My Scoliosis Bucket List

For YEARS I drowned myself in massively over-sized tops to hide a 42.5 degree curve in my spine; a curve that caused my right shoulder blade to protrude outward and make me feel deformed.  I didn’t divulge the fact that I was crooked; instead I did EVERYTHING in my power to hide it.  It was devastating to me for anyone to notice!  Because of it I allowed myself to miss out on a lot of FUN STUFF – I rarely ever just let my hair down and fully embraced life!  I’ve done a lot of traveling and have had some fantastic experiences, but I was always on guard – always at work to make sure I adequately concealed my back.  This meant giving up certain activities and composing a list of excuses for family and friends when I was invited to an event for which I thought my back would be EXPOSED!  Today I’m thrilled to share - those thoughts, those years, those excuses and limitations are a thing of the past!!! 

One year ago “TODAY” my life CHANGED!  Today is the one year anniversary of my official appointment at Restoration Chiropractic in which I learned about a new scoliosis treatment program for kids and adults - no bracing or surgery!  I scheduled the appointment on my birthday; seemed fitting – it truly has been such a wonderful gift!!  I started treatment in mid-December and  since that time I've never been the same!

So today I’m reflecting on the past year, some AMAZING VICTORIES, and a boat load of goals I’ve been able to check off of my SCOLIOSIS BUCKET LIST! 

And sharing a few more things on my list that I hope to accomplish this year!

 

#1 – The BIG Reveal – March 2015 

This was a BIG ONE!  I was so scared! I remember hesitating to tap on the FaceBook “post” button when sharing with my family & friends that I had scoliosis, but I did it!!  They’ve been so supportive!  It was a real surprise to many of them because I worked extremely hard to hide it.  If it wasn't for Dr. Nick's work with scoliosis patients I would still be hiding today ---- I DON'T EVEN WANT TO THINK ABOUT THAT!!

 

#2 – Lose the Pain – March 2015    

Standing in one place, shopping, jogging, cleaning, and sitting are all ways in which I experienced pain.  The majority of the pain surrounded my entire right shoulder blade; the one in which my spine curves toward.  Sometimes it was mild and other times severe, but one thing is for sure --- it affected my life in a huge way.  I recently went back and read some entries from my journal throughout the years and realized  just how long it has been affecting me.  Through treatment I am NO LONGER experiencing pain!!!  Huge VICTORY!
 

#3 – Spread the Word – May 12, 2015

When someone has hope restored into their life – "WATCH OUT" ­– because the natural thing to do is shout it from the mountain tops!  To share this hope I created a page to document my journey. 

 

 #4 – Wear an Open Back Dress - June 20, 2015

As a result of treatment my confidence bloomed and I became BRAVE enough to wear an open back dress in public for the first time; something I would have been absolutely mortified to do prior to this day.  I was so nervous, excited, and a little scared --- but I did it!  It was a freeing experience and has paved the way for a new perspective.

#5 – Burn my Sports Bras – July 4, 2015

July 4^th, 2015 was a day to celebrate freedom in more ways than one!  For over 20 years I’d been wearing sports bras in an attempt to conceal my protruding shoulder blade and if I didn’t wear one my shoulder would be in horrible pain.  Through treatment the pain is gone, my back is looking better, and I stopped hiding ------ so it was time to BURN the Sports BRAS to celebrate my new found freedom.  As we lit up our fireworks - we lit them up too! My family had fun with that one – LOL!
 

#6 – Stop Hiding – July 2015

I faced my fear by exposing my back to make a statement -----  This video explains how I was able to come out of hiding, have confidence with my curve, and do the thing that's always TERRIFIED me the most - exposing my back to the world! I found a body artist and photographers to help me make a statement -- I WILL HIDE NO MORE!
 

 
#7- Wear a Swim Suit – August 15, 2015

I hadn’t worn a swim suit in over 20 years.  In fact I normally avoided swimming/beach altogether.  When I did go I’d wear a loose sports top over a sports bra – feeling very self-conscience the entire time.  Several years ago I went on a trip to Hawaii; I spent months trying to find a swim suit that I’d feel comfortable wearing --- OH THE FRUSTRATION!  I finally found one that I thought I’d be brave enough to wear, but when we got to Hawaii I CHICKENED OUT!  2 years later that swim suit still had the price tags attached until August of 2015 --- we grabbed my nephew and headed to the local beach!  I wore that swim suit and experienced another awesome victory!!

 

 #8 – Improvement (Last X-rays August 30, 2015)

So far my curve has been reduced from 42.5 degrees to 38 degrees. I've also had a reduction in my rib hump; I’m able to wear clothes that I never would have worn before -- like the white and black dress below which was a gift that hung in my closet until I finally acquired the confidence to wear it!

 

#9 – Get Rid of Oversized “Safe” Clothes – September 2015

It was difficult to find clothes that would conceal my back (with so many form fitting styles on the market).  Anytime I found a top that covered up my condition I bought it – usually whether I liked it or not!! In fact I had many of the same shirts in different colors -depressing!!!  Clothes are an everyday thing (unless you live in a nudist colony) so I struggled daily!!  Sometimes tops would fit right at first, but later would shrink.  It was an emotional rollercoaster.  I was excited on days when I found something that looked good and fit the way I wanted it, but other days it seemed like I couldn’t find anything to fit right and would have an emotional breakdown.  I feel so blessed that those days are gone.  Shopping has been so much easier now.  I’m in a new realm of freedom, happiness, and self-confidence.  I knew it was time to go through my closet and get rid of the OVER-SIZED clothes – (my safe clothes) and start replacing them with clothes I love.  I boxed them up and that is that!!!  GOODBYE – I will not miss them!!!!

Some remaining items on my bucket list: 

*Ballroom Dancing: I've always wanted to take lessons, but wouldn't because of the form fitting dresses and  
being afraid that some of the dance moves would expose my back. 

*Back Massage: NEVER wanted anyone to see my back, so would never get one!

*Go on a Beach Vacation - Not Think About My Back Once!: Oh to experience freedom in one 

of my favorite places - A BEACH!

*Continue Improvement: I'm going to keep striving to achieve the best results possible - I'm not giving up!  

*Secret Goal: If I’m able to achieve it – I’ll reveal it!