17/06/2025
Hi, I am Rey and this is my scoliosis story. 🩻
In 2022, as the world slowly began to heal from the pandemic, I was faced with a personal challenge that would change the way I saw myself and the world around me. That was the year I discovered I had scoliosis, a condition that would not only test my physical strength, but also my emotional and mental toughness. My journey since then has been a struggle, then adaptation, and later on, acceptance.
It all began when my mom noticed a slight hump on my back. Concerned, she took me to my pediatrician, who recommended an x-ray. That was when we learned that I had scoliosis, with three curves in the thoracic and lumbar regions of my spine. At that time, I had little understanding of what scoliosis meant or how it would affect my life. Soon after, I started physical therapy at my first clinic. I was nervous, expecting painful and difficult exercises. However, the therapy began with simple movements and gradually became more challenging. Over time, I adjusted and became more comfortable with the routine.
After a year of consistent therapy, I had another x-ray. Unfortunately, the curve was still present, so I transferred to a new rehabilitation facility at St. Paul’s Hospital. Despite months of therapy at the new clinic, my scoliosis continued to worsen. That’s when my physiologist recommended that I should wear a brace. After a long wait, we finally found Flexi Spine and Scoliosis Clinic, where I met Dr. Maria Celine Villo, a scoliosis specialist. After her evaluation, she diagnosed me with severe scoliosis and told us I was a candidate for surgery. To avoid this, she strongly advised me to start wearing a brace.
Wearing the brace was a difficult transition. It was uncomfortable and made me feel very self-conscious, especially when people stared, wondering what was under my clothes. At first, I saw the brace as a burden. But over time, my mindset shifted. I began to see the brace not as something that held me back, but as something that could help me move forward. I reminded myself of the sacrifices my parents had made to get me that brace, and I chose to wear it with purpose and pride.
This journey with scoliosis has been challenging, but it has also shaped me into a stronger and more resilient person now. I am deeply thankful to everyone who has supported me along the way, my physical therapists, doctors, family, and especially God, who has been my source of strength through it all.
To anyone else facing scoliosis: you are not alone. Keep fighting, stay hopeful, and trust that with perseverance, things can and will get better. All glory to God.
Genevie Cabrera
