Kristel M.

I was diagnosed with scoliosis soon after I was born. The first time I was evaluated, as a baby, the doctors told my parents that I might have to be in a wheelchair for life. My parents got a second opinion at another hospital, and we continued going there for years. As a kid, I spent more time at doctors than I spent in school. I hated wearing my brace because kids would tease me about it. It was also really uncomfortable and I felt trapped wearing it.

When I was around 11 years old, the doctor I had been seeing said I was ready for surgery with no explanation. I felt so scared and I didn’t want to go through with it. It was my lowest point. My family thankfully decided to get another opinion at HSS and everything changed.

When I met Dr. Heyer, I felt like I could trust her with my whole life. She explained everything to me and my parents and really made us feel seen and heard. I finally was included in the discussion about my care. I decided to go ahead with the surgery and had a spinal fusion in 2022.

After surgery, I feel free! I joined the volleyball team and the yearbook at school. My whole world feels opened up. I am interested in doing so many things I couldn’t do before. I am so thankful for the whole team at HSS who supported me.