Hello from New Jersey 👋
Hello everyone, my name is Chelsea. I was diagnosed with scoliosis at the age of 10 with a double curvature of 48 and 52 degrees. I had spinal fusion surgery at 11 years old. I was fused from T3-L3.
I was able to live a pretty normal life after that for almost 2 decades, despite the fact that I struggled with my weight my whole life. The scarring and mobility issues also contributed to my body image issues.
In my late twenties, I started having sciatic pain. I developed degenerative disc disease (degenerative spondylolisthesis). I was told I needed another spinal fusion of L4/L5.
I put the surgery off for a very painful 2 1/2 years. My quality of life deteriorated to the point I could barely walk. At age 29, I had the second spinal fusion, and my recovery was much easier than I expected.
Since then, I got married, have traveled to places like Machu Pichu, Greece, Mexico, Italy, and Croatia. I have 2 children (natural childbirth, no epidurals) aged 3 and 5.
In the past 2 years, I have lost 85 pounds and have made fitness and healthy nutrition a priority. I want my children to have a strong example to follow so they won’t struggle the same way I did.
It is possible that I will need to have L5/S1 fused at some point. With nearly my whole spine fused, I really am the bionic woman. But I consider myself a success story, and although it is easy to lose sight of at times, I try to stay in touch with gratitude for my physical and mental strength and resilience. I look forward to connecting with others and sharing stories. Purchasing a tshirt ASAP!
Hi Chelsea!! Thank you so much for sharing your story, it’s so inspiring to see that you were able to travel, have kids, and make healthy changes to inspire them💚 it sounds like you have such a healthy perspective on your journey and that makes me so happy to hear.
I’m so glad you found us here! Where in Jersey are you located? My husband and I just moved out to Jersey City and we are loving it 🥰