Hello,

I am 18, and I have a severe case of scoliosis. (As seen in the cove photos, It is a image of an x-ray from 6 months ago)

I was diagnosed with scoliosis at 16. After weeks, months and years. Of going to the hospital, and GP complaining of back pain, and swelling. They finally did an X-ray, confirming the 2 curves. However, at 16 1 was told not to have surgery as it would "cause more bad then good". He said I would be unable to bend, or move as freely as I could now, and that I should wait until after I have children before considering surgery. 

I am now left in a vulnerable position, where I am now urgently needing surgery.

My spinal curvature has now begun affecting my rib placement. This isn't a matter of 'my posture is now bad' . My spine is physically compressing my ribs, causing them crush against each other. This causes me extreme pain, as well as a limit in my mobility.

Because of the 2 curvatures in my spine, my muscles are not strong, and to short. So doing basic activities like walking, and standing causes me discomfort.

This has been very difficult to live with, especially at my age, as I am prevented from doing a lot of normal things, that others my age can do. Standing up for 10-15 minutes causes me discomfort. When my muscles flair up, the right side of my back becomes very swollen, I am unable to bend down to pick things up, walk properly due to the pain moving down my leg, as well as much more ordinary things.

Now that my condition is progressing and getting worse, I am fearful of the limitations I will have.

I am in the UK, which should mean I could get NHS care, and it be fully funded. However, because my case is serve, and the surgery would be extensive, because of the rib compression, potential lung compression, muscle tightness and a metal rod fusing my spine straight. 

It is recommended that I go to Turkey to have this surgery. They have cheaper surgery options, and an accredited hospital, they have reviewed my scans, and have a good success rate. They will be able to adequately treat my misplaced ribs! Although going to the USA would have been my first choice, the pricing is way too much for me to even come close to affording or raising. 

This procedure is critical, to relieve the pressure on my ribs and organs, but also to restore my mobility and prevent any further complications. Without it, my condition will continue to progress and significantly impact my quality of life.

However, I am very young. Meaning I can not afford this by myself. There is availability for me to have this surgery in 3 weeks, otherwise I will have to wait a year to be able to get into the books. I have been so grateful to my mum for trying to help my fund this surgery. But it gives me a lot of guilt putting this financial burden just on her. I am making this in hopes of the kindness of others coming through.

In the next 3 weeks, I need to raise around £45,000. (An overwhelming amount, I know  Especially in 3 weeks. Maybe I am crazy.)

Any donations made, will go directly to my surgery fund. Every pound gets me closer to getting my life back.

If you are unable to donate, It would mean a lot to me, if you could share this, so I am able to get the word out it would mean just as much!

I want to thank you for taking the time out of your day to read this, and for any support you have given❤️.