Son used to be a mighty football player and, at one time, he had dreams of playing professionally. The following photos were taken by one of the dads around four years ago.
Even though we knew Son had a scoliosis, it had only ever been visible via X-ray, and not to the naked eye. He was undergoing various treatments for it, and intensive personal training to prevent it from getting worse, so, one day, after a football game, when he took his shirt off, I got a nasty shock to see his crookedness. With a shirt on, you see, it was unnoticeable. A subsequent X-ray revealed that the scoliosis had increased dramatically in just a few months to a 73% ‘S’ curve. Thereafter we proceeded with every therapy possible while we awaited his first appointment with a spinal surgeon to discuss options.
We were not prepared for the strict advice given. “You will require surgery and will need to quit football immediately – you will never be able to play again,” said the doctor. “This is your spine,” he continued, showing Son the latest X-ray which I hadn’t had the guts to show him myself. After that, the doctor left the room briefly to allow us some space to absorb this verdict. My heart cracked as Son sobbed and sobbed and I wanted to kill the doctor for his abruptness, only realizing later that there was probably no other way of saying it.
This is the latest MRI of Son’s spine. Its curve had increased to nearly 75% in just a few months. I took the photos against the veranda window, so they’re not works of art!
Husband, Son and I have all come full circle in the sense that, instead of resisting the idea of surgery, we now embrace it and Son cannot wait! After all, now that his spine is causing him discomfort (pain and no stamina) and is squishing one lung and one kidney, we have come to accept that there is no choice any more. And we are so lucky to be living in a country where this surgery is available, with one of the best surgeons in Australia.
I am grateful, fearful and excited. Son will be okay. He even said, “Mum, just drop me off at the hospital and go home again; I’ll be fine.”
No way! I am going to have two nights in a luxury motel near the hospital so I can come and go and be close by.
Roll on next Tuesday – how weird that Son’s day of surgery is Valentine’s Day – good omen, I reckon!
jmgoyder 
Julie, I kept reading 75% and wondered… what’s 75%? What IS 75% and what does it mean? Ohmygoodness! THAT 75%. I will be praying on Valentines day for all of you, including the Dr.
This hurts just looking at it. ~ Lynda
Yeah, the MRI X-ray is a bit of a shock isn’t it! Thanks for your thoughts – I am getting a teensy bit nervous now!
Hi,
I wish your son all the best for his upcoming surgery, I should imagine it is going to be a very long day for the both of you. My thoughts and prayers will be with both of you next Tuesday.
Thanks for that – soooo much!
I am hoping everything with Son goes really well. It’s going to be painful no doubt, but a straight spine will mean the world to him. Xo
I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your comment – thanks!
after seeing the xrays its obvious there,s no choice. With the shirt on , you cant see the problem.
love that your embrassing it and being positive. all the best and lots of love and prayers from us..
You are the greatest – thanks Juliewulie!
I wish your son good luck, and best wishes for the op, watch out for those nurses 🙂
Maybe, since it’s going to be Valentine’s day, a lovely nurse will fall for him and take him off my hands – hehe!
I gasped at the x-ray. Reading about it doesn’t prepare you for the actuality. You are all in my prayers.
Thanks, Tilly – yeah, the X-ray is a bit freaky isn’t it! xxx Julie
All the very best to you both julie … you will be very relieved when it’s all over and son very pleased. Will say a prayer all goes 100% and that you will get through the day well also.
Many thanks, Ingrid – it’s getting a little scary now so I have stopped looking at internet stories re scoliosis – argh! Juliex
I have had a read through your blog Julie, it is lovely.. your photos are way better than the ones I took today, the light was too harsh.. will try again another day, maybe come out early and do some before work 🙂
Again, I wish you all the very very best next week. I will be thinking of you xo
Thanks, Sharon. It has been so good to get to know you and I really appreciate your help to us during this weird time. Juliexxx
It will be OK. Just had a friend go through spinal surgery for problem with nerves and tremors. Amazing that there are people out there with such a gift to be able to perform surgery.
Yes, yes and yes – thank you – very reassuring!
You’ve got a great kid. Good luck to you both! Have a great Valentine’s Day.
Thanks, Judith!
Going to bed now even though it isn’t even 10pm – poor old me – ha.
Julie
Wow! As others have said, those MRI x-rays paint a vivid picture. Sending positive, healing energy to the three of you… And hang in there. The tough part will be when he goes to rehab and starts physical therapy!!
Yeah, the x-rays are a bit surreal aren’t they! Thanks, Linda.
All my thoughts will be with you and your beautiful young man on the 14th. 🙂
Thanks Jenny!!!
Very best wishes Julie and please pass on my love and best wishes to M. He is one of the nicest and most positive kids I’ve ever met (and I’ve met rather a lot, as you can imagine!) He’ll come through this even stronger and go on to do amazing things. The passion and enthusiasm that went into his footy will find another pathway. Seeing him on stage, I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s something along those lines – he has many gifts, just like his mum.
I felt overwhelmed when I read this, Carol – thank you and I will forward your words to Son. Hope you are well and one of these days we will catch up!
I was shocked by the enormous scoliosis – I’ve never imagined it to be that bad. No wonder it’s affecting his organs.
I wish him all the very best for surgery day. We are lucky in Australia to have access to some brilliant surgeons and specialists in their fields. I DO hope the surgery goes to plan and Son doesn’t have too much pain in recovery. It will not be an easy time for him and will no doubt take some time to recover.
(took me 6-8 weeks and alot of physio to recover from my own back surgery in 2008 and I am in constant pain to this day).
Yes, the X-rays shock everyone because Son doesn’t look like that in the flesh! Thanks for your thoughts – much appreciated!
Be strong, it’s one step in the process and I know it will all be alright. Keeping you in my thoughts ♥
You’re the best – thx!!
When surgery is the only option then it is the very best option, and it sounds like you have confidence in the surgeon, so he is in good hands. Son will be even taller afterwards!
Yes, I’m going to measure his height before and after!
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Those xrays didn’t look that good