Timing Is Everything

Major spinal surgery is
NEVER
convenient.

For most of us,

life is full of
entanglements.

In my case,
I had three (1,2,3) kids to raise alone.

I had child care programs to run, so I could provide for those kids.

I had a mother with Alzheimer's needing my help.

I knew my spine was getting worse,
but life seemed so complicated

While I was 'doing other things', my spine got CURVIER.
Fortunately for me,
a SPACE eventually opened up in my life:

I cashed in my chips at my child care business.
This is one of 12 classrooms in my child care facility.

I sold my three children off to the highest bidders.

In every photo, the child I birthed is on the right.

My dear mom passed away.
This is the last birthday my mom and I shared together.

With some heavy burdens lifted, it was easier to
face my scoliosis issues HEAD ON.
(Of course, I was also getting prodded by my brother,
Mr. Bee in My Bonnet.)

And, as they say . . .

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

MESSAGE FOR THE 'SCOLI' CROWD: Some of you really NEED surgery, but you feel indispensable in your relationships OR you simply can't imagine getting the time off work OR a million other things.

It's okay to postpone this 'Biggie' if things are crazy at the present moment and you see clear skies down the road. But, debilitating pain, a severe curve, or a rapidly progressing curve may mean that you need to SHOVE ASIDE your life. After all, nobody is truly indispensable.
If you have any of the following situations, get to a doctor specializing in scoliosis as soon as possible :

1. Curvature over 45 degrees using the Cobb Angle measurement, done by an orthopedic dr. not a chiropractor.

2. Rapid progression of the curvature. (Mine didn't progress for 30 years. Often, menopause causes scoliosis in women to begin progressing after years of staying stabilized. I think that was true for me.)

3. Pain from the curvature. (For me, it was because some muscle groups had to carry more than their share of load. All that pain is gone, gone, gone.)

Personally, I was dealing with all three issues. When I finally got on the phone to set up my first appointment with a scoliosis specialist, I was hyperventilating. Really this stuff is HARD to face.

However, it's much harder to live with progressive scoliosis in the long run. As curves get worse and our bodies get older, there are more complications and, naturally, increasing pain. A competent scoliosis specialist (NOT your run-of-the-mill orthopedic or a chiropractor) can help you evaluate the urgency of your situation. (Click HERE to find one.)

This photo was taken a week after my surgery.
I'm standing next to Dr. Cunningham
who practices with my surgeon.
(There are MANY competent scoliosis specialists out there.)