Scoliosis

Three years ago my teenage daughter was diagnosed with mild idiopathic scoliosis, that is a randomly occurring curvature of the spine which affects mainly girls. Within 18 months it had progressed so rapidly that she was in daily discomfort and her ribs were pressing on her lungs. She was involved in ballet and modern dance and had performed in productions put on by her dance school and her school's Rock Challenge Team, even travelling to Japan for a performance. The scoliosis was beginning to limit her ability to enjoy her dancing and life in general. The very difficult decision was made to have her spine fused, a major operation involving metal rods and a bone graft. The amazing team at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in London carried out the operation in May 2012. It was a huge success, she is completely pain free and after 15 months of very conscientious physiotherapy, my girl has been given the go ahead to start ballet and to participate in sports again, although they suggested she avoid American football and bungee jumping: guess we can live with that!! The best news for her? She can wear high heels!! Jimmy Choo here we come!

I am so proud of the way this young woman went through such a very difficult time with such good natured grace, never once complaining about the fact that she was strapped into a rigid body brace for six months after the operation, or that physiotherapy exercises were a part of her daily routine. Well done SJ! Amazing girl!