Ella's operation is now booked for May 23 2013.

In December, her curve was measured 68° top and 57° bottom. Unfortunately it will now continue to bend & curve even after she has stopped growing.

She will always have back problems but nothing as devasting as Scoliosis. A year after surgery, her vertebrae should fuse together so the metal put in place to support it, will be redundant but never removed...

 

THE STORY

In October 2011, our daughter Ella (13) was diagnosed with Thoracic (rib region) Scoliosis (Curvature of the spine). There is no cure for this, only surgical correction in severe cases. Her single curve was measured at 25 degrees. This was deemed moderate and her Consultant decided to monitor her.

 

Unfortunately, her x-ray in June 2012 (8 months later), confirmed that her now 'S' shaped curve has deteriorated to 50 degrees. Although it did not affect gentle daily activities, it is beginning to affect breathing because lung capacity is compromised. Her shoulders and hips are uneven because there comes a time where the body can't compensate anymore.

 

She has had an MRI scan to see whether a congenital spinal cord defect could have caused this collapse but the results were inconclusive. As there is no obvious genetic link, her condition is now described as Idiopathic (no known cause).

 

Discussions (21/09/2012) have edged closer to a surgical solution in the very near future. Spinal surgery for Ella will involve permanent insertion of steel rods either side of the length of her spine with titanium bolts fusing her nearly all her vertebrae to stabilise it. This will prevent her spine from growing anymore and will permanently affect flexibility but in the long run, the rods will be in place to prevent any crippling issues which could occur as she approaches middle age.

 

This is why I am running the Marathon to raise money for the Scoliosis Campaign Fund. Money raised will go towards support and research to help people now and in the future. I want to raise awareness about this condition which is surprisingly prevalent across all ages; from healthy people to sufferers of other conditions such as Cerebral Palsy – like my little 3 year old niece Isobel.

 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

 

Whatever you can donate would be hugely appreciated - however small, it all adds up!