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Sophie Equi

It has been a year and a half since my operation; now, it’s not something I ever really think about, I live my life as any other 17-year-old.  It hasn’t always been like this though. I was 14 when I first discovered something wasn’t quite right with my figure. People couldn’t help looking at me and I didn’t ever feel uncomfortable or in pain, yet one of my hips seemed to be more pronounced than the other. I decided to book an appointment with my GP, who diagnosed me with scoliosis, but assured me I was normal and to come back if it caused me any problems. About a year later, I started to have bad aching pains in my lower back and this worried me, so my mum took me back to my GP. What I didn’t know was that during this time I’d had a growth spurt, but all the growth had gone to my spine, rapidly worsening my curves. The doctor referred me to the local hospital, but again, the specialist dealing with me had little knowledge of my condition, so finally I was referred to the spinal specialists in Scotland.

I walked into the hospital optimistic and with a fair lack of knowledge of my condition, yet nothing could have prepared me for what the specialist was going to say. As he started explaining the severity of my condition, detailing the surgery and the equally horrific consequences that would happen if I chose against having an operation, I realised how urgently something had to be done about it.

For the next few days, I fell into a state of denial and initially chose against an operation. Thankfully, however, I eventually realised that this was not the way forward. A few months recovering would be better than a lifetime of constant back pain. If I chose not to have surgery, there was a chance I’d eventually become immobile, and I didn’t want my spine restraining me from everything I’d want to do.

On 21^st February, 2009, I was admitted to hospital in Scotland for my surgery. I had two titanium rods screwed into my spine during an 8 hour operation and was taken care of by a team of 11 specialists. My memories of my week in hospital are clouded because of the cocktail of strong drugs I was given but my mum took some notes on my progressive recovery.

“Thursday 21^st February: Went to see Sophie in recovery; very pale, but had one unit of blood transfused during operation. Did very well so taken from high dependency unit to ward.

Friday 22^nd February: Sophie on oxygen and morphine but coping well with pain. She says she feels as if “she has been stretched”. Began to get quite agitated as a result of the fact that she couldn’t sleep because of the babies crying and the beeping of the machines.

Saturday 23^rd February: Sophie a bit better today. Managed to sit on the edge of the bed and slept for quite a while.

Sunday 24^th February: Sophie drinking so drip down. Stood up briefly and slept lots. Lots of visitors as well.

Monday 25^th February: Sophie managed to walk a good few steps but has excruciating pain in her back.

Tuesday 26th-Thursday 28^th February: Walked up and down flight of stairs. Discharged on Thursday, Sophie sorry to leave!”

I do remember some things from hospital. Of course I remember the pain, but there was so much more to my week’s intensive recovery than that. My first memory was waking up and hearing machines beeping, people chatting, someone holding my hand. I realised the operation had been a success, but was so drowsy I fell back to sleep. I remember how it felt to gradually regain my appetite. I remember how happy I was when the surgeon visited in the morning to tell me I was making good progress. I remember the strange sensation of being completely disorientated. I remember feeling sick and weak and frail. I remember being so grateful to the dedicated help being constantly offered by the nurses, my family and friends.

My recovery seemed to accelerate further once I was home, but my mum was always on hand to help whenever it was needed. Every day brought a new challenge, but soon enough I was falling back into my daily routine. 7 weeks later I was back at school. The staff and pupils were all very supportive, and exams were only around the corner. I was really worried that the surgery may have had a negative effect on my results, but when I got the results I wanted, I was absolutely delighted.

A few months later, I decided to write to some Scottish newspapers about my experience and the need to raise awareness of scoliosis. Articles were published in national newspapers including The Glasgow Herald and The Sunday Post and in local newspapers; The Hamilton Advertiser, The Perthshire Advertiser and The Strathearn Herald. I received a very positive response. A girl even wrote into The Perthshire Advertiser saying how she was now no longer ashamed to have her scar on show and my story had given her confidence. All this made it seem all the more worthwhile.

I worked with my school’s charity committee to raise money for the Scoliosis Association, by selling my dad’s famous Equi’s ice cream at break and lunch time. My auntie ran the woman’s 10K in Glasgow, and I donated half the fee from my Glasgow Herald article to the Association. Together we raised nearly £600.  I also find myself truly inspired by some of the moving stories in Backbone. The courage and motivation of scoliosis patients and their families across the nation is something we should all be very proud of.

I am now in a new chapter of my life, entering my final year of school, faced with a year crammed with exciting events to look forward to. I managed to complete the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award expedition, an 80K walk, carrying a heavy bag and camping for four nights, which shows how far I’ve come. I’ve been made Head Girl for the academic year 2009/2010, and will be travelling to The Gambia at Christmas time to refurbish teacher’s accommodation. My spine, however, will always be a special part of me, and I’m more than proud to show the thin scar running from the nape of my neck to the base of my spine. My story is only one of thousands across the world of people living with scoliosis; but all I would say is, try not to let your spine bring you down. Turn your condition into something positive; make a difference. Everything happens for a reason.