Hi, I'm Camilla and I have severe scoliosis, an abnormal curvature of the spine. I’ve now reached the point where my condition causes constant nerve and muscular pain, extreme fatigue, and difficulty doing even basic daily tasks. I’m a professional chef but I’ve been unable to work in any capacity since December due to debilitating pain.

Why I'm Asking for Help

I was diagnosed with scoliosis at the age of 15. Sadly my condition has not been properly managed by the NHS, and after years of being told I wasn't a surgical candidate I have now been told I urgently need major spinal surgery, and should actually have had this done in my teens or early 20s.

At this point I have a 77° thoracic curve and a 65° lumbar curve and multiple worn discs. I’ve been told I need major spinal fusion surgery from T4 to S1 — essentially fusing my entire spine below the neck and losing all movement in my spine from just below my neck all the way down. It’s not a decision I have come to lightly as there are severe and life-altering consequences of the surgery, but it’s now my only option to avoid further deterioration and (hopefully) pain, although it is not seen as a pain relieving procedure but a stabiising one.

I’ve been referred to Mr Sean Molloy at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore, one of the UK’s leading scoliosis specialists. However, I’m facing a minimum NHS waiting time of 18 months for surgery, plus the time it'll take to transfer over to the RNOH, and my symptoms continue to worsen while I wait.

After the spinal fusion I will have a 12 month recovery time, in which I will be greatly limited in what I can do in order to allow the verterbrae in my spine to fuse to eachother. I will have permanent extensively reduced mobility which is why preparing and strengthening my body as much as possible prior to surgery will help aid my recovery as well as the surgeons ability to straighten my very stiff spine as much as possible.

What I’m Fundraising For

While I wait for surgery, I’m trying to manage my pain and slow further deterioration of my spine through treatments not available on the NHS.

I’m raising £5000 to help cover the cost of:

Specialist scoliosis physiotherapy (which may help slow further curve progression) - £135ph

Weekly specialist chiropractic sessions and spinal decompression therapy - £66 per visit (part of a block payment plan)

An inversion table for home use to relieve pressure on my spine - £160

Complementary therapies such as acupuncture and massage £60+ per visit

How Your Support Helps

These treatments would offer much needed relief at an incredibly challenging time for me both physically and emotionally. They could also help slow the rate of curve progression and prepare me for the best possible surgical outcome.

Any support — whether a small donation or simply sharing this page — would mean a great deal to me. Thank you so much for reading my story and please take the time to watch the youtube video below to gain a better insight into my situation.

Many thanks,

Camilla

https://youtu.be/msLeQsQt8II?si=ApqFgAJC1ZSZsmyK