Yup. You read that right.
Looking at my medical chart you’ll find a laundry list of spinal conditions, digestive issues, nerve damage, and prescriptions to help manage all of that.
But just because my medical chart says one thing, doesn’t mean I live my life by that.
June is Scoliosis Awareness month and today is the first day of June, so I thought this post would be fitting. Throughout the month of June I’ll post fun facts and stories of what it’s like to have and live with Scoliosis. It’s something that I don’t talk about very often, but something that I think needs to be talked about more.
Scoliosis is a chronic disorder of the spine. 80% of Scoliosis cases are Idiopathic, which is just a big fancy word that means there’s no known cause. I fit into that 80%. Throughout my life I’ve seen countless doctors, had quite a few surgeries, couple spinal fractures, and lots of stitches, staples, and steri-strips.
But it hasn’t stopped me from living my life. Sure I’ve had to put things on pause for surgeries and injuries, but on the other side of the spectrum, I’ve accomplished things I never thought I’d be able to do.
Sure, life has been anything but easy, but we all have things that we go through. This is mine. I’ve physically gone through hell and back, but through it all, it’s made me who I am today. I may have a chronic disability, but it doesn’t have me… and it never will. If anything it’s helped me find my voice, it’s strengthened my faith, and only made my relationship with God that much stronger.
If you don’t understand my perspective, it’s okay. It’s most likely because you haven’t walked a day in my shoes and honestly, I wouldn’t want you to. But, I have an opportunity to speak for those who either cannot or don’t want to for whatever reason. I haven’t spoken out for years because I’ve faced a myriad of opinions and perspectives (some that have been hurtful). But as I get older, the more I realize that this is my story. This is my version of what it means to say “it is well with my soul”. This is my refining fire. My life, my story and most importantly my faith isn’t discredited because of what you see on the outside.
So throughout this month, I’m going to open up in ways I haven’t before. I’ll give you a glimpse and snapshots of what it’s like to walk in my shoes. My hopes in doing this is not only to raise awareness of Scoliosis, but to also shed light on how it feels to be in the waiting season of my healing. Life is a journey we all have to walk…. Welcome to a little bit of mine!
Chronically Faithful 