I was in Ikano last week fetching the older boy from his art class. There was a petite woman (and I mean veryyy small sized.. in height and width) carrying a baby, with another little girl at her side, a man and another woman. They walked together in a group, it looked like a usual family outing. I was fiddling around with my bag when the elevator came, and we all walked in. She was ahead of me and that's when I noticed it.
Her hump. Humps, to be exact. An upper hump caused by a thoracic curve. A lower hump caused by a lumbar curve. Such obvious humps. Humps that were so distorted and obvious, I could practically feel her pain.
I had a hump ten years ago pre-surgery. They removed it and until today I have little to no sensation on the surface of that area. You can poke me, tickle me, push me there on that spot. If you do that, I'd feel like you''re attempting to poke me through a piece of wood. Meaning.. it feels like there is a thick barrier between your touch, and my skin.
But my hump was probably only 50% of this lady's hump. I couldn't help but glance. Other people in the lift stared. I'm glad to say I didn't. Having people in school stare at my hump is reason enough for me to never stare at other people's unusualness.
She perched her baby on her waist, at the hip-joint, just like any mummy would do. She chattered on with her lady friend. Her husband was messaging someone on his mobile. Her kids were beautiful, smiley and bright. She didn't give one hoot to the staring eyes.
I felt humbled, and ashamed.
Tonight my upper back hurts. It is sore, stiff and throbs a dull rhythm on my brain, telling me to do something for the pain. Husband has set up my inversion table and I'll be doing the inversion right after this. After that I plan to do some Scroth breathing exercises. InsyaAllah I will go to sleep better.
Usually I'd give a sigh or two. I don't sigh or complain to other people, I sigh to myself, in the privacy of my home. Ever since I was 12, I do not remember one day of which the spine has been pain-free. That is 21 years of discomfort. But tonight I do not sigh. I keep thinking about the courageous lady in white, walking like she carries a streak of pride with her throughout the mall, ignoring people's curious eyes. What discomfort and pain she must go through every single day.
To the lady I saw, thank you for making me humble. For making me remember that there are many others who have more pain than me, but live on gracefully anyway.
May God bless you always sister!
Showing posts with label Going Personal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Going Personal. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Monday, June 18, 2012
Swimming For Scoliosis
Note: All opinions are entirely based on personal opinion and experience.
Back when I was 12 years old, in 1991, the doctors in UH (now known as PPUM) told me I should go swimming for my scoliosis. There was no Internet; no google, no facebook, no support group. You take what your doctors tell you as literally Godsend and do as you are told.
Mum had sent me for swimming classes since I was little. But she continued to send me for swimming classes in Bangsar until I was fifteen. A few of my close friends from school came along and we'd have fun in the water for a few hours every week. Nobody else I knew had Scoliosis, so we didn't do anything back-specific. We just swam.
About three weeks ago I had a trial class for Aqua Aerobics at The Club, Bukit Utama (near Bandar Utama). It was nothing short of amazing! The movements really "working" your upper and lower back. And don't get me started on how amazing it felt on the core. It is important to have a strong core. I intend to start regular Aqua Aerobics classes this July. The review and update on this will be for another entry.
For now, lets talk about swimming.
Going for the Aqualogix class (this is what the classes are called) reminded me of how comfortable and relaxed water has always made me feel. So I decided to incorporate swimming into my health ritual. And so my weekly health ritual would be something like this:
- Gym; cardio and strengthening exercises (including weights), three times a week (1.5 to 2.5 hours each time).
- Physiotherapy at Spinal Inc.; twice a week (two hours each time).
- Swimming; twice a week (one to two hours each time).
It has been a few weeks now and swimming has done wonders to the good ol' spine. It has helped me manage my pain better (most days are pain-free now, praise Allah!), and it has helped me strengthen my lung capacity as well. I do cardio a lot at the gym, so I was amazed at how out of breath I got after my first swimming session in years. The breathing technique we use as we swim really helps build up overall stamina, especially where lung capacity is concern.
And the buoyancy of the water! It makes a person with pain feel weightless, free and oh-so-relaxed and graceful :)
So what do you guys think? All scolis should try the water, swim or not! Walking in the water is an exercise too and oh my, what effort it takes! Have you tried walking for significant distances in the water..? The first time I tried it in the Aqualogix class (and that's why Aqua aerobics is suitable even for non-swimmers).. I couldn't believe how out of shape I felt.
Do you guys have any water-related tips to share? :)
With my water babies.
Back when I was 12 years old, in 1991, the doctors in UH (now known as PPUM) told me I should go swimming for my scoliosis. There was no Internet; no google, no facebook, no support group. You take what your doctors tell you as literally Godsend and do as you are told.
Mum had sent me for swimming classes since I was little. But she continued to send me for swimming classes in Bangsar until I was fifteen. A few of my close friends from school came along and we'd have fun in the water for a few hours every week. Nobody else I knew had Scoliosis, so we didn't do anything back-specific. We just swam.
