The brace doesn't help the curve get better, it just keeps it from getting worse. Or at least that is the theory. We went with well known dr. here in the Sacramento area. He pioneered a laproscopic procedure where very tiny incisions are made and tiny rods are put in. Causes minimal scarring.

Our daughter was really good about wearing the brace. It was difficult to accept at first, but she wore it at least 22 hrs/day. It was just a fluke it was caught so early. We went to the dr. for a sore throat. He had just been to a seminar on scoliosis and found it. Luckily, no surgery in the end, but lots of tears on the way.

A friend's daughter had rods put in about 3 years ago(not our dr., did thru Shriner's) Rehab was long, having to wear a brace thru the summer etc. But she has been fine since with no problems. She was never into sports, so that was not an issue. A cousin's daughter also had a good outcome.

Some doctors believe bracing does nothing, that the curve is kind of destined to be a certain degree. Who knows.

I know it is concerning having your daughter go thru a major and painful surgery. I am sure she will be in good hands and I will pray for her too.

Have fun on your trip and keep us updated on her progress.

MY

They have just now come up with a saliva test that shows whether you are one of the ones that your curve is destined to become worse. She is already to bad to consider this. The test is still in its study stage. Generally they only do bracing for those under 40 degrees. i haven't heard of anyone wearing bracing after having the surgery. I still can't believe we didn't catch her before the school nurse did. It is just so obvious now.

Our friend wore a brace (not the same as before, a different type) after surgery during the healing process. I think it just assures stability.

My daughter was part of a study on trying to find a genetic component to scoliosis. I have it as does my mother, but we are below 15 degrees. I have one leg a little shorter because of it and was suspicious that my daughter had it. One pant leg looked a little shorter. I checked her, but missed it because it was so low on her spine. I just then thought it must be my worried mother hen imagination. Not long after that, the dr. found it. The dr. did a special Xray that show 1 leg was a little shorter, so this probably contributed to the curving. Besides the brace, my daughter wore a small lift in one shoe.

I know what you mean. Obvious, now that we are educated about it. I look at old photos of myself and can see the uneven hemline. Now I can see the same with my daughter.

Again, keep us posted and many prayers your way.

MY

PS: Yosemite will be fabulous. The waterfalls will be going full blast!!