Hello! My name is Stefanie Wade. I have had scoliosis almost all of my life---was diagnosed at age 5. I wore a back brace (Boston, I think. No one ever really told me what one I had) from age 6 to age 15. Through talking with others who wore a brace, I realized my experience was not all in my head. I really hated it and felt like a freak in high school. Even though my brace was under my clothes, I felt that everyone could see it. I felt like no one would want to hug me. In P.E., when changing for swimming, someone even said, "What the *#@ is that?" when she saw my brace. I wanted to crawl into the locker.
I realize now, 14 years later, that I wasn't some monster. However, I know that adolescence is the hardest time for people, in terms of how you feel about yourself, and especially your body.
I am now working on my doctorate degree in psychology. After thinking over my experience, and talking with others, I have decided that I want to write my dissertation about scoliosis and body image. I want to see how others feel about their bodies, especially since their diagnosis of scoliosis and wearing a brace. I have asked permission from the National Scoliosis Foundation to see if I can ask you all for help in completing some surveys about body image and self esteem. I am still waiting to hear from someone.
If this all works out, I would love everyone's help. Hopefully I will be able to learn something new that will help teenagers feel better about wearing a brace.
It is so awesome to see a message group like this! I wish it was around when I was wearing my brace. You all need to support each other. I hope to be able to conduct my study and get your help!
Stefanie
I realize now, 14 years later, that I wasn't some monster. However, I know that adolescence is the hardest time for people, in terms of how you feel about yourself, and especially your body.
I am now working on my doctorate degree in psychology. After thinking over my experience, and talking with others, I have decided that I want to write my dissertation about scoliosis and body image. I want to see how others feel about their bodies, especially since their diagnosis of scoliosis and wearing a brace. I have asked permission from the National Scoliosis Foundation to see if I can ask you all for help in completing some surveys about body image and self esteem. I am still waiting to hear from someone.
If this all works out, I would love everyone's help. Hopefully I will be able to learn something new that will help teenagers feel better about wearing a brace.
It is so awesome to see a message group like this! I wish it was around when I was wearing my brace. You all need to support each other. I hope to be able to conduct my study and get your help!
Stefanie
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