About three weeks ago I had a trial class for Aqua Aerobics at The Club, Bukit Utama (near Bandar Utama). It was nothing short of amazing! The movements really "working" your upper and lower back. And don't get me started on how amazing it felt on the core. It is important to have a strong core. I intend to start regular Aqua Aerobics classes this July. The review and update on this will be for another entry.
For now, lets talk about swimming.
Going for the Aqualogix class (this is what the classes are called) reminded me of how comfortable and relaxed water has always made me feel. So I decided to incorporate swimming into my health ritual. And so my weekly health ritual would be something like this:
- Gym; cardio and strengthening exercises (including weights), three times a week (1.5 to 2.5 hours each time).
- Physiotherapy at Spinal Inc.; twice a week (two hours each time).
- Swimming; twice a week (one to two hours each time).
It has been a few weeks now and swimming has done wonders to the good ol' spine. It has helped me manage my pain better (most days are pain-free now, praise Allah!), and it has helped me strengthen my lung capacity as well. I do cardio a lot at the gym, so I was amazed at how out of breath I got after my first swimming session in years. The breathing technique we use as we swim really helps build up overall stamina, especially where lung capacity is concern.
And the buoyancy of the water! It makes a person with pain feel weightless, free and oh-so-relaxed and graceful :)
So what do you guys think? All scolis should try the water, swim or not! Walking in the water is an exercise too and oh my, what effort it takes! Have you tried walking for significant distances in the water..? The first time I tried it in the Aqualogix class (and that's why Aqua aerobics is suitable even for non-swimmers).. I couldn't believe how out of shape I felt.
Do you guys have any water-related tips to share? :)
With my water babies.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Facebook Group: Malaysians With Scoliosis
Indeed through this blog I've made numerous friends from all over the world. I can't begin to describe how much it means when someone writes and shares their experiences with me.
I've finally started a group on Facebook. Look it up; it's called Malaysians With Scoliosis. As with everything in my life, it will be another work-in-progress. Isn't everything in life a work in progress, really.
My back aches tonight due to lack of exercise (haven't been to the gym in three days due to work commitments and a bout of food poisoning).. I am tired and hoping that I might have some energy left to do the physio for the night.. and was wishing I knew someone (or could talk to someone) who knew exactly what I was feeling and going through.
May this group be the beginning of plenty of good things. God willing.
If you are like me, constantly looking and hoping for a better understanding of what you go through everyday, join us.
Monday, April 2, 2012
A Lifetime Commitment..
..is what I've given this Scoliosis of mine, and will continue to do so.
The curves have regressed, yes. After the posterior fusion surgery in October 2002, the curves were approximately 20 to 30 degrees each, corrected from its origin of between 90-100 degrees. Prior to surgery my lower curve reached approximately 98 degrees if I recall correctly.
The latest xrays show that the curves have increased (or in a more "correct" medical term.. it has regressed/returned to ...) to between 40-50 degrees. Both upper and lower curve.
No wonder I've had severe pain and aches since carrying and giving birth to Ilan.
Indeed the reality is that I had always known the curves are regressing. Denial is a silly, but sometimes unavoidable thing.
Sometimes I get discouraged, dealing with this Scoliosis for the past 20 years has been challenging, emotionally and physically. But when I look at many many others who are in worse situations, I thank God for this life that I have with its many blessings.
Onward my friends, it's onward.This is the only way to deal with this. Never look backwards.
So I will continue to do what I can for myself and my Scoliosis today. No use thinking about what could have, should have and would have.
This Scroth Method. I pray it works.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Having Kids, With Scoliosis
I am now a proud mother of two boys, Alhamdulillah.
I am also still a person with scoliosis, although "corrected", I still have discomfort and slight pains on a daily basis. I have a chubby baby whom I cannot carry as often as I would like to, and although I invest heavily in gadgets that help lighten the burden of caring for two boys, i still worry and "fear" pain on a daily basis. And I still worry when I think about getting old with this Scoliosis.
There, I've bared my soul here in this entry :)
Our second baby, Ilan, was born on 26 August 2011. Weighing 3.11 kilos, through a c-section. There were contractions happening as early as when I was 23 weeks along, so when Ilan was finally taken out, I was told that my womb had grown so thin, it is advised for me ot to have another baby for at least three years. But Alhamdulillah, everything turned out fine.
Ilan is now 6 kilos and even at his weight now, I can feel a strain on my back after carrying im for long periods of time. A few times when I fell asleep in the "wrong" positions after a night of breastfeeding, the old corrected rib hump throbbed, and tingled, like someone was lightly poking needles on it. A few times when that happened, I dragged myself to the gym and walked, or cycled, or cross-trained. Then after the usual back-strengthening exercises on the machines and also with free weights, the back and spine feels human again.
Motherhood is not easy, thus I've grown a newfound respect for my mother and all mothers out there, since I had my first baby years ago. But undeniably, motherhood with Scoliosis.. has its own unique challenges.
