Seven-Year-Old Required to Wear Back Brace for 16 Hours Every Day
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Thais Diehm took her daughter, Preslee Harris, for her first-grade physical last May, which ended up revealing something unexpected. During the checkup, the doctor noticed a slight bump on Harris’s back when she bent over to touch her toes. This led to further investigations and the diagnosis of scoliosis, a condition characterised by a sideways curve of the spine, according to the Mayo Clinic.
The initial X-rays showed spinal curves of 12 degrees at the top, 17 in the middle, and 14 at the bottom, with the middle curve being the most prominent. This news came as a shock to Diehm, who was not prepared for such a diagnosis during a routine physical examination. Since Harris’s primary doctor didn’t handle scoliosis cases, the family was directed to an orthopedic surgeon for further evaluation.
The orthopedic surgeon confirmed Harris’s 17-degree curve and proposed a wait-and-see approach with a recommendation for a brace if the curve progressed to 25 degrees due to her age and growth potential. By August, the curvature had increased to 18 degrees, prompting the orthopedic team to advise a brace for 16 hours a day to help manage the condition. Harris, now 7 years old, selected a cheetah-print pattern for her brace, turning it into a fashionable accessory.
Diehm didn’t want the brace to just be medical equipment; she wanted it to embody her daughter’s spirit. They adorned the brace with daily affirmations, rainbows, flowers, and cheerful designs to reinforce positivity and confidence. The whimsical decorations include stickers symbolising scoliosis awareness, tied together with phrases like “A little bent but never broken,” reflecting Harris’s resilience.
At school, Harris received tremendous support from her teachers and classmates, with many even expressing admiration for her brace. Despite the positive reception at school, Diehm prepared Harris with a script to handle public inquiries about her brace, empowering her to confidently explain its purpose or seek assistance from adults when needed.
The experience has inspired Diehm to share their journey on social media, particularly TikTok, to raise awareness about scoliosis. Through online interactions and messages of support, Harris has found a community that uplifts her spirits during challenging times, reminding her that she is not alone in her journey.
Harris recently underwent a follow-up evaluation which revealed an improvement in her spinal curves, offering hope for potential brace adjustments in the future. The family remains optimistic about Harris’s progress and is focused on supportive measures to potentially avoid the need for surgical intervention in the future.
Diehm acknowledges her daughter’s strength and positivity throughout the journey, noting how Harris’s resilience continually inspires her. By prioritising Harris’s emotional well-being and ensuring a positive outlook, Diehm is determined to foster an environment that nurtures and sustains her daughter’s inner strength and courage.