What started as a normal annual check-up, ended up changing the course of my life forever ...
I was 9 years old, when the doctor made this statement to my mother, "Mrs. Brown, your daughter has Scoliosis, and it's aggressive, she will need to be fitted for a back brace immediately, and if this method doesn't work she will need a spinal fusion." Thanks doc for going straight for the jugular ... I'm literally only a kid here and I barely know what "spinal fusion" means ... but it sounds absurd.
In that cold hospital room in 1998, with x-rays hung all around, I sat there numb. I wasn't a normal 9 year old, I've always been very intuitive, inquisitive, and aware of my surroundings. Also, I was strong and had to grow up fast, being a navy brat and a big sister to a brother who has Autism, I've always had to be the rock, and it was a role I had no problem being in, it felt natural.
In that moment at the doctor's office, I knew something was very wrong, and it was a tough, scarring experience that I still can't really explain. My mother is the strongest woman I know, and she did not skip a beat in that moment - or if she did I had no way of telling. Right after the diagnosis, she made her way to the lobby to make follow up visits, and immediately got me fitted into a back brace. We were going to beat this thing, no fusion for me!
At that time we were living in Gulfport, MS. My father was active duty military, and he was stationed in Pascagoula, MS. I remember driving across state lines with my mom and younger brother in the backseat, so I could see a specialist for a back brace. It was a interesting and confusing time, here I am 9 years old, trying to figure things out and attempting to process it all.
The poking, prodding, and multiple doctor visits took a toll, but I stood strong and made it all work. I never tried to complain even though the process was beyond painful, unbearable, and just plain awkward. Having to explain to classmates, why I was missing days at school, and then one morning to show up in a plastic back brace was just weird. I had to get larger shirts and pants, so I could fit the hard plastic brace under my clothes. Did I mention I was living in Mississippi?! It was super hot and quite frankly kinda gross having that plastic on your skin. So the doctor recommended wearing a camisole, and applying cornstarch to my skin to ensure I wouldn't sweat as much and to protect my skin from chaffing. It was just all way too much, and I was absolutely over it.
After 2 back braces, 50 or so doctor and physical therapy visits, and 6 years later ... nothing worked, in fact my scoliosis got so out of control it was time for the spinal fusion. My spine literally took to the shape of an 'S'.
At the age of 15 it was time to go under the knife, and I was absolutely not pleased at all. Imagine being in high school, dealing with identity and body issues, the last thing I wanted to deal with was a scar all the way down my back, uh hello, what Ring Dance or Prom gown would look good on me?! Better yet, how was I going to wear a bathing suit ... by this time we had moved back to Virginia Beach once my dad retired from active duty Navy, and I've always loved the water.
Once the surgery was completed ... all 9 hours, I began the recovery process. I lost about 20 pounds, and had to learn how to walk again. For one week I was practically chained to a hospital bed. My whole summer before Sophomore year in high school, I was stuck in our family home, learning how to operate my new back.
My surgeon was a God send, and he literally ensured my quality of life would be preserved. At 15 I was not even concerned about having children, but he ensured my rods would not come down a certain point on my spine, so that I could have a epidural the day I'd give birth to my child. I was super fortunate to have an incredible medical staff that supported my brother and I ... oh, yes did I mention, that my baby brother had the same surgery I had one year before I did!? We are one tough family, but I could not imagine going through that entire process without them.
Fast forward to over a decade later, I'm beyond fortunate, my quality of life is amazing. While I still have a great deal of back pain, my spine is pretty much close to being straight as an arrow (yes, that's my x-ray above). The surgeon was able to get rid of my 'S' curve, and I had no problem finding a Ring Dance dress, Prom gown, or a bathing suit.
Above all, at the end of the day no matter what age or where you are in life, you can always over come any situation. With the proper support system and the right mindset you can truly beat anything.
XO, Analise