Alas, the last thing we should beis discouraged! Scoliosis is and should not be an excuse for us to not have a "normal" life :)
When I was 15, I vowed never to get married because of the boys in school who teased me for being "cacat", because I looked odd with the bulky body braces on! When I was 23, my now-husband was already in my life and went through every step of recovery with me after that first surgery. I had vowed then to never have children, because noone should have to go through the kind of pain I experienced after the surgery! What if my kids get scoliosis....? No, no.
So what am I doing in a marriage, with kids now??
Well call me selfish. I have Scoliosis and still want to live a normal life. My boys are the best thing that have ever happened to me :)
So whatever your chosen path is, dear friends, do not fear to take it! Be it marriage, or career, or any life-changing frightening prospect.. Take it.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
An Excusable Hiatus..?
I've neglected this blog once again for far too long. However... (ehem... yes I do feel guilty even as I am saying this!).. I do have a perfectly good reason this time.
Today I am exactly 33 weeks and 5 days pregnant with our second baby.
Yes we are ecstatic, praise Allah :)
This pregnancy hasn't been as easy as the first one (back in 2006 when I was in my 20s), and I do think that age is indeed a factor. Although this time around the good ol' spine was in good shape when the pregnancy began, it hasn't been easy on the spine since then.
I've tried to keep my weight down (as weight gain isn't good for the spine) through a regular exercise regime involving the gym and outside activities, but have still gained about 10 kilos so far. As the pregnancy progresses, my lower back experiences more pain and my upper back gets stiff easily.. and it isn't very easy to motivate oneself to get out of bed and get to the gym when the body feels so heavy!
But dear friends, the reality is that if we have scoliosis, we cannot afford to be lazy.
So here I am, nearly 9 months pregnant and still exercising 3 to 4 times a week, or as often as I can manage.
InsyaAllah, I will post some entries on how a scoliosis patient can continue exercising while being pregnant soon, hopefully before I give birth :)
Saturday, February 5, 2011
The Pain in The Neck
The trouble with living with Scoliosis is that oftentimes you think you've grown to the physical discomfort and pain that comes with having Scoliosis. Then sometimes life throws you a curve ball which tests your limitations, patience and faith.
The truth is not very spectacular, it's just a pain to deal with *ironic smile* :)
Earlier this week I woke up with severe pain in my neck (yes this does sound really odd, but it's true), which has not ceased since then. Malays would call it "seliuh bantal"; which basically means you'd sprained your neck while sleeping on your pillow. In other words; sprain your neck in your sleep. The trouble about having a sprained neck with this Scoliosis of mine is that it causes a whole lot of other pains. Not only the neck region is throbbing (spasming), my upper curve (i.e. the upper spine.. recall that my spine has the S-curve) as well as the rib hump they'd removed and repaired in the spinal fusion back in 2002 are hurting as well.
And here I thought I'd taken all the precautions to avoid any spine-related injuries! I use proper support pillows, sleep in proper sleeping positions (never on my stomach, never in positions that do not align the spine properly) and on top of that, I exercise the back regularly and try to get sufficient rest every night for the sake of the spine. And still somehow during the early hours of that fated night, I managed to give my neck a really bad sprain.
I went to an acupuncturist in Taman Megah here in Petaling Jaya and Alhamdulillah, the neck can move during the day. But the nights are still utter agony. This being the worst sprain I've had so far, I suppose it'll take time to heal.
If you think I'm moaning about it, well maybe you're right. But the truth is I just want to write about this as a reminder to all of us with Scoliosis.
It's so important for us to take precautions to avoid injuries. To never take for granted about the littlest thing in life, like sleeping positions or daily activities (like lifting a heavy item) that can hurt the spine. Because any injuries, combined with this existing condition that we have (Scoliosis) can bring severe pain and discomfort in our daily lives.
So take care of yourselves, dear friends. Live life, live strong, but live it carefully. May God be with you!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Of Little Achievements
This year has been full of unexpected things.
What I mean is.. things that I didn't expect to be able to do as a person with scoliosis (and having had two surgeries already)... have materialised, much thanks to Allah.
You can read about them here.
I ran (more like brisk-walked and half-jogged!) and finished 6 marathons in the past 6 months :)
This week I went for a RPM / spinning class and I am super-excited about it. Never once in my life did I imagine that I'd one day have the ability to be a regular gym-goer.. and to be able to attend exercise classes, just as if I am fully normal. Praise God.
To my scoliosis friends our there who are going through hard times and feeling as if normality is so much out of reach.... please have faith. Have faith in yourself. Have faith in a Higher Being (whatever your religious believe might be, it doesn't matter.. have faith in a higher power..). Have faith, stay strong, and don't give up on the hope that one day normality will be within your grasp and in your life once again.
Trust me. I didn't even think I could walk again. Whatever negative feelings, depression, frustration, helplessness, anger, envy, hopelessness that you may feel... I've felt it too. And sometimes on bad days, the feelings still come knocking on my door.
And to my scoliosis friends who are living the very much sought-after normal life we often hope and pray for..
