Share Your Story: My Bracing Journey
Meet Mary Grace, a patient who is treated by our spine experts. Learn more about her journey below.
Blog written by Mary Grace, of Dallas.
The first time I was told I had scoliosis was at my check-up when I was 11. I was in the fifth grade, an avid dancer and involved in choir and theater. My mom and I went into my appointment clueless of what was about to happen. Everything was going normal until my pediatrician asked me to touch my toes so she could check my spine. She was silent for a few seconds. “Umm… hold on,” she said. She brought in the other pediatrician to also look at my back. They discovered that I had a curve that was visible to the naked eye. This was not the kind of news that my mother and I were expecting to hear. We were immediately referred to Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. I felt a rush of emotions – I was confused, scared and shocked. My mom told me, “Don’t worry, Scottish Rite is the best of the best and they will take great care of you.” I didn’t know it at the time, but my mom was right. Scottish Rite Hospital would later go on to provide me with five years of the best possible care.
I immediately liked my doctor, Dr. McIntosh. She was kind, smart, fashionable and also a mom. She immediately connected with me and we began talking about our lives. After getting to know each other, she told me that I had moderate scoliosis. At that point, my curve was less than 20 degrees. I was told that for now, I only needed to be seen every six months for scans of my spine to make sure the curve wasn’t progressing. I visited Scottish Rite Hospital the summer before my sixth grade and during the middle of that year. Both times, the curve had not progressed. In fact, they told me that after my next appointment, I may be done with my treatment forever.
My next scan was scheduled for July, when I was going into seventh grade. I wasn’t at all worried since my three previous visits had all been uneventful. I had my scan and waited for Dr. McIntosh. My mom and I talked in the spacious patient appointment room, completely unaware of the impending news that would change my life forever. What happened next was shocking! The door opened, and it wasn’t just Dr. McIntosh, but a team of at least four people. Dr. McIntosh informed me that my scoliosis had progressed significantly in the past six months. My curve was now 28 degrees and I needed to be fitted for a brace right away. My mom and I both fought back tears as we were sent downstairs to the Orthotics and Prosthetics department. Our specialist, Kelsey, could not have been more kind or encouraging. She formed personal connections with me from the second she walked through the door. After a few more orthotics appointments, we even developed our own inside jokes. She scanned me for the brace and told me lots of encouraging stories about other teenaged girls who wear braces. We were instructed to come back in three weeks when my brace would be ready.
Three weeks later, I was back at the hospital to get my brace. Although it was fitted and made just for me, nothing about it felt normal. It was big, hard, very tight and even with the medical tank tops underneath, it rubbed my skin. Kelsey in prosthetics was incredibly kind and patient with me. She had me walk the halls of the hospital, practice sitting down, standing up, etc. while wearing my brace. Then, I would report back to her about where it hurt, and she would make adjustments. Sometimes I couldn’t even articulate exactly what it felt like, but she worked tirelessly to try to make that brace as comfortable as it could be. After a long day, I left the hospital feeling upset while I carried my brace in my arms because I had to work up to being able to wear it for long periods of time. I could not believe that this was going to be my new normal for the next few years. In the hospital parking lot, I saw a girl about my age who was also carrying a brace. She noticed the brace in my arm and walked right up to me. She said, “Hi, I’m Cadence, I’ve worn a scoliosis brace for the past six years. I can give you lots of tips.” She then proceeded to tell me how she managed to stay cool in the brace at night, which undergarments worked best with it, how to adjust the tank top straps to fold over the brace to work with certain outfits, etc. Cadence was so optimistic and said all of this with a big smile. I thought, “If she can do this and still smile like that, I can do that too.” Cadence and I became pen pals and regularly texted about our scoliosis. When she came to Dallas a few months later for her scoliosis surgery, I came to visit her at the hospital.
I continued to wear my brace throughout middle school. It wasn’t easy and it wasn’t always comfortable. However, Dr. McIntosh, Kelsey and every single person I interacted with at the hospital made this journey as wonderful as it could be.
They cheered me on, they listened to me and they offered support.
Like Cadence, I too have been able to help younger girls with scoliosis. I like being able to share my experience and cheer them on. I smile and visit with every single person I see holding or wearing a brace in the halls. Since I am now fully grown, I no longer have to wear my brace. There is a chance I will need surgery down the road for my scoliosis. I hope not, but if I do, I know I will be in the best possible hands at Scottish Rite Hospital.
While I didn’t wish to have scoliosis, the experience has made me stronger and helped shape what I want to do with my life. My journey at Scottish Rite Hospital and with Dr. McIntosh has made me want to be a doctor. I am beyond thankful for the hospital and the amazing people who work there. They have provided me with so much (including my “bionic” torso as my mom and I call it). Once you experience the community and people, you immediately want to become a part of the family. It is a special place that makes everyone feel welcome and supported. Scottish Rite Hospital has taught me that with a strong support system, coupled with a positive and open mindset, anything is possible.
