Apologies in advance if there's some rambling here, but there's a few things I woke up wanting to share that hopefully some folks here might find helpful. Typing this on my phone and I'm an internet old man so, you've been warned haha

I've seen a lot of posts of people absolutely freaking out over their diagnosis, acting like their life is now over, etc. That is understandable to a point because many times those posting are young, and really any new diagnosis is scary. So I thought I might share my experience as a long time scoliosis haver and some things some of you may find useful.

My diagnosis occurred in my teens when being x-rayed for pneumonia. Initially I had an S curve where each one was 15 degrees. Basically my doctor didn't want to deploy surgery at that point because the curves were symmetrical and there was no twisting or issues with my hips. We basically just watched it as it advanced over the course of about ten years to what it is now, which is approximately 45 degrees apiece. I don't remember why a brace wasn't employed: the doctor must not have thought it would be beneficial. About ten years ago I did physical therapy for pain management, mostly for my lower back. It helped quite a bit.

So the point of all of this is that I've dealt with scoliosis for more than half my life at this point, so I'm coming at this with not inconsiderable experience. And I'll be totally honest in saying that even as painful and uncomfortable as it is, my scoliosis has been an inconvenience more so than a catastrophe. My asthma and chronic sinusitis have caused me more grief than the scoliosis on balance. I actually gave my back very little thought.

And I think in a lot of ways that's the best way to approach it. You're not defined by your condition--its just another descriptor. Coming toward illness with an attitude of acceptance is generally healthier and more helpful. It simply is something that happened to you, and now you have to deal with it. It's not your fault but it is something you are responsible for. Fair or unfair doesn't enter into it: it's just a quirk of genetics. This is a chronic illness that can only be corrected with surgery, once you're past the growth phase of life anyway. But it is absolutely manageable and you can live a full life with it.

Another thing is that having a sense of humor about it is helpful. Maybe that is a quirk of my own experience, but gallows humor has always helped me through dark times of life. I have a very visible left shoulder droop. I joke that it reflects my political leanings, or that it makes my left turn radius shorter. And I have a couple of humps on my back, so sometimes if I'm speaking to a new potential romantic partner I crack jokes involving the "My Humps" song lyrics or the hump day camel. Stupid jokes but I'm very much about dad humor, haha.

So the sum of all of this is the old adage about it isn't what happens to you, but how you react to it, that determines your experience. I don't want to downplay people's suffering with this condition because it can absolutely be miserable. This is more aimed at the rash of posters freaking out about minor curves I've seen over the last few weeks. Take a deep breath my friends: you'll be ok.

I hope all of you have a good weekend, and a very Happy Easter if that's what you celebrate!