Deviated's
Scoliosis Tips & Advice Page
 
                                     Every week, my email box brings new questions and requests for information
                                     about Scoliosis, on all sorts of topics like braces, surgery, and depression.
                                     As much as I hesitate to offer any advice --because who I am to be telling you
                                     what to do-- well, I decided I could create a kind of tips and advice page where
                                     you can find a bit of inspiration or answer to a question.
 

Your body is not who you are.  The shape of your body is no reflection on you inner self, your true self. 
     You are not defined by your physical body, by the 'husk' that is our vehicle during this life.

Beauty is not defined by what you look like.  If you are happy inside, and positive, this will shine through
    and you will see beauty when you look at yourself in the mirror, no matter how crooked your spine is.  Other
    people around you will see that beauty shining through you as well, regardless of your physical body's shape.

If you or or your children shows any signs of scoliosis, seek a doctor's opinion as soon as possible.  If it is
    necessary, a brace or surgery could be required as 'treatment'.  Seek out at least one 2nd opinion before
    making any decisions, and that means from another doctor or specialist.

If you do require surgery, do not panic.  It is not the end of the world, and you can get through it! Think of it
    as a personal challenge to overcome, set goals for yourself to achieve.  If you view it in a negative way, as only
    being something scary and to avoid, then you'll likely have a bad experience.  If you go in strong, healthy, and
    with a smile on your face, then you will succeed.  It's amazing how far one can go on a smile.

If you are a Jehovah's Witness and you or your child requires surgery, then have the surgery.  Scoliosis won't
    go away and in some cases, it can progress to a level where, if untreated, one would be crippled, have heart
    and respiratory problems, and may end up in a wheelchair.  It is not something that can be wished away, or
    simply 'let go'.   On the same thought, if you are considering COPES treatment, be careful! In many cases,
    the curving is severe and surgery is required, there is no way around it.  And stay away from chiropractors
    unless you have been to a specialist and all options are explored, and the specialist will inform you what you
    can and cannot do with a chiropractor or massage therapist.

If you are depressed because you are crooked, and it is hard to dress, pick out clothes, wear a tshirt, etc.
     you have to realise that it's your shape, and you gotta accept it.  Usually, it doesn't bother anyone else
     nearly as much as it does you!  No one else likely notices.  Try it sometime--it is hard at first, but then you
     will feel much better about yourself:
     Wear a t-shirt, one that you claim you 'can't be seen in', and wear it out in public.  No jacket allowed!
     When people smile at you or maybe comment that they can't put their finger on it, but something about
     you is different-you look nicer today, they ask if you got a haircut--well you'll see, people will notice that
     you are more casual, more relaxed-looking, and the more often you try this, the easier it gets and the more
    compliments you get.  Try wearing a dress one day, or go swimming at the beach!
    These are small goals you can set for yourself.

And that brings me to the final tip:  don't let your scoliosis control you!
    It's like I said above, if you are wearing layers in the summer, or hiding behind jackets no matter what, or
    avoiding social events or the beach because you are afraid someone will see your back...then you are giving
    control of your life to your back--no, to your FEAR.  Don't stop living because of scoliosis.  For your own sake,
    live  life for once.  Accept your back, and don't let it ruin your life.  It's not worth it.  There are many worst
    things you could be suffering from, lots of worst situations you could be in, so be grateful for what you
    have and life your life, don't hide at home or under layers of fear and extra jackets.
 


One day, while I was getting depressed over what to wear,
a friend of mine told me something that, at the time, seemed harsh:
"Give it a rest already, your'e the only one who gives a damn about your back!"
So with that in mind, every day this summer I've faced the world with my chin up
and my jacket where it belongs, on a hanger at home. May you do the same!
(and thanks Chris for having the balls to tell me what no one else would)


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