'At last the "hunchback" jibes have stopped'

Josie Chapman opted for a 10-hour operation to straighten her spine so she could pursue her dream of modelling, but it meant she would never be able to bend her back again…

Do you think she was right with her decision? Would you risk not being able to do everyday tasks to follow a dream? Is vanity overtaking practicality in today’s society?

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Comments

[neesha]

hei.i am 15yrs old.i just now saw this picture and came to know that i am also having the same problem.it have been years.but it doesn't pain so i never tried to cure it.my sister wants me to wear corsets often to be in correct posture.but i haven't started it yet.will that be good or bad?what should i do then?can u please give me the best solution for this?..

[Katrina]

I have just stumbled upon this site whilst doing research for myself regarding the scoliosis operation. I am in my forties and my curve has progressed. I truly wish this operation had been available to me when I was diagnosed in my teens (it was very different then). The operation is now far superior to that of 20 years ago. I have been told that it is the ONLY thing that can permanently straighten my spine. Whilst bracing, physio and exercise may have temporarily halted the curve, it is sometimes only temporary after a certain degree of curve has been reached. I have always been advised against chiropractic methods for obvious reasons! I hope you have recovered well Josie and wish you all the best.

[Lynn Hudson]

How dreadful that people are talked into these outdated operations. I seriously doubt that an accident would have caused this level of scoliosis.
All young children should be checked for scoliosis. The test is very simple.
We see scoliosis patients all the time in my husband's chiropractic office. This condition can be corrected with gentle chiropractic care. How very sad.

[Claire]

Hi Julie
Although I had my scoliosis op when I was only 11 I did have my rib hump correction when I was 25 with 2 young children and this op was far more gruelling than my first op. If you have a partner/husband you will need him to help you in the first few weeks. I was a single parent then but I had lots of family help and was entitled to home help for domestic chores for a while. Try not to worry about the op risks-thousands of people have had the op successfully without complications and the benefits far outweigh the risks. You should be able to manage any pain after the op as there is very good pain relief available. As you have access to the internet you may find the adult scoliosis support group websites useful (try googling it to find them). There are lots of people to share your concerns with etc Good luck.

[julie]

I have an "S" shaped curve and have had this from the age of 15yr (or found out about it then ) I am now 42 and about to go for surgery on June 7th. I am petrified as i can not find anyone of my age who has had this op. My rib cage on one side is making it difficult for me to breath and I am in constant pain every day. I have been unable to do pilates or walk very far for a year now and although the pain is sometimes unbearable i am still scared that the operation and possible things that could go wrong are a risk too far. Can anyone help - i really need to talk to someone of my age who is a mum with two very young children and has school runs and everyday life to cope with - no offence to all you teenagers but i think i could have coped better at that age. Please please is there anyone out there ?

[Claire]

I cant believe there is even a suggestion that this operation is for vanity reasons!! I went through the same op 24 years ago for scoliosis when I was 11 and I too suffered the 'hunchback' jibes. Having the operation is for medical reasons because as the curve progresses the major organs will become restricted and posssibly be life threatening.

[Diane Chapman]

Hi
I am Josie's mum and reading some of the comments made me very proud so thanks for that. I can see some of you are having trouble getting things done!! I had the same problem if you need some information depending on your area I have got some contacts that could help. please go to josie's web page and you can contact me through there. josiechapman.co.uk

[ruby wilson]

didnt she have the operation because her ribcage was pressing into her lung? causing it to possbily collapse,i cant see anything vain about that at all. even if her ribcage wasnt pressing on her lung. which it was. thats not vain to have an operation so that you can fulfill your dreams, its a pity more young people dont have dreams, the world then might be a better place.well done josie. you were very brave,on a few counts.

[lauren french]

Hi i have got the same thing as her and its terrible i get called hunchback all of the time and i cannot stand it i am going to hospital soon to see the consultant by reading this story it has made me feel a bit more better in myself and what you really can acheive
i would like to talk to someone with the same condition as me

[paula blake]

I think josie is very brave.I would just like to say people say a lot this happens to a lot of young girls but my son has just turned eighteen and we have been waiting for this operation for four and a half years now . Since december it has been canceled three times he is in that much pain i dont no what to do next he just wants the operation and then try to get his life back on track.my sons curve s shape spine is now 85% and very painfull. If there is anyone out there that could help in anyway please could you get in touch we just need some help thanks

[josie chapman]

I'm 16 years old now and having that operation was the best thing that happend to me.... I did not do it just for the fame or to be recognised I did it because the doctor told me if I did not have the operation I would end up in a wheel chair.

[Naomi Smith]

Congratulations on making your dream come true. You give evryone out there hope.

Good luck with the competition

Naomi xxx