Stories on Curt's Human Disease Website

Name of the Disease: Scheuermann's Disease

Author: Cynthia Lambert

Story Submitted February, 2001

Name = Cynthia Lambert
Years of age = 41
Occupation = Teacher
City = Charlottesville Name of disease = Schurermans kyphosis My reaction to the disease: I began to experience pain when I was 22. For 10 years I searched for doctors including orthopedic, osteopaths and chiropractors, in three states. I was told to hang upside down, lift weights, live with it, its in my head" ect. I always knew there was something wrong because even as a child I felt like my back resembled a frog's back. I wore my hair long to cover it. I got to the point when I was 30 that I decided I could'nt live like this, especially when I was required to do the normal things like hold a full time job and keep house. If I could lay down all my life I would have been fine. I was a good athlete, running, gymnastics, triatholons, skiing, since I was able to walk. I even had a gymnastics scholarship to college. After college it all fell apart.
Dealing with this disease: I have had to change my whole life style including socially. My life revolved around competitive athltics. I had a spinal fusion in 1988. I am so limited that I even worry now whether cleaning the house will make my back hurt. I don't do any of the things I did. I read more and pray that I won't get arthritis in my back too badly that I am bedridden as I get older.
My words of wisdom: This sucks! But I have to continue and since my family tends to live into their 90's I have a long way to go. I hate to sit back and watch everyone have fun. I also hate it that I never was able to have a childhood.
This disease took all my 20's away. When I should have been out dating and socializing I was home laying down or popping pills to keep the pain at bay.
Please write if anyone has a similar story. email address is bellecreol@aol.com