This June made it my second year celebrating Scoliosis Awareness month and educating people, I knew, on Scoliosis.
The Beyond A Curved Spine (BACS) came up with a series on Bella Naija that I had written for and I thought to share my peice with you!!
Enjoy!!!
For a young woman in her early 20s, I had not, till 2013, heard of Scoliosis. So having a Doctor tell me, after a routine x-ray before my master’s programme, that I had scoliosis was like pouring ice cold water on me. I was mostly terrified and felt like I couldn't even go through with the programme. This was all within the few minutes after the doctor sat me down to give me the news.
I have always not had that banging figure. I have always had back aches but I just never put the two together. I remember one time when I had gone out with some friends, a few years ago, and a friend passed a snide comment about me having a 'funny' shape. She didn’t know I had heard but it rubbed me off funny. It hurt me but I just always assumed I was part of the unlucky percentage of the female population that just would never look like an hour glass.
I had already come to terms with it, but hearing I had scoliosis - a sideways curvature of the spine, was shocking to put it mildly. And the fact that my only option for correction was a difficult surgery terrified me even more.
I spoke to one of my closest friends about it, in 2017. He introduced me to an online platform called "Beyond A Curved Spine" and I found out I wasn’t alone. I stumbled on quite a number of people I knew personally and I realized that maybe this wasn’t so bad.
I’ve gotten better at dealing with it, I do routine exercises, physio sessions and I’m actively pushing myself to a healthy and fit lifestyle. I am also now conscious of my posture and pain triggers. I know what to avoid and what to encourage. I am also very vocal with my family, friends and social media followers on scoliosis and its many misconceptions.
I’m very proud of "Beyond A Curved Spine" and everything Bimbo and the team are trying to achieve and I always make sure to support in every way I can because Nigerians need to understand that with Scoliosis, as with most conditions, there’s no need for a stigmatization. It’s not death.
For anyone who has just been diagnosed and is scared out of their minds, I’d advise they get rid of that fear first. It is the first step. And if you have the option to get a brace or do exercises to correct it, please do and do so quickly.
Lastly, love yourself, every and any part … curves and all!
Even the Bible in 1 John 4:18 says that, “Perfect Love Casts Out All Fear”. Fear will drive you to do silly things, but once you love yourself, casting out all that negativity, it’s the first step to better.
XOXO!
- Pookie!
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