Let us say thanks and cherish these moments.. one day at a time :)
For who knows what tomorrow holds for us...?
What I mean is.. things that I didn't expect to be able to do as a person with scoliosis (and having had two surgeries already)... have materialised, much thanks to Allah.
You can read about them here.
I ran (more like brisk-walked and half-jogged!) and finished 6 marathons in the past 6 months :)
This week I went for a RPM / spinning class and I am super-excited about it. Never once in my life did I imagine that I'd one day have the ability to be a regular gym-goer.. and to be able to attend exercise classes, just as if I am fully normal. Praise God.
To my scoliosis friends our there who are going through hard times and feeling as if normality is so much out of reach.... please have faith. Have faith in yourself. Have faith in a Higher Being (whatever your religious believe might be, it doesn't matter.. have faith in a higher power..). Have faith, stay strong, and don't give up on the hope that one day normality will be within your grasp and in your life once again.
Trust me. I didn't even think I could walk again. Whatever negative feelings, depression, frustration, helplessness, anger, envy, hopelessness that you may feel... I've felt it too. And sometimes on bad days, the feelings still come knocking on my door.
And to my scoliosis friends who are living the very much sought-after normal life we often hope and pray for..
Let us say thanks and cherish these moments.. one day at a time :)
For who knows what tomorrow holds for us...?
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Guilty As Charged
I've been guilty for not blogging often enough. Guilty of not replying to comments and emails soon enough. My deepest apologies for that. Always.
Life's demanding and don't we all know it. Everyone's singing that same song now.
I'm going to be selfish for a minute here and update on my progress.
Since starting the gym and having a trainer who designs the workout programs to fit my curves and needs, I've lost 6 kilos and it feels great. Not specifically because of vanity purposes (heck, who am I kidding, right? A girl's has needs to be vain!), but mainly because I feel lighter and healthier. My spine really does feel stronger.
I am absolutely serious when I say I have never felt this strong in my life.
Strengthening the back muscles have helped tremendously in improving my quality of life. I can now help my son onto the throne, or even into a supermarket trolley (I couldn't do this before because my back would ache badly afterwards). I can now get on my knees to scrub the kitchen floor (although being pampered by good ol' husband is always a good thing to have, LOL). And I can now pray like a normal person with little limitations. Rukuk, sujud, duduk tahiyat awal and akhir.. they're all doable now. This is super awesome to me because I haven't been able to pray this way since I had the implants put in during the first surgery in 2002.
I still take it slow and am always very careful before doing a strenuous activity, but regular exercise and training has given my scoliosis some miraculous progress and improvement.
Okay that's enough of the me-news. Now on to something else.
Physiotherapy.
Lets talk physiotherapy.
Life's demanding and don't we all know it. Everyone's singing that same song now.
I'm going to be selfish for a minute here and update on my progress.
Since starting the gym and having a trainer who designs the workout programs to fit my curves and needs, I've lost 6 kilos and it feels great. Not specifically because of vanity purposes (heck, who am I kidding, right? A girl's has needs to be vain!), but mainly because I feel lighter and healthier. My spine really does feel stronger.
I am absolutely serious when I say I have never felt this strong in my life.
Strengthening the back muscles have helped tremendously in improving my quality of life. I can now help my son onto the throne, or even into a supermarket trolley (I couldn't do this before because my back would ache badly afterwards). I can now get on my knees to scrub the kitchen floor (although being pampered by good ol' husband is always a good thing to have, LOL). And I can now pray like a normal person with little limitations. Rukuk, sujud, duduk tahiyat awal and akhir.. they're all doable now. This is super awesome to me because I haven't been able to pray this way since I had the implants put in during the first surgery in 2002.
I still take it slow and am always very careful before doing a strenuous activity, but regular exercise and training has given my scoliosis some miraculous progress and improvement.
Okay that's enough of the me-news. Now on to something else.
Physiotherapy.
Lets talk physiotherapy.
Friday, May 14, 2010
The Importance of Strengthening Your Back Muscles
I have so much to share but there is always so little time in a day!
But I've got a piece of good news and new discovery to share with my fellow scoliosis friends. Alright, maybe this discovery is not so new for some of us out there, but it is to me :)
About two months back, I discovered I had some free time in hand while the son is at playschool. So I decided to join the gym and get some serious workouts done.
I've always been a big believer in exercising. As a teenager I didn't really like physical activities because I was teased in school for wearing a bulky body brace, and for being so clumsy and not well-coordinated enough. Things were emotionally hard back then, so I didn't participate in sports much. If I had a regret about scoliosis, that would be it. I let the teasing and my lack of confidence get in the way and I wasted precious years not using vital parts of my body.
It wasn't until I was in college that I started brisk-walking and swimming on a daily basis in an effort to lose weight. I didn't lose weight much, but I was in good shape and felt good about myself. I had my first surgery within months of finishing my degree, and as soon as I could walk, I got my Dad or my then-boyfriend (now my husband) to drive me to Kiara Park so that I could walk. At first I walked so slow that everyone stared and wondered what was the matter with me. And at first it took me nearly 30 minutes to complete one round around the park. But I kept walking, sweating in my singlet and post-surgery body braces, not caring about those stares and whispers. And to this day I am glad I ignored them all!
