So, it's only two weeks until my next X-Rays and orthopedics appointment, and this is where I'm at: I'm nervous but I'm also weirdly excited. Mostly, I just want it to be over so I know where I really stand in this. Most of my closer friends know of my scoliosis, and if you're considering telling your friends and you haven't yet, let me tell you, it really is relieving once you do. Almost everyone has taken it fairly well, although a girl I would have actually considered one of my friends told me that if I end up wearing the brace to school, she'd wear a cardboard box. Her reasons for doing so were as follows: 1) she didn't want me to "get all the attention" 2) she wanted to be "twinning," and 3) she wanted people to "see her differently." Oh boy! I wish I could say that was offensive, but at this point, I'm finding it easier and easier to laugh those things off. Most people with half a brain understand that it's a medical treatment, not a fashion statement or a cry for attention, and honestly, if she wants to wear a cardboard box to school, she can knock herself out!
It is a joke in my school to poke people in the gut or tickle them just randomly, so it's not like you could exactly hide a TLSO (hard plastic) brace even if you wanted to. Besides of which, we all change for gym, so at this point I'm not too concerned with the secrecy of my having scoliosis. I still don't wear tight shirts, less because I feel I need to hide and more because I personally am not comfortable with the way my waistline appears crooked in tighter shirts. I am definitely coming to terms with this recently, and it's kind of liberating. I mean, I'm sure that if I have to wear a brace (which we're all pretty sure I will) it will suck, but I'm so sick of seeing my waistline shift that I'm willing to try. Updates may be slow for a little bit, as there's been some family drama and I've been taking care of my siblings, but I'll keep you posted. Best wishes to those going through this with me, and thank you again for staying by my side. You've been a lifesaver. As always, PM me your questions/stories!
-E
YOU ARE READING
Bent, Not Broken: My Scoliosis Story (among other things)
Non-FictionThis is a true story. I wish I could say it were some beautiful romance, or a story of triumph. But it's not. It's mine. It's a roller coaster ride of ups and downs, a dizzying spin of doctors, loves, and hurt. I can't guarantee you a happy ending...
