Just like entering the sea- the unknown. Where every discovery is a new turn, a new darkened path. All we can do to hang on and learn to swim.
Thinking back to the day that I found out I had scoliosis, everything was normal. My day was planned to be just like any another except for one small bump in the road. My yearly checkup. I vaguely remember walking into the doctor’s office for my well visit in 4th grade crossing my fingers hoping, please no shots today. Little did I know that was the least of my concerns. I remember the doctor asking me to follow her pen with my eyes and bend down to touch my toes. It was all routine to me. Everything was going smoothly until the doctor asked me to touch my toes again. Reluctantly, I did what she asked. It had been more than a couple seconds and at this point, I had been touching my toes for much longer than I would have liked. I started to get scared, claimed it as irrational. I stayed bent down. The doctor traced her cold fingers down my back, tracing my spine. It felt like cold needles as she placed a pen on my back to check for level. I had done this routine before, touch my toes. Was I doing something wrong? I still couldn’t comprehend what was happening. The doctor then asked me to stand as straight as possible. She proceeded to ask my mom if I had had any major falls or accidents recently. When she replied no, that is when she confirmed what she saw. Your daughter has idiopathic scoliosis.
Anyone who has ever gotten diagnosed with scoliosis can relate when I say it is an unforgettable moment. It sounds like such a scary term. The doctor explained that the cause could have been hereditary but the main cause is still unknown. I thought it was something superficial that could be treated by antibiotics. Little did I know, that this was a battle I would have to fight for.
I was there, ready or not, I had no choice but to dive in.
