Hope was diagnosed with Scoliosis in February. She didn't "pass" her 6th grade screening test at school last year but her case was very mild. She recently had a major growing spurt and things took a turn for the worst. We started with our Family Doctor who sent us for X-rays. When she got the results she sent us to an Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Davino and he did MORE X-rays.
Her curvature was 28 ° and Dr. Davino felt strongly that because Hope is still growing she should wear a back brace to help her spine straighten out as she grows.
The next step was a visit to Dr. Steve at Orthotic & Prosthetic Associates. He made a cast 
and sent that along with a CD of her X-Rays to Boston to have a brace made.
This is what her brace looks like:
Front
Side
Back
It is not the most accommodating attire if you know what I mean. Hope has had such a great attitude. She is to wear it 24/7 with the exception of athletics. She has managed to adapt her wardrobe so that most people don't even realize she has it on. Some kid at school was joking around and punched her in the stomach. She said(as she was chuckling) he'll never do that again! She has lots of funny stories of things that have happened. I think she is so amazing to have a sense of humor and I admire her resilient spirit and courage. She has been wearing it faithfully (through pain and ridicule) for 4 weeks now.
This week I took Hope back to Dr. Davino so he could do a follow up X-Ray. She did her X-Rays and we were waiting in the little room for the results. I was hoping with all my heart he would see a difference so Hope could have some gratification from all of her pain and dedication. When Dr. Davino entered the room he was smiling from ear to ear and practically jumping up and down. He was thrilled with the results. The lower part of her spine was at 0°(perfect) and the upper spine was down to 13°! He said he had NEVER seen this happen (in such a short time frame) in all of his years of practice. 
Although that brace is really uncomfortable and a big time wardrobe challenge, Hope won't mind wearing it for 12 - 18 months knowing what wearing it is accomplishing!
17 comments:
Way to go Hoper!!! And tell her Mckell wants to have a child that looks just like her :-)!
Yea- good job Hoperific! That is an amazing difference! You're right that it is not even noticeable- I forgot that she had it, even after hugging her, until she said something about it!
That is the best news! She has the best attitude as well!
I am so happy for Hope (and you) that the brace is working so well. What an amazing difference! Hope is doing her part with such a great attitude, I think she is getting some divine help too :)
Yes, Diane, so true. Good Doctors,PRAYERS and blessings are the best combination!
That is fantastic news!!! WTG Hope!
Yay! I'm so impressed by her attitude.
Wow that's awesome how well her brace is working, and I love her doctor's reaction! Sounds like she is taking it with an awesome attitude!
What a sweet girl you have. I am so impressed with her patience, dedication and GREAT attitude!
That is amazing. What a little trooper she is!
I am so happy for your daughter. Miracles really do happen.
Wow! So that is what you were worried about in Feb's post and couldn't tell!!! I am so happy that Hope is doing well and am sure she will do better! Have they said anything about going to a chiropractor? I know that they help a lot too!
Anyway, good job Hope and keep it up! Better to be a good sport about it know and be even more beautiful in the future! (if she can get more beautiful than she already is!!) xoxo! My thoughts are with you!
Christina, you remembered. Yes, this iw was what I was referring to. Thanks for your concern!
Good for her that things are going so well. That is wonderful news.
I remember the post about why you named her Hope. She's one special young lady!
Way to go Hope! You are amazing.
I had to comment on this post because it brought back so many memories! I too wore a cast very similar to this as a teen. I was only in it for about a year and no one knew I had the brace on. It is amazing how treatment hasn't changed much in the last 20 years -- that's how long ago I wore my brace. My curve was at 18 degrees when I went it. Best of luck!!!
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