Adrianne's Story

 ❝I first discovered I had scoliosis at age 11 . Sucks right ? My cousin/needlework was the first to recognise it. At that time I was now going in Class 4 at Ellerton Primary School. My parents then searched through the directory for nearby chiropractors. We then found one by the name of Dr. Adrian Sealy who examined me and then told me I would have to wear a brace. He then wrote a referral letter to Carib Rehab for me to get braced up but for some reason we ended up at Carib Supply. When we got there one of the workers stated that I'll need surgery. All that was going through me mind was "Why would I need surgery? I'm only a child. At age 11, I thought surgery would've kill me or cripple me. Anyways, My parents decided that I won't get the surgery.

I then graduated from primary school, off to Secondary. school. I passed for The Lester Vaughan Secondary. My parents saw my back wasn't getting any better so we then called Carib Rehab and made an appointment. Appointment day came so we went to see one of the Doctors there I can't remember her name right now. She told me my curve was too far gone to get the brace and that I needed that surgery ASAP (As Soon As Possible). She then wrote a referral letter to Dr. Carrington. The same thing Dr. Sealy did Dr. Carrington did also. He then told me my curve was at 77° and that if I didn't get the surgery my heart would eventually crush or I'll end up in a wheel chair. I was 13 at that time. We then went home and talked it over with the family about me having the surgery. I then prepared myself to get the surgery. Next appointment he told up the price of the surgery. The surgery was going to be $100,000.00. That was way out of my parents budget. We then decided that I can't have the surgery right away. Dr. Carrington also works at the out patient clinic at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. We then got referred to the QEH. I attended all of my appointments I got fresh x-rays done. Then to be told I have to go on a waiting list. Please note my curve was at 77° soon 100°. Let's stay on the positive side. At that time it was September 2011.

2013

I then went back to the hospital went through the same procedures again to be disappointed once more. I was never bullied at school; teachers and children always approached me and wished me well. Wish that I got the surgery soon. I even had a teacher who wanted to raise money for me to get the surgery. At home they had a few kids that would laugh and call me names such as "big back girl" or just imitate how I walked, sometimes I would've cry, next time I just told them a few words.

Years passed by.

My breathing was getting weak, my lungs weren't functioning properly, my rib cage was shooting out more prominently. I could remember this day like yesterday.

November 1st 2015

I was in the Fairchild Street bus terminal waiting on the bus going my side. I couldn't breathe properly I started to catch bad fees . I eventually walked to go sit down all I could remember was my sister and aunt picking me up off the ground. I had fell on my chest and slide. My dad then came and picked me up and took me home. When I got home I couldn't breathe properly my heart was racing and I was weak. I was then rushed to Accident emergency. I got examined and was waiting on the doctor to see me. It was getting late and I still haven't seen the doctor so I came back home and went to the Glebe Polyclinic in the morning. The doctor there then wrote a referral letter to Dr. Carrignton stating I need the surgery. 'Jackpot '. I was then examined again and this time I got ECG new x rays blood test everything pertaining to the surgery. It then hit me that I'm really going surgery. I was terrified at age 17 *laughs*. Surgery date was then made for June 21st 2016.

The day before surgery, my family and close friends came to visit me and cheered me up. The night before the surgery, Dr.Carrington and his team came in and talk to me and told me everything is going to be okay. I started crying even more because I was scared to Death. Scared that I was going to die.

Surgery day came. My mom , cousin and close friend was there for me the morning half. I started crying again. I had to walk to the theatre and sign some papers outside of it. I was then pushed inside the theatre. I had stopped crying and was ready for new beginnings. The anesthesiologist then came and was giving me the anesthetic and was cheering me up. All I could remember is waking up in the recovery room. My curve was at 99° now it's at 55°, it's such a huge difference. I was so happy that I got it over with and I can move on with my life. Not only did scoliosis change my life but it helped me figure out what I want to become in life which is an anesthesiologist and a super model. Scoliosis isn't a bad thing so if you're ashamed of yourself for having scoliosis please don't bring yourself down because you're different and unique from others. How awesome! I'm going on to start my modelling career in a few weeks.

I'll like to thank everyone who came and looked for me in the hospital and for my family that was there for me throughout everything. I'll also like to thank Life-After Curve for starting this network to help persons out there with scoliosis. Help them understand that they're not fighting this battle alone. Thanks also goes to Dr. Carrington and team for saving my life.❞