My Daughter Won 5 Medals on the Weekend!
By jennybianca
@jennybianca (12912)
Australia
December 6, 2009 5:50pm CST
She participated in a swimming carnival in the country, and won one gold, two silver and two bronze. She was so pleased with herself.
Why is this so exciting to us? She is a competitive swimmer and two weeeks ago was diagnosed with scoliosis of the back. We were quite shocked, as even though her scoliosis was quite mild, it was given her a lot of pain. I thought it was the end of her swimming.
Normally, people with scoliosis can swim, as it is good for the condition. But in my daughters case, the tendons attached to the spine became inflamed and caused a great deal of pain. Not only that, she lost 2/3rds of her upper body rotation. She meant that back stroke and freestyle were very diccult to do, and these are her main strokes.
She went on anti inflammatories to reduce the inflammation and once it reduced somewhat, the physio gave her exercises to get back her muscle movement.
The condition has improved a fair bit. Scoliosis itself is not curable.
That is why we were so pleased that she was able to win these 5 medals. Her times weren't the best, but they were okay.
It has given her a boost to her confidence.
6 people like this
32 responses
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
7 Dec 09
Congratulations to your daughter. You must be so proud of her. She sounds like quite an athlete. I hope that she doesn't progress to where she will need surgery or bracing for her scoliosis.
@GardenGerty (160879)
• United States
7 Dec 09
I am with you on this. I hope that the swimming continues to be therapeutic for her as she grows. Sounds like the physio therapy is benefiting her as well.
1 person likes this
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
7 Dec 09
Hers is a mild case, so it is very unlikely it will progress to that stage. What she now has to be very careful of is all sports that will agravate the surroinding muscles and tendons, causing inflammation. She loves sport and is planning to study it in year 12.
@scarlet_woman (23463)
• United States
7 Dec 09
awesome! that's great:)
i have what they told me is "double bow" (neck and back),but it usually doesn't bother me unless i have to lean over long periods of time.
2 people like this
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
7 Dec 09
I havent heard of that condition but it soiunds similar to my daughters. Guess you need to make sure you sit properly too.
1 person likes this
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
7 Dec 09
That is exactly the same as my daughter, she also has problems siting up for a long time. A long time being more than one hour. When she had her year 11 exams two weeks ago, the pain of sitting up for 1.5 hours each, was so much that she skipped the last two exams. Fortunately with a medical certificate, it doesnt affect her results. Next year in the year 12 exams which go for 3 hours each, I dont know what is going to happen.
1 person likes this
@scarlet_woman (23463)
• United States
7 Dec 09
i have problems sitting up absolutely straight for long periods my back starts hurting-when i was a teenager i used to go round and round with teachers about slouching in my seat.
i finally lost it one day and said "i can't sit up straight!"
and they were told why before too.
1 person likes this
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
7 Dec 09
Thank you. She has the State Championships in 2 weeks time.
@dodo19 (47336)
• Beaconsfield, Quebec
7 Dec 09
I'm glad for all of you that your daughter was able to compete in a swimming competition. Under the circumstances, it is understandable that you would be so happy and really proud of her. I'm really sorry to hear about your daughter's diagnosis, though. It's never something that you want to hear.
2 people like this
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
7 Dec 09
Even though a mild case of scoliosis, it has caused her significant pain. I am, proud of her efforts to overcome the disadvantages.
@msfrancisco9369 (10002)
• Boston, Massachusetts
7 Dec 09
Hi Jenny,
Cheers and applause to your daughter. she's so blessed for making it to 5 medals. i admire her persistence, determination and courage to do it despite her condition. she was fully motivated and inspired to make it. i am so happy for her and for your family. i know how proud of you as a mom. your love and support made it possible for her to win!
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
7 Dec 09
My 12 ear old nephew has Aspergers, a form of Autism as you would know.
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
7 Dec 09
I am very proud of my daughters resiliance and courage and determination. Thank you.
@msfrancisco9369 (10002)
• Boston, Massachusetts
7 Dec 09
I know the feeling of being so proud with our kids accomplishment. i have two kids with autism and any little accomplishment that they make i am celebrating it with so much pride and happiness. She's such a fighter! I admire her. Please extend my hugs to her!
1 person likes this
@Thoroughrob (11742)
• United States
7 Dec 09
I am happy for her. Scoliosis is a difficult thing. My son just had the rods put in his back for that back in March. I am glad hers is not that bad. I am really glad you found something that could relieve her pain so that she could get those medals!!
1 person likes this
@Thoroughrob (11742)
• United States
7 Dec 09
My son is 15. He also has Cerebral Palsy. They were supposed to stay permanent, but due to getting an infection, they will be coming back out some time after March.
1 person likes this
@Thoroughrob (11742)
• United States
7 Dec 09
We had a doctor that didn't communicate with us, and it was a very bad curve. By the time we changed doctors, we did not have any choices. It was starting to put stress on his organs. He is a real trooper.
1 person likes this
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
7 Dec 09
Your poor son. I had heard that in very bad cases of scoliosis, that they need an operation or a back brace. How long will your son need the rods? How is he coping with it? How old is he? My daughter is 16.
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
8 Dec 09
Again I wish to extend my congratulations to your daughter on her latest achievement. Over the years we have been friends on myLot I have taken pleasure in hearing how well your daughters swimming prowess has increased. This is ever more wonderful to know that her illness has not stopped her from being a swimming champion. GOOD LUCK for her future goals!
