Scoliosis

Life takes a strange "twist" from time to time. My life has been abundantly blessed to have grown up in a wonderful, Christian home. I grew up hunting and fishing. Traveling was always a wonderful experience that helped shaped my perspective as I grew up.

It's the physical end of life that has been a bit rough. The "twist" in life came when I was diagnosed with scloliosis during my early teenage years. For those who don't know what scliosis is I can tell you that it is basically a curvature of the spinal cord. In some cases it may be induced by a traumatic incident and in many cases it is hereditary. My case is hereditary. In the hereditary cases it becomes a progressive situation in which the spine continues to curve with time. My curvature began at a 38 degree curvature in the '70's and has now progressed to 58 degrees.

During my surgery to correct a percentage of that curve the doctor began by putting me in traction to loosen up the spine and prepare it for the surgery. During the surgery the spine was straightened as much as was feasible, vertebrae were fused at specific points and a Harrington Rod was installed. Unfortunatly, the rod broke in future years, but remained fused down.

In years to come I was to discover hypertension, nerve damage (Brachial), arthritis and a winged, left scapula. I've seen my share of doctors and will likely see many more in the future, but I've learn one thing from all of this. When pain becomes a chronic thing and you become limited in what you are able to do just remember to live one day at a time and if you have to, one hour at a time!

Advice? Listen to the advice of your parents, your doctor and your sports coach if you have one. Don't be apathetic and take good care of yourself when you are young. Find a home church and get as close to the Lord as you can! Be wise and take advice where you can.

It may not seem like it during the pain but there are blessings for you. The promises of the Bible are true!