Six months later I was out of the braces and walking 5 to 7 rounds (I took the big and uphill routes too) every single day. I had lost 15 kilos since the surgery and feeling good about myself.
Throughout my postgraduate studies in Melbourne, walking was my major exercise. A couple of years later when I felt super-strong, I started buying aerobic and strengthening workout videos to do on rainy winter days. I hiked a lot too on weekends and holidays. Hence I maintained my weight until I got pregnant with my son four years after my first surgery.
During my pregnancy I gained 16 kilos but kept active. I tried to workout three times a week throughout the pregnancy. After giving birth, it got hard to stick to an exercise plan. I was working and we were moving house, then the implants got infected and I couldn't walk for half a year. I started walking again when my son was 18 months old. That was when I decided to restart a workout schedule.
I walked at the park 5 days a week, 30 minutes each time. But it wasn't sufficient. My spine, and back muscles still didn't feel strong enough.
So now I've joined the gym. And to make full use of the gym, and to build strength on my back I have a personal trainer to train me twice a week. So every week while my son is at school (he goes to playschool three times a week), I'd be at the gym. Aside from that, I make sure I work out on my own home equipment three times a week. In total, I try to work out 6 days a week, about an hour to 2.5 hours each time.
And lo and behold, I am amazed at the strength that exercise can give us!
By us, I specifically mean us with scoliosis condition.
For the first time in 8 years, I am praying normally (standing up, with abilities to bend and prostrate as I wish). I can lift groceries, I can even lift my son (although I don't make a habit of it), I can bend down to look for things under the bed.. and so much more. My back muscles feel strong and capable of living a very-nearly-normal life. Praise God.
So what is my point here??
The point that I am trying to make is.. don't give up!
When you have scoliosis, some days the pain can drag you down. Some days it doesn't seem as if you will ever be normal or live normally. Some days there are just so many things that you cannot do.
Fight it.
Fight the pain. Exercise.
Go ahead, try it :)
Start with walking. Just walk. Go to the park and walk. Move your arms in silly ways that make you feel good and ignore those evil-starers. And don't stop for 30 minutes.
Stretch when you're done with your walking. Stretch your legs, your arms, your back. Be careful, but stretch. And feel good about your achievement. Because this will be the start of great benefits.
There are specific exercises to do to help strengthen the back muscles. I'm not talking about strengthening the spine or exercising your curves. What I mean is, if you concentrate on strengthening your back muscles (those muscles surrounding your back area), you can minimise discomfort and pain, and you'll also find yourself feeling stronger and better about yourself.
If you're unsure and need help, do talk to your doctors and physiotherapists. Ask them about suitable exercises. If you can find it, find a trainer with experience in aiding scoliosis patients.
In the following weeks I'll take some pictures and talk about the back exercises that I do, for the sole purpose of sharing personal experience and giving an idea of the benefits exercise can give scoliosis patients.
Is there anybody out there who have inspiring stories of fitness or strength-related discoveries to share? We still have much to learn about how exercise can benefit our scoliosis condition!
But I've got a piece of good news and new discovery to share with my fellow scoliosis friends. Alright, maybe this discovery is not so new for some of us out there, but it is to me :)
About two months back, I discovered I had some free time in hand while the son is at playschool. So I decided to join the gym and get some serious workouts done.
I've always been a big believer in exercising. As a teenager I didn't really like physical activities because I was teased in school for wearing a bulky body brace, and for being so clumsy and not well-coordinated enough. Things were emotionally hard back then, so I didn't participate in sports much. If I had a regret about scoliosis, that would be it. I let the teasing and my lack of confidence get in the way and I wasted precious years not using vital parts of my body.
It wasn't until I was in college that I started brisk-walking and swimming on a daily basis in an effort to lose weight. I didn't lose weight much, but I was in good shape and felt good about myself. I had my first surgery within months of finishing my degree, and as soon as I could walk, I got my Dad or my then-boyfriend (now my husband) to drive me to Kiara Park so that I could walk. At first I walked so slow that everyone stared and wondered what was the matter with me. And at first it took me nearly 30 minutes to complete one round around the park. But I kept walking, sweating in my singlet and post-surgery body braces, not caring about those stares and whispers. And to this day I am glad I ignored them all!
Six months later I was out of the braces and walking 5 to 7 rounds (I took the big and uphill routes too) every single day. I had lost 15 kilos since the surgery and feeling good about myself.
Throughout my postgraduate studies in Melbourne, walking was my major exercise. A couple of years later when I felt super-strong, I started buying aerobic and strengthening workout videos to do on rainy winter days. I hiked a lot too on weekends and holidays. Hence I maintained my weight until I got pregnant with my son four years after my first surgery.
