Alexis' Story: Member of the Life After Curve Scoliosis Family
❝ Before having the surgery, living with scoliosis was quite difficult and somewhat saddening. This is evident for living with scoliosis affects you physically, emotionally and mentally. Some of the challenges I faced was not being wear majority of the type of clothes I wanted without persons staring or feeling self conscious, getting tired easily, not being able to participate in sports that I desired and most of all, constant back pain.
When I heard that The Sandy Lane Charitable Trust would be sponsoring my surgery I was very elated and thankful to both those who support this charity and God. This is so since I was living with scoliosis for approximately 4 years and my curve was progressively getting worse. Additionally, getting the funds and requirements to get the surgery done was difficult but finally we got assistance.
After the surgery, I spent 5 days in the Boston Children's Hospital. During these days I had achievements to complete and after I completed them, I would be able to leave. Therefore I used them to motivate me to get better. Some of these achievements/tasks were to start eating, start walking, sitting up and being able to climb 5 steps. Despite these tasks may seem simple to many, they aren't; I was in pain which was expected and I felt like a baby. While lying down I was turned every two hours so I would lie on my left side, my back and my right side in order to keep my muscles moving. I had plenty of pillows around me to keep me comfortable and pain medication which did help but obviously I still had to endure some pain. When I was able to return to the hotel after these 5 days, I was quite excited but knew I had a long journey ahead.
The process of recovering in the hotel was tiresome and difficult, however I did not give up. My family would carry me for walks in and out of the hotel.Walking outside was more difficult for it was quite chilly and you had to take caution in walking for the sidewalks were not smooth. In addition, I was encouraged to exercise daily which was tiring.
However, recovering was not all pain for my mom would buy ice cream and other treats to help motivate me after walking and exercising.
As the days flew by, it came to the day when we were finally returning home. I was quite happy yet I knew that returning home would not be easy so I prepared myself mentally and physically for it. When we arrived at home, I was quite sore and exhausted but relieved.
As I sit here and write this, I will always be very grateful to The Sandy Lane Charitable Trust, Boston Children's Hospital, my surgeon Dr. Emans and his team, the nurses, my family and friends and especially God for blessing me with the opportunity to change my life for the better. One day I would like to be able to give back to The Sandy Lane Charitable Trust, Boston Children's Hospital and to assist those dealing with scoliosis. ❞
