16 years of age at surgery

My name is Bella, and I am sharing my personal scoliosis journey during Scoliosis Awareness Month in the hope of helping raise awareness and supporting others living with this condition.

I was diagnosed as a teenager after being found to have a significant spinal curve. My scoliosis progressed to 70 degrees, and I underwent spinal surgery at 16 years old. Prior to surgery, I wore a brace for two years in an attempt to manage the progression of the curve.

While the surgery was life-changing and gave me stability, my recovery was extremely challenging. I experienced significant weight loss and weakness afterward, and for a period of time I required a wheelchair as my body adjusted and I rebuilt my strength. As a teenager, this was a very confronting experience, and I often felt very different from my peers at a time when fitting in already feels so important.

Despite those difficulties, I gradually regained my strength and mobility over time. The journey was not only physical but emotional, as I learned to adapt to a new version of my body and accept the long-term changes that came with spinal fusion.

I am now 45 years old, a mother of two active teenage boys and I remain very active through regular gym training at Cockburn Arc. Living with scoliosis has shaped much of my life, from adolescence through to adulthood, and has given me a deep understanding of both the physical and emotional impact it can have over time.

Looking back now, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for how far I have come. What once felt overwhelming has become part of my strength and resilience. My experience has also given me perspective and compassion for others going through similar journeys, especially young people facing scoliosis today.