My Life with Scoliosis

The next few days were difficult. My family were worrying about me. I could tell that both the doctors and nurses were growing in concern. I had to have another scan. This time it was an emergency and of my stomach. The scan showed that my back bowl had shut down. The doctor explained how it was nothing to worry about as he could give me something to help.

I was ok apart from still not being able to walk, nor having any energy. Whenever Helen came to do my physic I passed out. So the doctor decided to give me a blood test. This showed that my blood count was really low. I had to have an emergency blood transfusion. It took all night as I had to have 2 bags. The nurses came to check my blood pressure and temperature every 15minutes. This was to make sure that my body did not reject the blood. It never kept me awake but it did my mom. She had to keep moving so the nurses could get to the machines.

The next day, I was much better I finally had some strength and kept my breakfast down. I do still have bowl, bladder and lung problems but I take medication. When Helen came I managed to walk 4 beds down the ward, with help and support but then I got tired. She said she would come back that afternoon, and was very proud of me. Then the doctor came, he said if I ate and drank well all day he would come and take the rest of my drips out. He also said that when my walking improved and I could manage the stairs I could go home. When Helen came the following afternoon, I managed to walk to the toilet with her and my mom. I felt great because my catheter and everything else had gone. Helen said she would come back in the morning and I could hopefully try the stairs.

That night my mom and I sat up reading together. We ad already read them but it was still fun. The next day I woke up early. My mom asked the nurse if I could walk to the bathroom, to have a wash. I was allowed, as long as I had both my mom and a nurse with me. I t was great finally walking with a straight back. I wasn't allowed to have a bath because of my dressing. My mom washed me down so I felt nice and fresh. I managed to put some clothes on as well for the first time in weeks. Helen came at 10:00. She was pleased I had walked to the bathroom, so I could try the stairs. I managed to climb 3 steps before getting tired and breathless. The doctor came at 11:30 to examine me. He said I could go home if my mom would care for me. I was sad in a way having to say goodbye to all the doctors and nurses. But I wanted to go home and see my bedroom and I suppose my brothers. I stayed in hospital for 3.5 weeks in total even though I was only supposed to stay for 7-10days.

The doctor said the main reason for there being so many complications was because I was so young. I was also very underweight. This meant the recovery time was longer.

When I pulled up outside my house, my Nan and brothers had put up a sign saying “Welcome Home Stacey”. it felt great being back home. There truly is "no place like home".

Having this illness has made me grateful that I have such a wonderful mom, who is always there for me. She promised we would get through this together and we did. I am also thankful to everyone I know that have supported me, because without you I could never have got through it. You all pushed and encouraged me, never allowing me to give up. I owe you all my life.

December 31 st 2007 age 17years.

Things had been great up until 18 months ago then I started having a lot of pain again, which actually put me in hospital. It went to see my surgeon today. Unfortunately my spine has curved again. This time however it is above the rods. He has decided that it will require surgery which I will have in the next few months. He cannot perform the surgery anterior this time and will have to go through the back. Which will mean another scar. I have been told to put on 1stone in order for me to make a nicer and faster recovery. I am both angry and disappointed as I have to go through it all again. However at least this time I will know what to expect and I can prepare myself more. We'll just have to wait and see!!!