My experience with Asthma/Milwaukee Brace - 70's

November 3, 2008

My Scoliosis was diagnosed when I was probably 13. I was in 9th grade. I had -

had asthma all my life and about the same time my asthma took a turn for the

worse. I was also diagnosed with a chronic lung infection and was in and out of

the hospital every month. I was on all kinds of medicine including prednisone

which had terrible side effects (still does)!

One doctor wanted to operate for the scoliosis but thankfully my parents didn't

do that as he turned out to be a quack. The experts in Boston said no as I

could not lay flat. I had to sleep nearly sitting up and had PT daily to

literally bang the mucus out of me. I had terrible coughing fits. The asthma and

infection alone was a nightmare. I didn't go to school at all in 10th grade -

had a school supplied tutor at home and it took two years. The 11th grade I went

1/2 days.

So the Milwaukee brace was the alternative. It was a torture chamber for me. I

could't breath and when I had couping fits someone had to help me get out of it

quick as I would choke. I tried to wear as much as possible but the two medical

issues together made it nearly impossible. Not to be gross but I used to cough

up a cup full of mucus every night.

I didn't know until later that my beloved mom - who passed years ago - thought I

had Cystic Fibrosis and they weren't telling her. I had few friends in my home

area (not out and about)but made friends with people who were in Boston

Children's with me. Two of them died from Cystic Fib.

I never thought about dying but never thought of adult hood either.

The scoliosis seemed so unimportant at the time. When last I saw a Dr. for that

- 30 plus years ago - he said it hadn't gotten worse while in the brace and

should stay the same.

My asthma continued to be bad through the 30's but not as bad as in HS. Now my

asthma is well under control but over the years the scoliosis has gotten very

bad. When I see xrays it just makes me cringe to look. A big bad ssss.

I do have pain and that is worse all the time as well. My left hip and leg are

bothering me a lot. I have had pneumonia twice this year and they think the

scoliosis combined with my already compromised lungs are the reason.

I am terrified as I said in previous postings - about surgery. Also I don't even

no where to begin about Drs. and surgery. I have conflicting reports about the

doctors in Boston.

Thank you for your support and any further advice.

Sara

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