Having Scoliosis + Spinal Fusion Surgery

Getting and Wearing a Brace

Before I could leave I had to have a mould made for my brace - which I'd have to wear for the following six months. I believe I had a Boston brace, which is essentially a hard plastic shell which covers from the top of your chest to your hips. It's fastened by a few straps. You can choose a design to go on the front and back such as polka dot or zebra print, but because I knew my school were fussy about uniform, I stuck with white.

Making the mould involved being wheeled down to the plaster theatre in my bed and then having to stand up for a little bit whilst they covered me in plaster. Maybe for 3-5 minutes.

Sounds simple? Not when you're that weak and can't even get out of bed, let alone stand, let alone walk! I had to get strong and as quick as possible.

During my first brace cast attempt I stood and was told to stare at one point in order to remain still. The window was open so I could get a breeze, and the nurse kept saying "just focus on something outside and breathe". I thought "you've told me once already, I am!"

Next thing I knew they were laying me back into bed because I ended up fainting during the process (the only time I've ever fainted to this day). Clearly I hadn't been as still as I thought...

I was told I could try once more, but if I fainted again I'd have to wait until another day and we didn't know when that would be. My mum said to me "You have to do this, we need to get out of here. Do not faint", because we were so fed up of waiting for this moment.

I did it! Just.

I had waited for 3 days to get this done and this was all I had left to do before I could get home and Christmas was just around the corner! I had pressure on me, and it helped.

As much as I didn't initially like the idea, when I got it and put it on I felt SO much better. I could sit in a chair without feeling uncomfortable and I could confidently walk without holding onto something. Result!

I had to wear my brace all the time, except for when I slept - this includes in the bath/shower. Let me tell you it got so heavy when it was wet but it protects you so it's worth it.

I wore my brace over tank tops and then you could wear whatever you like over the top - I'd never wear anything over it purely because it made me look odd and bulky and at least with nothing over the top people can see what's there.

The most nerve wracking thing was going back to school wearing it. Our uniform consists of a shirt, tie and jumper. I agreed with them that I would wear a shirt over the top of my brace with a long black cardigan - and I had a walking stick. I looked cool.

It honestly wasn't a big deal! I had little kids staring at me which was sweet and I suddenly had people in my year asking me what was wrong and what it was, etc. I went from being invisible to someone people were actually interested in. The main advantage is that when you wear a brace people can immediately see that they need to be careful with you, which helps in a school environment.

I always made light of it, because I needed it to support me and ensure I healed correctly, it was just one of those things. I even preferred wearing it without a shirt over the top at school. One teacher used to pretend to fence with me because it looked like armour or sometimes I'd be a storm trooper! No one made fun of me or whispered, I had had spinal surgery and people respected that.

So do not worry. Embrace the brace!