When Riley’s father noticed a slight curvature in her spine, they decided to have it checked by a doctor. They headed to Nemours Children’s Health, Jacksonville where Dr. Neal diagnosed Riley with scoliosis in the summer of 2015.
Scoliosis is a medical condition in which a sideways curvature is found in the spine, causing issues such as back problems and discomfort. When Riley was diagnosed with scoliosis at age 12, her spine curvature was about 25 degrees.
Riley went through periods of wearing braces to try and correct the curvature. Unfortunately, the braces weren’t producing the results she had hoped. As she got older, the curvature continued to worsen to about 50 degrees. When she was 14, Riley decided to stop treatment and wait for spinal fusion surgery until she felt ready.
By age 18, Riley’s pain grew stronger, and she decided it might be time for the surgery. Riley visited Dr. Neal who explained that without surgery, the curve would continue to worsen, and the pain likely would with it. So, after her freshman year of college, Riley and her family decided that the time was right for a spinal fusion surgery!
“All the doctors and nurses I encountered at Nemours were incredible,” says Riley. “By the time of my surgery, I had already aged out of pediatrics, so many of the nurses were quite close to my age. It was fun to be able to relate to them on a different level. I also loved all the amenities of being on a pediatric floor, like the slushies!”
Since diagnosis at age 12, Riley has spent nearly half of her life navigating scoliosis and debating surgery. “To be in recovery feels bizarre,” Riley explains. “I’ve spent so much time worrying about surgery and what my life would be like after. Now, almost a year out, I’m doing amazing! The surgery went great, the recovery has been smooth, and I’m back to life as usual. I plan to continue getting stronger while also juggling college, internships, and whatever else life throws at me! I know that my healing journey will continue its positive course.” When asked what advice Riley would give others with scoliosis, she says, “Take it easy on yourself. There are going to be days where the pain may be too much, or you may not leave your bed. Taking it slow and being kind to yourself will help the healing process. It will all make sense in the end!”
