Looking back

Hello everyone, Today I wanted to do a blog post as it is International Scoliosis Awareness Day! The day is dedicated to spreading positive awareness about the condition and uniting all those who suffer from it. Educating people on scoliosis is a great thing to do, and In some cases it can help people to become aware of the signs to look for, along with helping to detect the condition early on, ultimately preventing the need for surgery. Scoliosis is a disorder with abnormal sideways or lateral curvature of the spine. A normal spine is straight, but it will have a natural curve within it. However, if that curve is over 10 degrees it can be considered a case of mild scoliosis.  if scoliosis is not treated/ diagnosed it can lead to: Increase curvature of the spine Progression or deterioration of scoliosis Back pain and other associated symptoms Pressure on vital organs Breathing difficulties Cardiac problems Digestive issues Poor balance and coordination Some of the a

Hello everyone, Today was my 1 year checkup at Sheffield children's Hospital, and I have to admit it was kind of strange to be seeing my Surgeon and nurses again after so long, but it also reminded me of how far I have come since the last time I saw them. It's insane to think that it was one whole year ago since I was taking my first steps with a straight spine! During my appointment, I had an X-ray, formatric scan, height measurements and of course a consultation with my surgeon. Before my operation I had a 70 degree thoracic curve and a 67 degree lumbar curve, I now have a 30 degree thoracic and a 32 degree lumbar curvature. My curves have decreased atleast 50% in both the thoracic and lumbar parts of my spine, which is amazing! I am so happy with the results from my surgery. My surgeon was impressed with the healing of my scar and my X-rays. My metal work has stayed in place and I am now fully fused. I was also given the all clear to return to all sports including con

                                                              Hello everyone, It feels very surreal to be writing this post, I cannot believe that I am 1 year post op. I've come so far and been through so much in just 12 months. This time last year, I was preparing for the surgery which would ultimately change my life ( cheesy I know, but it is true! ) It's been a tough year for me, physically and emotionally, I look back at the early stages of my recovery and sometimes I can't believe I  actually went through all that I did, or even had the strength to. In a way I am proud of myself for my determination to keep going, even when it felt like things weren't going to get better. The surgery made me stronger than I could've ever imagined. I remember laying in my bed on my third day and seeing other patients walking up and down the ward, it actually made me jealous because I wanted so bad for that to be me. Scoliosis really makes you look at things differently an

Hello everyone, Scoliosis awareness month takes place annually every June, in the hope to highlight and raise awareness on the spinal deformity. June is a month dedicated to making the public aware of the condition and helping to detect scoliosis early so treatment can hopefully be more effective.  Scoliosis Association have now launched their 2017 campaign #gotyourback17 If you wish to help spread the word about scoliosis, please head on over to their website, where you can download some posters and a fundraising pack -  Here So, as it is Scoliosis Awareness month, i found myself reflecting on my condition and I soon began to realise that scoliosis has given me so much more than it has ever taken from me. Scoliosis made me grow up and it made me into a better person. Scoliosis has made me proud of who I am, and I am thankful for that. I really want to help get scoliosis noticed this month, and if anyone reading this either has scoliosis themselves or knows someone with t