My student has scoliosis... How do I help her?
By massageeh
@massageeh (965)
Taiwan
April 5, 2007 10:59am CST
My EFL student, who is in grade 6 has scoliosis with a 46 degree curvature. Her parents didn't find out early enough. As an English teacher and a massage therapist I can only help her reduce pain and try to make her laught. But, I feel hopeless. I want to do more for her. I heard she is thinking of getting a surgery done this summer. What can I do to help her?
3 people like this
6 responses
@mememama (3076)
• United States
6 Apr 07
A good doctor won't operate until she is done growing. I had the surgery. Beforehand the doctors took x-rays of my body to see if my bones are done growing before they proceeded. I got a lot of teasing after my surgery since I got scrawny, I got an infection in the hospital and lost a lot of weight. So be there to support her and be an ear for her to talk to. Also after her bones are done fusing to the rod, I can't remember how long that takes, perhaps you could get an exercise of physical therapy to regain her strength since she'll be out of commission for awhile.
@massageeh (965)
• Taiwan
7 Apr 07
Thank you for the response. The mom says she might have ther surgery this summer, if the curvature continues. Apprantly, the brace isn't working. If she decides to have the surgery, I'm definately going to be by her side every step of the way. I think it is not fair why this would happen to a nice girl or even to anyone. Stand tough!
@Venus965 (36)
• United States
7 Apr 07
I have had scoliosis myself. I had the surgery when i was in the fourth grade, i am 22 now. My curvature was very severe to the point that had i not had the surgery a few years later would have been serious problems that would not be fixable. I had grew about 4 inches in height after the surgery. It was very tough at first since i had the surgery in the summer. The recovery is tough at first for the first few weeks. She'll need physical therapy, but only for a few days, at least that was my experience. It would really help if you made her really comfortable, maybe having her favorite games, or favorite cookies or something like that would be nice. Being there for a support system is really important and that she has someone to talk to about it, because it's not that common people have that condition. Like the other person said earlier, if she can talk to others who have scoliosis and be able to relate, that's something i wish i had when i had the surgery in 1993. Wish they had the internet back then.
@massageeh (965)
• Taiwan
8 Apr 07
Thanks for the advices. I plan to be right by her side as long as her parents will allow. She is such a special girl, and I want her to be as comfortable as possible throughout the process.
@thor78 (45)
• Philippines
13 Apr 07
It's good to have a lot of options before even considering surgery. Be sure to get other doctor's opinions and look for alternative ways of treating scoliosis. There are two alternative treatments I know of that have a good chance of reversing or limiting the curvature. One is chiropratic treatment and the other is the Dorn method. Both the chiropractic and Dorn methods are non invasive methods and are done by manipulating target areas using techniques similar to physical therapy. The two are especially effective on young patients because their bone plates are not fully fused yet and can be relatively easier to manipulate using the two methods. I have been treated using the chiropratic method and my scoliosis curvature is now stuck at about 48 degrees. Unfortunately for me, I was diagnosed and treated in my late teens so all the chiropractic doctors could do for me was to stop or at least lessen the curvature to some degree.
@massageeh (965)
• Taiwan
13 Apr 07
My student uses a brace to try and stop or slow down the curve. But, I don't think it worked. So, that why thy're deciding to have the surgery.
@brokentia (10389)
• United States
13 Apr 07
I just found out a couple of months ago that my daughter has scoliosis too.
And it is something that is more scary when they do not understand what is going on.
When I posted about my daughter having scoliosis, a couple people suggested that she read Deenie by Judy Bloom. I did get the book for my daughter and she really loved it! It helped to explain to her the medical and emotional sides of it.
So, to help out, you may want to get her this book by Judy Blume.
Maybe even get yourself the book too...to know give you an idea of what emotions come along with it. But mostly, be there as a friend that will listen and care. :)
I wish her the best!!!
http://www.amazon.com/Deenie-Judy-Blume/dp/0440932599
@hockeygal4ever (10021)
• United States
16 Apr 07
Just FYI... each case is handled individually and each surgeon has their own ways to handle their patients. Some patients will benefit from early surgery, while others they let do their growing and then operate. I've seen both cases.
The Shriners is the top notch place for this type of surgery and here in Erie, Pa is where one of the top hospitals for back surgeries are for children. My daughter goes there right now and they have told her she will ALWAYS be a patient there, no matter what age. If she has other troubles with her back she is welcome there. So it's also nice to know they get treatment as "children" and it continues through their lifetime.
@massageeh (965)
• Taiwan
13 Apr 07
Thanks. I'll check out the site right away. Good luck yourself, stay strong for her.
@hockeygal4ever (10021)
• United States
16 Apr 07
Check into the Shriners hospital. It is NOT too late to do anything. I know girls who are 18 who have surgeries, performed by the Shriners Hospital. The Shriners is completely free to anyone who cannot afford. They charge the insurance companies only and what's left they toss aside. If there is no insurance, the entire treatment is free.
PLEASE, PLEASE find the Shriners Hospital nearest you. They have FREE room and board for those who live far enough away. Money should NOT be an issue at all. And I guarantee if there is something, anything, that can be done they will know how and do it!
http://www.shrinershospital.com
My daughter is living proof that they work and work well. We're lucky enough to live in an area that has a Shriners. But even if you're not, they will find a way to bring her to them. Please check into this!!!!!
@massageeh (965)
• Taiwan
16 Apr 07
Thank you for the suggestions. I'll check it out and pass it on to her mom. Thanks again.
@lafavorito (2959)
• Philippines
19 Apr 07
I have scoliosis too but the curve is less than 20 degrees (I think). Since you said she's getting a surgery this cummer, all you can do is be there for her during and after the surgery. Although wouldn't the surgery stunt her growth? I hope there's still a chance for her to get a brace instead before the surgery. You can also do some research about scoliosis and hand them over to her parents.
@massageeh (965)
• Taiwan
20 Apr 07
Thanks for the response. She tried the brace already, and it didn't help her. I guess her parents didn't push her to wear it because everytime she complains about the pain, they'll let her take it off. I'm not sure which type of surgery they'll use. But, I know there is a surgery that uses growing rod methods. I don't really have a place to tell them not to get the surgery.
@vixel83 (212)
•
6 Apr 07
I have scoliosis myself and moderate a forum at www.scoliosis-support.org, they're a really friendly lot, and many are very knowledgable about the condition. If she or her parents have any questions or just need support from people who know what they're going through, I can't recommend the place enough, everyone's lovely!
@massageeh (965)
• Taiwan
6 Apr 07
Thank you for recommanding the site. I'll check it out, and let her parents know, too.
