I've never shared my fifteen year journey with scoliosis outside of the realm of my family and friends, but when I went to an appointment on Friday, February 28th for lower back pain, I realized that I needed to share my struggle and journey with others so that they too can be part of the positive fifty percent.
The positive fifty percent I am referring to is an inverse of a statistic my doctor cited on Friday. He told me that 50% of people diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic scoliosis that have a 60 degree or greater curve do not survive past the age of 20. This statistic blew my mind. He told me that the two main causes for death were: 1) not getting it treated quickly enough, so the spine would squish and destroy vital organs 2) suicide because of the pain and torment people with scoliosis endure.
The doctor told me I was lucky to be part of the 50% that made it past the age of 20. However, I knew that I was not lucky; I was incredibly blessed. Since I was diagnosed with scoliosis in 2000, not a single day has gone by without even a little bit of pain. Additionally, I was tormented in middle school and high school because of my brace and awkward posture. My classmates would grab the back of my brace and slam me into lockers, while their friends walked by chuckling. Although I was often upset, I never got to the point of such utter despair that I felt like taking my own life. God was with me at every turn, and continues to be as I deal with many side effects of scoliosis and spinal surgery.
As a write this blog, I will be writing in themes, so if you have any questions clarifying the time frame of my story, please feel free to ask. I hope that by sharing my 15 year struggle and journey, you will find the hope and joy of continuing on as part of the positive 50 percent.
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