During my pregnancy I gained 16 kilos but kept active. I tried to workout three times a week throughout the pregnancy. After giving birth, it got hard to stick to an exercise plan. I was working and we were moving house, then the implants got infected and I couldn't walk for half a year. I started walking again when my son was 18 months old. That was when I decided to restart a workout schedule.
I walked at the park 5 days a week, 30 minutes each time. But it wasn't sufficient. My spine, and back muscles still didn't feel strong enough.
So now I've joined the gym. And to make full use of the gym, and to build strength on my back I have a personal trainer to train me twice a week. So every week while my son is at school (he goes to playschool three times a week), I'd be at the gym. Aside from that, I make sure I work out on my own home equipment three times a week. In total, I try to work out 6 days a week, about an hour to 2.5 hours each time.
And lo and behold, I am amazed at the strength that exercise can give us!
By us, I specifically mean us with scoliosis condition.
For the first time in 8 years, I am praying normally (standing up, with abilities to bend and prostrate as I wish). I can lift groceries, I can even lift my son (although I don't make a habit of it), I can bend down to look for things under the bed.. and so much more. My back muscles feel strong and capable of living a very-nearly-normal life. Praise God.
So what is my point here??
The point that I am trying to make is.. don't give up!
When you have scoliosis, some days the pain can drag you down. Some days it doesn't seem as if you will ever be normal or live normally. Some days there are just so many things that you cannot do.
Fight it.
Fight the pain. Exercise.
Go ahead, try it :)
Start with walking. Just walk. Go to the park and walk. Move your arms in silly ways that make you feel good and ignore those evil-starers. And don't stop for 30 minutes.
Stretch when you're done with your walking. Stretch your legs, your arms, your back. Be careful, but stretch. And feel good about your achievement. Because this will be the start of great benefits.
There are specific exercises to do to help strengthen the back muscles. I'm not talking about strengthening the spine or exercising your curves. What I mean is, if you concentrate on strengthening your back muscles (those muscles surrounding your back area), you can minimise discomfort and pain, and you'll also find yourself feeling stronger and better about yourself.
If you're unsure and need help, do talk to your doctors and physiotherapists. Ask them about suitable exercises. If you can find it, find a trainer with experience in aiding scoliosis patients.
In the following weeks I'll take some pictures and talk about the back exercises that I do, for the sole purpose of sharing personal experience and giving an idea of the benefits exercise can give scoliosis patients.
Is there anybody out there who have inspiring stories of fitness or strength-related discoveries to share? We still have much to learn about how exercise can benefit our scoliosis condition!
Friday, March 19, 2010
The Importance of Diagnosing Scoliosis
I always believe that you are the expert of your own body.
Many people with Scoliosis out there have been diagnosed and have received treatments, or receiving treatments right now. But there are also many individuals out there who suspect, or know that there is something wrong with their bodies. With their spines. And everyday they live in worry or pain or even fear, because they are unsure of what to do.
This might come a little late, but lets look into some definitions of what "Scoliosis" is. Before I begin, again please bear in mind that this site is not a medical site. All contents are based on personal experience, personal research and personal opinions. So please forgive any mistakes on my part and I welcome inputs from better-informed individuals :)
The illustrations above show the different types of Scoliosis curves. Curves can be thoracic (upper spine), lumbar (lower spine) or even thoracic-lumbar (involving both the upper and lower spine). Patients with Scoliosis might have a curve curving to the right side of their bodies, or to the left, or both (in S-shaped cases). Some people have slight curves which some doctors would choose to monitor, or treat with bracing. Some people have moderate to severe curves that require bracing or even surgery.
The point that I am trying to make is that each person's Scoliosis is unique.
And this leads me to the next point...
This unique reason is why it is very VERY important to get proper diagnosis for your Scoliosis.
By proper diagnosis I mean a diagnosis made by a spinal specialist, a doctor who can tell you exactly what your curves look like, how un-severe or severe it is, and what treatment options are there for you specific situation.
My friends, going to the doctor and hearing their explanation can sometimes be a daunting prospect. Scary, even. But getting a proper diagnosis for your condition is vital because only then you can decide which course of action to take for yourself.
Noone can force you to wear the braces or have a surgery. Not even a frightening-looking doctor. Forgive me, dear doctors; please know this is not a personal attack on doctors as a whole!
What I am trying to say is that it is important to know the reality of the situation you are facing, and what might lay in the future for you if actions are not taken.
Don't postpone your diagnosis. Don't postpone hearing your treatment options. Because one day you may very well regret it.
Today your condition may be treatable. Today your condition may allow you to live like a normal person.
But ten years from now the pain may be severe. Ten years from now the curves may have doubled. Ten years from now you might have to resort to corrective treatments which could have been avoided if you are treated now.
Trust me on this. I know this because I've made that mistake before.
Back in 1994, they said I needed a surgery. My curves were about 50 degrees back then, and although I did experience some pain on a daily basis, it wasn't anything I could handle.
