by Natalie, 15

I was suffering from bad back problems in March 2005. My father has a rare disease called Spondilitis, which affects the bones in his spine. I went to my doctor and had blood tests to see if I had the illness, but thankfully the results came back negative.

But, from March until July 2005 I was still suffering with bad back pains and no one could understand why! Later on that month I had a sports day at school and when I was getting changed one of my P.E teachers noticed that I had an abnormal shape in my back. She advised me to go and get checked out by a doctor.

I went to see my doctor several times but again no one could understand what was wrong. Then I went to see my father’s Rheumatologist and he did an examination of my back and suggested that I had scoliosis (curvature of the spine). I had some x-rays to confirm this.

Now that I know what’s wrong with me I’ve started researching my problem on the Internet so I can understand the basic facts. It came as a bit of a shock to me at first, but my father always says to me: “The doctors are there to make you better – there is no need to worry.”

What I’d like to say is that no matter what is wrong with you, you can get through it, even if it is a mental problem. Just stay strong-minded. I’d also like to thank my dad for helping me and inspiring me to stay calm and happy. Also for encouraging me not to worry and just get on with things as normal.

I will continue to stay strong-minded and will take each day as it comes.

This story may have been edited by Children First for Health for editorial and confidentiality reasons only.

For more help and information:

• The Scoliosis Association
• The Institute of Child Health
• The British Scoliosis Society

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