Spinal Surgery for Charmaine- Sponsor a Tether
Charmaine, a 15-year-old keen gymnast, has been diagnosed with a rare double twist in her spine caused by idiopathic scoliosis; this has resulted in her spine developing an S-curve. The condition has caused consistent back pain, frequent headaches and posture problems. She has been complaining of more and more pain and finds it hard to walk for too long without needing a rest. This painful condition means her lungs are prevented from expanding and could eventually result in severe breathing problems.
She was first diagnosed at the end of 2017 during a routine X-Ray of her shoulder and the curve at the time measured 17 degrees. Doctors advised that correction at that stage was not necessary since Charmaine was still growing. Subsequently, she was advised to wear a back brace to help straighten her spine. For the brace to have the desired results, she had to wear it for 22 hours a day, this also meant sleeping in it. She found the brace irritating and difficult to breath in. Wearing a brace also affected her self esteem. The brace did not have the desired effect, and 2 years later her curve had increased to between 54/57 degrees despite wearing a rigid brace for a year. Doctors say if she does not have surgery, the curve will increase by at least 1 degree every year.
The NHS has offered a spinal fusion operation as a form of treatment. For this, the spine is forcibly straightened and, in order for the spine to stay straight, titanium rods are attached to both sides of the spine by screws drilled into her bones, but this kind of procedure will result in a rigid back and will severely impede her ability to do sporting activities, especially the ones she loves doing such as gymnastics and high jump. The spinal fusion will also most likely hinder her growth.
We have recently been offered (ASC) Anterior Scoliosis Correction, a life-changing surgery which is a less invasive procedure, by a surgeon in Germany who has extensive experience in both America and Germany. He is a world-renowned surgeon and at the forefront of the medical advancement of scoliosis treatment. This technique uses flexible cords unlike the rigid metal bars used in spinal fusion. This would still allow her to carry on doing the sports she is so passionate about such as gymnastics. The other advantage of this surgery is that it preserves her growth, flexibility, and may result in continuous correction of the spine over time.
The operation procedure will have to be done whilst her spine is still flexible and can still be manipulated into shape so we will need to act very fast.
Although there are trials in this newer technique at Stanmore Hospital (UK) starting this year (2021), the parameters are very strict, meaning surgery is only being offered to children younger than Charmaine with growing/flexible spines; Charmaine cannot be considered as she is over the age limit they require.
If Charmaine has this procedure, her experience will be used to help with studies to develop better treatment for other children faced with the same condition. It could also persuade the NHS to increase funding for further studies, thus paving the way for treatment of scoliosis sufferers in the UK. This should increase the chances of children with scoliosis to lead a more normal and pain-free life
After two terribly disrupted years due to COVID, we desperately want Charmaine to have a chance of trouble-free GCSE study and the chance to have some normality in what is a crucial period for her, both educationally and physically.
Appealing for help in this way is not an easy thing for us to do, but the clock is against us so please help.
We would need to raise a substantial amount of £42,000+ for this life changing surgery to pay for it privately. Your help will be appreciated.
Other advantages of having this surgery
Lead a normal pain free life
Fewer hours of surgery
Back to school within weeks
No blood transfusion
Flexibility after the operation
Can carry on and compete in gymnastics and high jump; the sports she loves.