Brace Free...Or Not

As I previously posted, Big girl got her braces off in July. She was an amazing patient. Never complained and always did what she was supposed to do. She was young to get braces, too. Just about 8. When Big girl was 7 she was diagnosed with scoliosis. This came as a big surprise to all of us and because she was very young for the onset of scoliosis we spent the next two years monitoring the progress of the curve with multiple x-rays, MRI's and many, many trips to Portland to visit the spine specialist at the Shriner's hospital (A great organization to support, if you can). On this last visit, the doctor felt her curve had progressed to the point when bracing was needed.

She was x-rayed (again) and measured by the "Brace Guy". This was done with amazing speed and efficiency, I couldn't believe it. Definitely not a government-run operation.



Two weeks later and yet another trip to Portland and Big Girl is the owner of a shiny new back brace (they let her pick out the design).Notice the smile. This kid is amazing. After a few brief tears when she heard about the bracing, Big Girl has had an incredibly positive attitude. Never complains and in fact reminds me to put it on at night.


She only has to wear it for 12 hours a day so we put it on at night after she has a shower and take it off in the morning. Hopefully, this will prevent her spine from curving further and prevent her from having a full-time brace or surgery in the future.


I am so proud of my girl. I don't know what I did to deserve her.