After diagnosis I wanted to know how parents cope. Whilst my parents are useful contributors, I wanted the experience of another parent.
I used Scoliosis Association UK support page on Facebook to enquire if any parents would be willing to be part of my project.
A parent who responded and was particularly interesting was Eilish Mcloughlin.
I spoke to Eilish, the mother of Alice Mcloughlin, who like me had been a gymnast, until she was diagnosed with scoliosis in 2017.
The interview took place over Skype as I was in isolation again. This time it was me who had tested positive for Covid-19.
Eilish shared with me the emotions she felt after the initial diagnosis: “It was despair knowing Alice would have to quit gymnastics and then the despair of knowing she was potentially going to have to endure such big surgery.” Given my own background as a gymnast it was something I identified with.
The diagnosis came after one of Alice’s gymnastic coaches spotted that she had a rip hump and suggested that Eilish take Alice to the GP where she was then referred to a spinal consultant.
After four months of monitoring and private intensive physiotherapy Eilish and Alice decided to go outside of the NHS and explore Vertebral Body Tethering.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by scoliosis visit Scoliosis Association UK or call their helpline on 0208 964 1166 for support and advice.
Comments