Anyone here have experience with Scoliosis?

Shannon (11) was diagnosed with Scoliosis two years ago. Unfortunately the curvature of her spine has advanced enough to warrant her being braced for about 22 hours a day.

I understand that things could be worse. However, this is such a difficult age for something like this (sixth grade/middle school). She is already very self conscious by the fact that she has to wear hearing aides and needs glasses soon.

Looking for anyone who has "Been there..." and curious as to any advice you may have. She will be able to remove the brace for gym and sports, which is a huge relief since she is such an active and athletic girl. She is feeling very anxious and "different" presently...

Cindy
Happy & Proud Mommy to:
Shannon Alexis 12
Trevor Jack 10
Sierra Brooke 7
Madison Rose 5
Mackenzie Lynn 5
Max Christopher 5

Hi Cindy,
I don't have any advice for you, but just wanted to let you know that my dd Jessica was just diagnosed with scoliosis last month at her sports physical. Her pediatrician said we will just watch it for now. He will re-measure her curve every 4 months. I really feel for Shannon. Middle school can be hard enough without having to wear a brace all day. Jess is very athletic too and we are praying her curve won't advance enough to be braced. If it does, I will be seeking advice from you.

You are in my thoughts.

Trish Dawson
Mom to bgg (1992 @ 31
weeks)

I was diagnosed with scoliosis in the 5th grade and went to a dr in NYC for followup. I have an "S" curve and they contribute it to me growing too rapidly from 4th grade to 5th grade (genetics does play in there somewhere). I saw my dr. for about 3 years but was never braced. The type of scoliosis I have basically will never get worse but will never get better, even with a brace. The degrees of the curve never changed. Today, I am 28 years old and 5'9" and have lots of back pain. Everyday my back is killing me. My shoulders are crooked and it is hard for me to stand up straight. My degrees have not changed but I guess with age it will bring new aches and pains. I know that in time I will go to the chiropractor for some much needed cracks but I just don't have the time right now with the girls running like crazy. I just wanted you to know that just because your daughter get a scoliosis diagnosis she may not be braced. One of my girlfriends in school was braced but only when she was home from school so that did save her the awkwardness of having it at school. No one knew she wore a brace unless she told tell or if you saw her brace at her house. I hear swimming is the best exercise for people with scoliosis. I am curious on the other replies to your post because I have 3 girls that will be tall and may also have scoliosis and since I didn't have much aggressive treatment then it is good to hear from others on their experiences. Good luck to you and you sweeties!!!

Khrissys3girls

Mommy to Lindsey, Kaylee, & Carly born 8/30/01 at 31 weeks
AND John Thomas born 1/17/06 at 39w3d

http://lilypie.com>

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Khrissy,

I am sorry to hear you are constantly in such pain. We were told by the orthopedic surgeon that is one of the long term effects of Scoliosis. Shannon also has an "S" type curve so I am glad you shared your story. Shannon, like you were as a young girl, is very tall and slim which puts her at greater risk of the curve worsening. She is no wheres near done growing so I fear the curve is going to worsen...I HOPE I am wrong but I have a sneaking suspicion she is going to be one of those kids whose curve keeps growing.

As it was explained to me, and from what I have read, the brace will not correct any of the curvature that is already present. The sole goal of the brace is to try to prevent any further curvature from developing. Unfortunately, there are no guarantees of its effectiveness. We were also told, by two different doctors, that for the brace to have a best chance at helping it really should be worn 24 hours a day; but that it could be removed for showering and sports.

We were told we should NOT restrict her activities in ANY way and that she could continue playing any sports she wants to. Her Scoliosis does NOT put her at any greater risk of injury and no type of physical activity (or sports) would worsen her spine. She is very athletic; swims, cheerleads, plays softball, and does gymnastics.

Thanks again for your post and information- I appreciate it.

Cindy
Happy & Proud Mommy to:
Shannon Alexis 12
Trevor Jack 10
Sierra Brooke 7
Madison Rose 5
Mackenzie Lynn 5
Max Christopher 5

Hi Trish,

Thanks for the kind response. How old is Jess? Shannon was 9 when she was first diagnosed. Her degree of curve is now 38% which is only a few degrees from needing surgery. She has two curves; which makes things even more complicated. The "average" person would never notice, but I can tell when she is in her bikini. I can also notice it when she runs the bases during softball. She never complains of any back pain. I will keep Jess in my thoughts and hope her curve doesn't progress.

Cindy
Happy & Proud Mommy to:
Shannon Alexis 12
Trevor Jack 10
Sierra Brooke 7
Madison Rose 5
Mackenzie Lynn 5
Max Christopher 5

Can someone help me copy and paste this on to the main forum?

Thanks,

Cindy
Happy & Proud Mommy to:
Shannon Alexis 12
Trevor Jack 10
Sierra Brooke 7
Madison Rose 5
Mackenzie Lynn 5
Max Christopher 5

I have scoliosis and wore a brace in my teenage years, I can tell you it sucked! But, I did survive. I was allowed out 1 hour a day. At first I used it for showering and track practice, but then after I got thrown from my horse and broke my $500 brace, I started using the hour when I rode my horses (not to mention the pain of landing inside a box of metal and a plastic girdle). I am guessing technology increased and the braces are not so hot and uncomfortable, at least I hope so. My curvature is an S with a rotation. It was very high, to the point of needing surgery if not stopped; I started the brace at 48 degrees. The lowest my curves have been are in the 20’s. Even now they are in the 20’s and the degrees have slunk back up there over the years and birthing 7 babies. BTW the brace I wore was called a Milwaukee brace and went from my hips to around the back of my head and under my chin. There are some other types of braces that are not so freakish looking. If you want details of how to survive a brace we can chat, but two of the most important comfort things were undergarments and sleeping in a waterbed. If you want more info feel free to email: lmoyer@unmc.edu

Leeza
Momma to:
Barret and Angel Cyrus 9-24-96
Genevieve 4-28-98
Susana 2-20-00
Franklin, Katherine & Elisabeth 4-5-02 at 29.1 weeks
and two tiny angels Robin & Taylor lost in 1994 & 1999