Mary

 

Now 14 years old, Mary was diagnosed with scoliosis at age 10. Doctors hoped that they could correct it with a brace. Mary wore one for four years – something she said was uncomfortable at times, especially in the Arizona heat. The brace didn't fix the curvature in Mary's spine enough, and she underwent orthopedic surgery at Phoenix Children's in March. 

 

How did they find out you had scoliosis?

I basically found it myself. One day I just felt that one of my shoulders was higher than the other. I had x-rays which confirmed that I had it. My pediatrician referred me Dr. White [Greg White, MD, an orthopedic surgeon]. 

 

What were they doing to correct the scoliosis before your surgery?

I wore a brace 16 hours per day, every day. We were hoping that it would hold it in place or correct it. But it didn't.

 

How was the brace?

It wasn't painful, but it was a little uncomfortable, especially living in Phoenix. I had to wear it to school.

 

Did you worry about what your classmates would say or think?

No, everyone was really nice about it. I did have to buy my clothes a couple of sizes bigger so the brace would fit underneath them.

 

Tell me about your surgery.

My curve was an "S" curve, so they had to put it back into place - put it in a straight line. I have two titanium rods in my spine and 26 screws to hold it in place. Dr. White told me I set the record for how many screws he had to use [laughs].

 

Where you nervous before the surgery?

A week before surgery they did a tour for me at the Hospital. I saw what they have to do; they showed me the IVs and everything so I knew what was coming. I talked to the nurses. That really helped me. Everyone there was fantastic. The nurses are all very nice and caring and made me feel comfortable…like it was all going to be okay. The night before, I wasn't that nervous because I knew I was in such a good hospital. I thought I wouldn't sleep at all [the night before] but it was the best sleep I ever had.

 

How is your back now?

It's fantastic. I'm straight and not crooked. I'm on the badminton team at school. I can tell a difference already. I look so much more normal and it's easier to play sports.

 

Before surgery

After surgery