Gillian's journey with scoliosis
This past April, Gillian celebrated her 18th birthday. For her, it not only meant turning another year older, it also signified the end of a long recovery and an opportunity to thank her friends and family for being there for her.In 2009, at the age of 12, Gillian was diagnosed with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis after her doctor noticed a curve developing in her spine. Gillian was instructed to wear a brace to help halt the progression of the curve.
“The first year in my brace was definitely the hardest,” said Gillian. “Not only was I trying to fit in with my peers at a new school, but I was trying to adjust to this contraption which made daily activities feel like running a marathon.”
Gillian’s back brace became an extension of her for almost five years. For 23 hours each day, the back brace went everywhere with her.
Despite her bracing efforts, Gillian’s scoliosis continued to increase dramatically. Activities became more challenging, she often felt shortness of breath and the chronic pain she felt made it more and more difficult to live a full life.
“When my doctor at SickKids told me that surgery was necessary, it actually came as a relief,” said Gillian. “For the first time, there was an end in sight and hopefully, one that did not include constant pain.”
SickKids had been a part of Gillian’s life for many years as she spent much of her youth at orthotic and orthopaedic appointments. However, when she found out she needed surgery, a little sense of fear and uncertainty crept up. But after a tour of 5A and meeting all of the nurses, her nerves were calmed.
Gillian will be giving back to other girls diagnosed with scoliosis through a support group called Curvy Girls.
In March of 2014, Gillian underwent spinal fusion surgery. She doesn’t recall much from her surgery, but she does remember the warmth and support she received from the nurses afterward.
“When I would call for them at 3 a.m., tears running down my face, they were there and willing to sit with me until I felt better. They were always trying to make me laugh and were so encouraging throughout my recovery.”
Recovery for Gillian meant a lot of walking. She progressed from a slow shuffle where every movement caused her pain to an increase in her distance and pace until she was walking for hours. And the entire time, SickKids staff were there, cheering her on as she achieved new milestones in the distance she traveled each day.
It has been more than a year without her brace as her constant companion but she still continues to cherish the small things that she is now able to achieve.
“Being able to climb a set of stairs without getting out of breath, riding a bike on a warm summer night, even being able to feel the wind through my shirt and on my skin … these are all things that continue to impact me and make me emotional.”
This summer, Gillian will be volunteering at SickKids. She will also be giving back to other girls diagnosed with scoliosis through a support group called Curvy Girls. In 2012, she joined the group while living with scoliosis. She now helps to co-lead the Toronto area chapter of Curvy Girls, which meets monthly to help girls overcome their diagnosis.
What does Gillian’s future hold?
“I would like to get into social work and apply my skills and experiences to help other children and their families cope with a scoliosis diagnosis.”
Would you like to learn more about scoliosis? Check out this resource from AboutKidsHealth.