By 2002, my curves had progressed to between 80-95 degrees each. I had a huge hump on my back (I looked like the Hunchback of Notredam), clothes didn't fit well at all, and worst of all was that I had pain every single day. It hurt to exercise. It hurt to breathe sometimes (because the curve was pressing against my lungs).
In life there is no "should have", "could have" or "would have". You cannot look back and change things even if you wanted to.
So.. as daunting as it may seem... go get a diagnosis.
And then, where you choose to go from there is entirely up to you. Noone can force you to do anything you are not willing to. But this is something you can do for yourself.
You can learn the truth and deal with it now, rather than kicking yourself in the hind region perhaps ten years down the line.
Many people with Scoliosis out there have been diagnosed and have received treatments, or receiving treatments right now. But there are also many individuals out there who suspect, or know that there is something wrong with their bodies. With their spines. And everyday they live in worry or pain or even fear, because they are unsure of what to do.
This might come a little late, but lets look into some definitions of what "Scoliosis" is. Before I begin, again please bear in mind that this site is not a medical site. All contents are based on personal experience, personal research and personal opinions. So please forgive any mistakes on my part and I welcome inputs from better-informed individuals :)
This wikipedia article gives a simple but thorough explanation of what Scoliosis is.
From the article, we concur that Scoliosis is a medical condition in which a person's spine is curved, from side to side. The two common curves for Scoliosis patients are usually either "S"-shaped curve, or "C"-shaped curve.
The first thing that Scoliosis patients must realise is that every two patients' curves are not the same. The curves, its severity, its degree, and the discomfort or even pain that a patient goes through is not similar and alike to all other patients.
Lets take a look at the different curves pictured below.
The illustrations above show the different types of Scoliosis curves. Curves can be thoracic (upper spine), lumbar (lower spine) or even thoracic-lumbar (involving both the upper and lower spine). Patients with Scoliosis might have a curve curving to the right side of their bodies, or to the left, or both (in S-shaped cases). Some people have slight curves which some doctors would choose to monitor, or treat with bracing. Some people have moderate to severe curves that require bracing or even surgery.
The point that I am trying to make is that each person's Scoliosis is unique.
And this leads me to the next point...
This unique reason is why it is very VERY important to get proper diagnosis for your Scoliosis.
By proper diagnosis I mean a diagnosis made by a spinal specialist, a doctor who can tell you exactly what your curves look like, how un-severe or severe it is, and what treatment options are there for you specific situation.
My friends, going to the doctor and hearing their explanation can sometimes be a daunting prospect. Scary, even. But getting a proper diagnosis for your condition is vital because only then you can decide which course of action to take for yourself.
Noone can force you to wear the braces or have a surgery. Not even a frightening-looking doctor. Forgive me, dear doctors; please know this is not a personal attack on doctors as a whole!
What I am trying to say is that it is important to know the reality of the situation you are facing, and what might lay in the future for you if actions are not taken.
Don't postpone your diagnosis. Don't postpone hearing your treatment options. Because one day you may very well regret it.
Today your condition may be treatable. Today your condition may allow you to live like a normal person.
But ten years from now the pain may be severe. Ten years from now the curves may have doubled. Ten years from now you might have to resort to corrective treatments which could have been avoided if you are treated now.
Trust me on this. I know this because I've made that mistake before.
Back in 1994, they said I needed a surgery. My curves were about 50 degrees back then, and although I did experience some pain on a daily basis, it wasn't anything I could handle.
By 2002, my curves had progressed to between 80-95 degrees each. I had a huge hump on my back (I looked like the Hunchback of Notredam), clothes didn't fit well at all, and worst of all was that I had pain every single day. It hurt to exercise. It hurt to breathe sometimes (because the curve was pressing against my lungs).
In life there is no "should have", "could have" or "would have". You cannot look back and change things even if you wanted to.
So.. as daunting as it may seem... go get a diagnosis.
And then, where you choose to go from there is entirely up to you. Noone can force you to do anything you are not willing to. But this is something you can do for yourself.
You can learn the truth and deal with it now, rather than kicking yourself in the hind region perhaps ten years down the line.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Of Hopes and Dreams of a Scoliosis Patient
Today I finally managed to see Dr. Azmi of HUKM at Pusat Pakar HUKM. In reality I realise there is little need to see the doctors now that the implants have been taken out and I've gained full recovery. But to appease my ever-worried parents (and spouse), I chose to go over, at least for a chat.
And of course, there is that main underlaying reason that has been nagging at me for years. The hope and the dream of building a support network for young Malaysian with Scoliosis.
In hopes that they would not feel alone and know there are many others out there like them. In hopes that one day Malaysians would be aware of Scoliosis and respect (and understand!) those with this condition. In hopes that one day no young person has to go through what I personally went through as a teenager with Scoliosis.
The man who had skillfully operated on me and changed my life, Professor Muhamad Razak, does not hold clinics anymore. So off I went to see Dr. Azmi, the man who was there for my second surgery (implant removal) back in 2008. And here I will unabashedly admit that Dr. Azmi was also the man who had to tolerate my blabbering nonsense of chaos and panic back in that brightly lit operating theatre, as all my inner demons had surfaced then and reared their ugly heads.
