Scoliosis Achievements

[lspitalnic]

Hey Guys!
I’m new here and I’m 17 from Australia. I have already had 2 operations; Spinal fusion to correct my 65 degree thoracic curvature [22/3/04] and Thoracoplasty to treat my ‘hump’ [protruding ribs] [9/05]. I do the occasional modeling for teenage magazines here and I am not ashamed of my scoliosis any more! I love sports and I never let the operations get in the way of my love for sport. I am finishing school soon and I want to study medicine and then specialize in the field of Orthopedics. My scoliosis inspired me so much that I want to help other people with the same problems. I think it would be great if there were more doctors out there that had the same experience and that were more empathetic. In the holidays I did an army preparation course overseas and I received the award for the best soldier. Having scoliosis gave me the lowest profile however that didn’t seem to be a disadvantage considering everyone else in my troop was in full health. What was funny was that my health insurance wouldn’t cover me if I went to the prep course. I just want to hear stories from other people who have scoliosis and accomplished something that they didn’t think they could ever do or what others objected to.

Lauren xoxo ;)

[The Slice]

Awesome!!!!!! You go girl!!!

[CurvySAT05]

Hey Lauren, I too have had 2 surgeries, one to correct my scoli and one to remove a rod that was on a nerve. With this whole journey I decided to become a physicians assistant and study ortho and specifically scoli. I want to work with my surgeon when I am done with school. Good luck in med school.
Mandy

[ScoliMed]

Hey Lauren and Mandy!

I'm 22 years old, and I am currently in medical school. I've had 3 surgeries, with one more to go sometime in the next 5 years or so. I've had 2 posterior and 1 anterior, and because of all the trauma to my body, my correction is only down to 37* lumbar and 25* thoracic. I think it's great that many of us find interest in the medical field after our experiences. And I completely agree that it is important that we will be able to offer true empathy to our future patients. Unlike you, however, I am not interested in orthopedics! I still have chronic pain that worsens with prolonged standing, so surgery is not for me. I am interested in adolescent medicine, because it's such a sensitive age to be going through so many changes, especially if you have scoli! Best of luck to you both.

Katie

[Jacque's Mom]

My daughter has scoliosis, although thankfully was never at the point for bracing or surgery. She has seen me suffer with pain for so many years and has gone to countless doctor appointments and physical therapy appointments with me that she, very early on, made her decision for her career. She is presently in college and will gratuate with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. It's a long, tough program but she loves it. Good Luck to all! LYNN

[lspitalnic]

At first it's hard to see any positive aspects from having scoliosis now when I look back it gives us such a different outlook on life and changes us for the better. They say, “What hurts you only makes you stronger.” It’s amazing to see how we all changed such a negative hurdle into something as a positive growing experience.
Great work guys!