A curve ball

“The curveball is a type of pitch in baseball thrown with a characteristic grip and hand movement that imparts forward spin to the ball, causing it to dive in a downward path as it approaches the plate.” -https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curveball

This post has little direct reference to a curve ball, but what adolescence gave me (instead of lemons…) was a curve ball. I mean, literally!

It was around 5 years ago that this curve ball came in the way of an unsuspecting, clueless teenager. Of course, heavily uneducated in that matter too.

Never had heard of this, read it, seen it or even believed it. Now I had it!

It had a name too… SCOLIOSIS!

Now, I know most of you have that same confused look that I did five years ago. (When I first googled it; let alone, knew I had it!)

Let’s clear things up a bit; no, I was not hit with a curve ball; yes, curve ball is only metaphorical to mean a curvature in the spine, which is essentially scoliosis.

I can’t beat google in giving you more information about this disorder of the spine, but I shall write about my experience in dealing with it.

Some facts first: Scoliosis causes an otherwise straight spine to curve or bend laterally. Despite its ‘unpopularity’, it is quite common, especially so among adolescent girls. There are many reasons and causes for Scoliosis and although I can’t list them all, I will be posting the links to a few websites that helped me in gaining knowledge.

The most common type of Scoliosis (and the one I was diagnosed with) is called ‘Idiopathic Scoliosis’. Idiopathic because, it has no specific cause/reason. Although there are many theories with the most likely being hereditary. In my case, I know of no one in my family who ever had this, and so, the mystery remains. Also, its a condition that develops during adolescence and more so during the growth-spurt period (typically from ages 10-16). Once diagnosed, the curve of the spine is measured and then the course of action is determined. Usually curves over 40 degrees require surgery, though smaller curves can be cured with bracing, yoga, physiotherapy and the like. Scoliosis surgery is rarely an immediate option but if necessary can be planned and done at the patients’ convenience.

Poor me scored only 34 on the curve scale initially. I was immediately started on physiotherapy and yoga.

Honestly, it didn’t repair much. The physiotherapist I went to, made me lie on an exercise ball, and rubbed and pushed, and literally kneaded my back, all the while hoping her magical hands could set my stubborn back straight. Although yoga (all types) and dance did help improve my flexibility (more my mental strength), all the exercise together with everyone’s prayers even at various temples, never made it better; Quite.

How did I get to know it wasn’t getting better? Well, that’s thanks to my friends and family watching my back (especially those hawk-eyed.) Whether noticing if I was walking straight (?!) or if my clothes were slipping off to one side. It wasn’t that I wasn’t noticing these changes but it was more the fact that I didn’t want to because I was initially scared and embarrassed to give it away. I honestly thought that my hips jutted out or that one side of my body was curved in because I was so thin and tall that my bones just poked out (thin girl problems) 😛

It was in my 11th grade or so that it started affecting my dressing style. I would opt for loose-fitting clothes (they did a great job) to hide the curve. People wouldn’t notice a thing! Or so I thought. Once my parents started noticing, all hell broke loose.

The following months were quite hectic. We consulted many orthopedics, neurosurgeons, spine specialists and you name who, in our city and beyond, got multiple x-rays and MRI’s done, dreading all the while. By 12th grade, to my chagrin, the curve had grown to 40 degrees. I was on the borderline, but again since I was already 17 by then and I had pretty much finished growing (my height I mean, save the curve), few experts thought surgery may not be needed and I was relieved. Much too soon.

Enlightenment for me, I would say, hit me in the back. Actually, late realization that I had to accept and do something about it. It always bothered me how easily I forgot I had Scoliosis till I graduated from 12th grade and had to join college anew. With new faces, new questions, new insecurities; but the old curve. Still I decided to pursue my dream of studying architecture which requires a lot of bending and put plainly, ‘put-your-back-in-it’ type of work. With my family firmly behind me, these circumstances opened my -now more mature- mind to the world of Scoliosis differently. I met my doctor and was again back into the spiral of tests and x-rays. The result? My curve had increased! it was now at 45 degrees. From then on, it was to be monitored every year…

2015, my curvature measured close to 50 degrees.

That year, I had my scoliosis surgery. It became absolutely necessary.

It was after much debate, and much thought. Doctors, family members, friends and everyone involved. With a lot of support and good blessings to go with. My curve had started giving me these nagging pains and going under the knife would be best.

Needless to say, it was successful! Many thanks to my doc and all others…

So here I am today, typing this out- making a blog out of it. While in countries like the US, there is a lot of awareness about Scoliosis and regular check-ups even in school, it isn’t the same in dear old Bangalore as yet. Hence it isn’t because I want to share my story, but only  to make people more aware. As time passed, it was a revelation, as to the number of girls and boys with Scoliosis. As my heart goes out to them, I wonder. There are many souls who may not even know if they have a condition, and I hope my posts can help.

Though I’m not part of any Scoliosis related programs, hospitals, doctors or NGO’s…

… this is just me writing about that pinch of paprika that was added to my life! Without that curve. Quite straight.

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For more information, do contact me; follow my blog for a continuation… (the surprising details of my surgery); Plus other stories to follow.

Let’s all share- spread knowledge! Good health to all!

THANK YOU!!

Love, Disha

NOTES:

-http://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/guide/arthritis-scoliosis

-http://www.spine-health.com/conditions/scoliosis/scoliosis-what-you-need-know