We had an encouraging chat. The good doctor is supportive of the idea for a Scoliosis Support Network. I am hopeful that one day soon it will become a reality.
I am told that there is no need for an annual check-up, no need for anymore x-rays, no need for anymore physiotherapy, as long as I experience no pain on a day-to-day basis.
I very nearly got a lump at the back of my throat which had to be swallowed back (hard) upon seeing Prof Mat's scrawl of "Fully Recovered" right there on the last page of my file. If you've gone through 20 years of scoliosis treatments, pains and problems as I did, and I'm sure many of you out there did.. I'm sure you'd understand that there are moments when triumph and gladness can cause those lumps-at-the-back-of-your-throat to occur :)
Praise God. Dare I say that after 20 years, I can now live as normally as any other ordinary Jane can. Live without the fear of the curves digressing, without the fear of further surgeries, without so many nagging fears that I'd rather not go into right here, else I'd sound like a constantly whining ungrateful witch.
This blog had always been about my personal experience, and yet thus far I'd restrained writing in a very personal manner, as an attempt to stay objective on the subject of Scoliosis.
But lately I've realised, there is no separating Scoliosis from my personal emotions and wellbeing. Scoliosis is in you, it makes you the person that you are because you live your whole life with it and you can't run away from it. If you're a scoliosis patient, scoliosis is you.
This is not a site of a medical expert. My opinions are shallow and from the perspective of a Scoliosis patient, 31 years of age, first diagnosed with Scoliosis at the age of 12.
I will continue writing on things that are relevant to all Scoliosis patients out there, in hopes of reaching out through sharing of information and personal experiences. And I hope those of you out there will share your experiences with me as well.
Because this can be the start of something great.
And of course, there is that main underlaying reason that has been nagging at me for years. The hope and the dream of building a support network for young Malaysian with Scoliosis.
In hopes that they would not feel alone and know there are many others out there like them. In hopes that one day Malaysians would be aware of Scoliosis and respect (and understand!) those with this condition. In hopes that one day no young person has to go through what I personally went through as a teenager with Scoliosis.
The man who had skillfully operated on me and changed my life, Professor Muhamad Razak, does not hold clinics anymore. So off I went to see Dr. Azmi, the man who was there for my second surgery (implant removal) back in 2008. And here I will unabashedly admit that Dr. Azmi was also the man who had to tolerate my blabbering nonsense of chaos and panic back in that brightly lit operating theatre, as all my inner demons had surfaced then and reared their ugly heads.
We had an encouraging chat. The good doctor is supportive of the idea for a Scoliosis Support Network. I am hopeful that one day soon it will become a reality.
I am told that there is no need for an annual check-up, no need for anymore x-rays, no need for anymore physiotherapy, as long as I experience no pain on a day-to-day basis.
I very nearly got a lump at the back of my throat which had to be swallowed back (hard) upon seeing Prof Mat's scrawl of "Fully Recovered" right there on the last page of my file. If you've gone through 20 years of scoliosis treatments, pains and problems as I did, and I'm sure many of you out there did.. I'm sure you'd understand that there are moments when triumph and gladness can cause those lumps-at-the-back-of-your-throat to occur :)
Praise God. Dare I say that after 20 years, I can now live as normally as any other ordinary Jane can. Live without the fear of the curves digressing, without the fear of further surgeries, without so many nagging fears that I'd rather not go into right here, else I'd sound like a constantly whining ungrateful witch.
This blog had always been about my personal experience, and yet thus far I'd restrained writing in a very personal manner, as an attempt to stay objective on the subject of Scoliosis.
But lately I've realised, there is no separating Scoliosis from my personal emotions and wellbeing. Scoliosis is in you, it makes you the person that you are because you live your whole life with it and you can't run away from it. If you're a scoliosis patient, scoliosis is you.
This is not a site of a medical expert. My opinions are shallow and from the perspective of a Scoliosis patient, 31 years of age, first diagnosed with Scoliosis at the age of 12.
I will continue writing on things that are relevant to all Scoliosis patients out there, in hopes of reaching out through sharing of information and personal experiences. And I hope those of you out there will share your experiences with me as well.
Because this can be the start of something great.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Apologies for Hiatus
Thousand apologies for the long hiatus from this blog! I think about this blog often, it's just that time hasn't been on my side lately due to personal reasons. I don't get really personal in this blog because this blog is supposed to be dedicated to topics related to scoliosis. But I suppose one can't avoid the "personals" sometimes. To make a long story short, life at home has been challenging and yet enlightening for a few months now since our maid ran off. And yes, that's the reason why this blog has been neglected for so long and all the comments left unreplied. Again, my apologies.
I hope the year will bring more productiveness and that this blog will not be neglected again. God willing :)
I hope the year will bring more productiveness and that this blog will not be neglected again. God willing :)
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