Meghan’s advice: 6 ways to shine after scoliosis surgery

Meet Meghan Dwyer ­— a typical busy high school student who loves field hockey, Disney movies and dance. Like thousands of other Massachusetts middle and high school students, Meghan participated in regular well-child and school screenings for scoliosis. Everything checked out fine. Early in Meghan’s sophomore year; however, her mother Tricia, a nurse, noticed her daughter’s back appeared a bit crooked. She made an appointment with Dr. Dan Hedequist, an orthopedic surgeon in the Boston Children’s Hospital Spinal Program. “We didn’t think the curve was too bad and were shocked to find out it had progressed to 50 degrees,” recalls Tricia. With a 50-degree curve, Meghan needed spinal fusion surgery. Less than 1 percent of girls with scoliosis have curves that require surgery, says Hedequist. The Dwyers scheduled Meghan’s surgery for June 15, 2015, shortly before the end of her sophomore year. Nearly one year after her surgery, Meghan is brimming with advice for other teens. Ask questions Meghan, who had never had surgery or anesthesia before her diagnosis, admits to being a bit nervous before her scoliosis surgery. “The nurses helped calm my nerves. They told me what was going to happen, which helped me prepare for the operation.” Meghan says, “Now, I know there’s nothing to be nervous about. The doctors and nurses at Boston Children’s have done this hundreds of times.” Connect with your guidance counselor The Dwyers made sure to keep Meghan’s gu...
Source: Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Diseases & Conditions Our Patients’ Stories Teen Health Dr. Dan Hedequist scoliosis spinal fusion surgery Spinal Program Source Type: news