Sophie Equi
2 years have passed since my operation; now, it’s not something I ever really think about, and I live my life as any other 18-year-old. My life hasn’t always been like this though.
I was 14 years old when I first discovered something wasn’t quite right with my figure. People couldn’t help looking at me and although I didn’t ever feel uncomfortable or in pain, 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 healthy 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, which 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 disorder, so finally I was referred to the specialists in Scotland.
I walked into the hospital optimistic and with little knowledge about 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.
For the next few days, I fell into a state of denial and initially chose not to have an operation. Thankfully, however, I eventually realised that this choice was not the way forward. A few months recovering would be better than the potential of a lifetime of constant back pain. If I chose not to have surgery, there was a chance that I’d eventually become immobile, and I didn’t want my spine restraining me from everything that I’d want to do.
On 21st February, 2009, I was admitted for my surgery. I had two titanium rods screwed into my spine during the 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 that I was administered but my mum took some notes on my progressive recovery.
"Thursday 21st 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 22nd 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 23rd February: Sophie a bit better today. Managed to sit on the edge of the bed and slept for quite a while.
Sunday 24th February: Sophie drinking so drip down. Stood up briefly and slept lots. Lots of visitors as well.
Monday 25th February: Sophie managed to walk a good few steps but has excruciating pain in her back.
Tuesday 26th-Thursday 28th 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 I was so drowsy that I fell back to sleep. I remember how it felt to gradually regain my appetite. I remember how happy I was when the surgeon would visit in the morning to tell me that I was making good progress. I remember the strange sensation of being completely disoriented. 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 once I was home, but my mum was always on hand to help whenever I needed her. 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 might have negatively affected 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 local and national newspapers and there was a very positive response; a girl even wrote to The Perthshire Advertiser saying how she was now no longer ashamed to have her scar on show and that my story had given her confidence. All this made highlighting my experience seem all the more worthwhile.
I worked with my school’s charity committee to raise money for SAUK by selling my dad’s famous “Equi’s Ice Cream” at break and lunch time. My auntie ran the women’s 10K in Glasgow, and I donated half the fee from my Glasgow Herald article to the Association. Together we raised nearly £600. I find myself truly inspired by some of the moving stories in Backbone and I have found SAUK a great support through my experience with scoliosis. The courage and motivation of patients with scoliosis and their families nationwide is something that we should all be very proud of.
I managed to complete the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award expedition—an 80K walk, carrying a heavy bag and camping for 4 nights, which shows how far I’ve come. I’ve just finished my year as Head Girl and last Christmas I travelled to The Gambia to help refurbish teachers’ accommodation. Since then, I have also worked as a volunteer in Malawi, where I helped run medical projects in some of the world’s poorest villages. My experience as a patient is what has inspired me to apply to study medicine at university. My main ambition as a doctor would be to give the same care, support and warmth I was offered by my surgeon and all the other doctors that cared for me during my time in hospital.
A few weeks ago, I visited the hospital for my yearly check up. After some X-rays and scans were taken, the scoliosis team concluded that my operation had been thoroughly successful, and they made sure that I was aware that my spine should not restrict me from any activities in the future, and wished me the best of luck in life. After this they discharged me as an outpatient, forever.
This chapter in my life may well have come to a close, but my spine will always be a special part of me. 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 I am definitely keen to continue to share my experience and offer support to others, and become a part of the great work that SAUK are involved with.
SAUK members can be put in contact with members like Sophie to get further support and share information and advice.