1 person likes this
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
9 Dec 09
She has the State Championships the weekend after next. This coming Sunday is a swimming carnival. Hope her back is up to it. Still causes her some pain at times and not all the rotation has returned yet.
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
7 Dec 09
What a great story Jenny. Congrats to her and to you for not giving up on her dreams. I wish her continued success.
1 person likes this
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
7 Dec 09
Thank you for your kind words. I think she will be successful with her lifes journeys.
1 person likes this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
7 Dec 09
We learn our ethics from our parents. You are obviously doing a great job Jenny and so I know she will be successful.
1 person likes this
@eddify (412)
• Pakistan
12 Dec 09
First of I would like to congradulate you and your family on her success and may she own even more amen.
Secondly there is no limit if someone is seriously into the path of her of sucess. If she has made up her mind that she is going to do it and u as a family support her in all the things that she does then GOD will also help her.
1 person likes this
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
12 Dec 09
I totally support my daughter. She is very determined. Thank you for your comments.
@hagirl (1295)
• United States
8 Dec 09
Give her a congratulations from me also. It sounds like to me she is not going to let her illness stop her in whatever she intends to do... Tell her to keep the faith and with the support you are all giving her I believe she will be fine with her self-confidence. We will be praying for you and your family that you can stay strong through this trying time and that her condition will stay mild.... I know all about pain I am working on getting diagnosed with fibromalygia. The problem is there is no test for it but test to rule out other things that it mimicks.
1 person likes this
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
8 Dec 09
Im very sorry about the fibromalygia. When it is diagnosed, what can be done to improve the condition?
@hagirl (1295)
• United States
8 Dec 09
They put you on medicine like Lyrica or Cymbalta for nerve pain. It also helps with the symptom of depression that goes with the disorder. I already take something also for the anxiety and chronic migraines. There are other symptoms also that I have. It does not effect everyone the same. Hopefully with the medicine for the fibromylagia the other symptoms will be helped.
@NatashaBird (640)
•
18 Jan 10
5 medals is impressive even without the condition. I think it is truly inspirational to hear about her overcoming such problems and coming out on top.
1 person likes this
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
19 Jan 10
Thank You. She has the State Champoionships this weekend.
@cerebellum (3863)
• United States
7 Dec 09
Congratulations to your daughter for even trying to win let alone doing it. I imagine if some of the strokes were difficult they caused her pain. Do they know what causes that condition? Swimming is good for a lot of conditions. I have some brain damage, they aren't sure what and a type of therapy is swimming. or exercises in the pool. I loved to swim, and it used to be that that was the only time I felt normal. That's not the case anymore but I would still like to be able to swim. However if I were in any pain at all I probably wouldn't even try. I admire your daughter for not giving up on the things she used to do. She should feel very proud of herself for even trying.
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
7 Dec 09
It is not realy known exactly what causes scoliosis, but it is most likely genetic. I have a mild case, but it rarely causes me problems. Swiiming is indeed great therapy for a number of conmditions.
Im sorry to hear about your brain damage. I hope treatment of a phsyiotherapy nature helps you.
@cerebellum (3863)
• United States
7 Dec 09
I've taken therapy sessions about 3 times and each time it seems to help for a little while anyway. If nothing else it gives me different exercises to do at home. I try to exercise every day and get bored of doing the same old things. There is something wrong with my cerebellum (hence the nickname) and it might be genetic also. My brother is in a wheelchair from an accident so it's hard to say if he would have had it also. No one else in my family has any problems. My father was an only child so if it came from his side of the family it would be hard to tell.
1 person likes this
@cream97 (29086)
• United States
7 Dec 09
Hi, jennybianca! Congratulations to your daughter for a well done job! It is a blessing that God can allow her to defeat her condition so that she can excel in her swimming carnival tournament. I am very happy for her!
And I can see that you are too! She has a great mom whom wishes her the best in all of her success. You are very generous to have stuck by her throughout the entire time. I am very pleased to know that mothers like you are one of a kind! Once again, congrats to your daughter and congrats to you for being such a wonderful and loving mother!
And I can see that you are too! She has a great mom whom wishes her the best in all of her success. You are very generous to have stuck by her throughout the entire time. I am very pleased to know that mothers like you are one of a kind! Once again, congrats to your daughter and congrats to you for being such a wonderful and loving mother!1 person likes this
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
8 Dec 09
I cant say enough for my daughters courage and persistance. Thank you very much for your kind comments.
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
8 Dec 09
I take great care of her; in fact I probably worry too much.
@Nestonlady (132)
•
7 Dec 09
You must be very proud of your daughter.It just shows what can be achieved with grit and determination,doesn't it.These days we hear so many negative things about youngsters that it's great to hear something good like this.Well done, Bianca!
1 person likes this
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
8 Dec 09
She is very determined and very hard working. I love her very much.
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
7 Dec 09
It is a conditoion where the spine is curved. This means sport and other activities can easily upset the surrounding muscles and tendons.
@monkey82 (12)
• China
7 Dec 09
Your daughter's success inspired me. Though her success had great relation with
herself,I thought that it could't come true without her parents' paying out.All
parents are very great!You can be proud of your daughter and your daughter is lucky
of you!
1 person likes this
