I am starting this campaign for my daughter Jodie, who has Scoliosis, which is twisting and curvature of the spine.
She was diagnosed this when she was four. She had her first operation in April 2012, where she had metal rods inserted in he back, which at the time her curve was high up in her back. In October 2916 we were devastated to find out she now has another curve in her back, this time in the middle of her back. She is in pain every day, and is on regular medication to help her sleep and for the pain. She also uses a TENS machine to control the pain. The condition, without correction, will get progressively worse. The spine which is in a 'S' shape will increase and stiffen leaving her bent over to one side if left in-corrected. Due to the twisting nature of scoliosis her rib cage is rotated, and has a protruding left shoulder blade and her left shoulder is higher than the right. if this condition gets worse, it can have a serious effect on her internal organs. The only way her scoliosis can be corrected is by further surgery.
The only surgery available in the UK is spinal fusion, which involves screws and metal rods, either side of the spine, which fuses the spine. This is what she has had done to her upper back. If she has this done to her middle part if her back this means all of her spine would be fused and she would permanently lose her Mobility, and flexibility and have a huge effect on her quality of life, and wouldn't be able to do the simple everyday tasks will all take for granted.
There is another operation which she can have but it is not available on the NHS, it's only available in America. This is a pioneering procedure called VBT, which corrects the curves without the need for fusion.
The cost of this is estimated between £150,00 & £175,000, a cost that I simply cannot afford.
If I am unsuccessful in raising the amount needed, for Jodie to have this operation in America, then I will of course return any donations made.