It is my fifth year wearing a brace, with just one more to go. When I was little, and first began wearing the brace, I thought it was fun, at least at first. Not long after, though, I hated my brace and begged my parents to take it off because it was too uncomfortable. Now I just deal with it as a part of my life. I get sores on my sides and have to take medication, and I had to learn to turn over while wearing the brace in bed.

However, whenever I get discouraged, I think about what might have happened if I hadn't been given corrective treatment for my Scoliosis and if the curve in my spine, which was a fairly mild 24 degrees, had become much worse. I might not have been able to do my favorite thing: play soccer. As it is now, I play soccer and do pretty much everything that I want to do.

My parents have been so supportive of me. They have helped me maintain a positive attitude and they have always been very open with me about my condition. When my school showed an educational film on Scoliosis, the kids in my class were bored and restless until I told them I had Scoliosis. Suddenly, they were very curious and asked lots of questions. Even my teacher had questions!

When I was diagnosed, my parents weren't aware that relatives on both sides of their families have Scoliosis, so my diagnosis came as a surprise. I was five when I was first suspected of having the condition and I started wearing a brace when I was eight. Now, I have one more year before the brace comes off for good! I am so glad that I did not let Scoliosis, and even wearing a back brace affect the way I wanted to live.

Published: April 24, 2002

Updated: February 25, 2005

As you read this please keep in mind that all treatment and outcome results are specific to the individual patient. Results may vary. Complications, such as infection, blood loss, bowel or bladder problems, are some of the potential adverse risks. Please consult your physician for a complete list of indications, warnings, precautions, adverse events, clinical results, and other important medical information.

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