so much pain daily but he won’t take pain killers most of the time because he said if he did he’d just constantly depend on them. His back is still very curved but he knows it won’t curve anymore in old age because it can’t move.

We watched all three of our children like hawks from birth. He was so paranoid everytime they slouched or said their back/hips hurt. My eldest and my middle child, although displayed some mild symptoms of the neurological condition they have, don't have scoliosis but when my youngest was 10 we noticed her shoulder was rounded so mentioned it straight away to the neurologist.

Being told she doesn’t have to have surgery a few weeks ago made us all burst into tears of joy as we see what DP goes through everyday. We know surgery is so much better now and things have moved on but that relief was still like nothing we’ve experienced before.

At the beginning her consultant thought that she would be able to get away without needing the operation. Unfortunately aged 17 she had a sudden late growth spurt which pushed her curve over the edge into the 50 degree+ zone where surgery becomes necessary. Left alone, the curve would’ve continued to progress throughout adulthood, landing her in a dangerous position later in life with a very severe curve, cardiopulmonary issues etc.

As awful as it sounds DD was quite pleased when he told her that he wanted to operate - she had been desperate for surgery ever since she was first diagnosed as it was causing her so much pain and she was so self conscious of her back. Getting to the stage where she actually needed it done was really a blessing and a curse for us

Wow! This is something I’m researching. I had corrective surgery 11 years ago and have had recent debilitating hip problems. Hip impingement requiring multiple steroid injections. How have things progressed for your daughter.

sending love ❤️

I’m really interested in this. My DD will be 14 in September and has a 46 degree curve. We have an appointment in July where they’ll do another xray and then give us their recommendations (which we’re assuming will be surgery). Her back looks pretty bent, and I wasn’t sure if surgery would improve it or just stop it from getting worse? I had the Harrington rods when I was 18 as they waited for me to be fully grown but I’m assuming they operate much younger now? She’s quite keen to have the surgery, I’m dreading them saying it’s necessary 😬