Abigail is a 16-year-old girl who was diagnosed with scoliosis when she was in middle school. It was during her annual health visit when her spine caught the doctor’s attention. Abigail’s mother, Serena, took her daughter to see an orthopedic specialist at Nemours Children’s Health, Jacksonville, where they met with Dr. Kevin Neal and were told that Abigail had scoliosis.
Initially, no further actions were taken as the scoliosis wasn’t severe. However, about a year had passed when Abigail started experiencing more pain and her posture worsened. So, they went back to Dr. Neal at Nemours Children’s and Abigail was put into a TLSO brace.
The care team at Nemours played a vital role in Abigail’s treatment. “Mike, in particular, was fabulous,” says Serena. Michael Wright, Director of Prosthetics & Orthotics, ordered and fitted Abigail’s scoliosis brace. “He played his role perfectly, giving Abigail a sense of comfort throughout the process. Even during brace fittings, he remained very calm, making Abigail feel at ease. He was always exactly the person we needed him to be.”
Serena described the treatment experience as very emotional and, at times, traumatic. “Especially given that Abigail was in middle school, and having four kids, I know this can be the toughest age for any child, let alone a girl,” says Serena. Nonetheless, Mike’s approach was positive. He never made Abigail feel bad or uncomfortable about the brace. “The doctors and nurses at Nemours were always very positive and understanding,” says Abigail. “I loved that they always treated me as an adult.”
At first, Serena had little expectations for the TLSO brace. She had heard from friends with scoliosis that their brace experiences were unsuccessful. But, she also knew that they didn’t wear their braces as instructed. Serena was determined to follow the doctor’s orders to the fullest to avoid any need for surgery. Abigail wore the brace for about 22 hours a day, they were very strict about it. Abigail only removed the brace when necessary, for example while exercising or swimming, and then put it right back on. “I just knew that when I started with the brace that we were going to do it the way the doctors said,” explains Serena.
Wearing the brace was tough for Abigail, mentally and physically. Getting on the bus became a burden because of the heat and sweat, and some of her shirts got holes because of the brace’s Velcro. She also had to find clothing that fit well with the brace, which could be emotionally challenging. However, Abigail said she would do it again 100%.
“The brace changed her figure in a positive way,” says Serena. “Abigail was able to continue all her activities while wearing it to too, like lacrosse and swimming. Her brace didn’t hinder any of that. In fact, I think it strengthened her during those activities a little bit with the support it had. When she got out of the brace, she had a beautiful, straight posture.” Abigail was able to remove the brace before beginning high school with a complete recovery.
“Three years ago, in the middle of wearing the brace, I don’t think our recollection would have been as positive,” says Serena. “But her results made it all worth it now having been through it all. My advice would just be you have to wear the brace to get the results. Just listen to what your doctor says, honestly.”
