Gaia Jasmine's interview
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How did all start?
It began in 2005, when I had what the doctors thought to be an infection in my spinal. This wasn't followed up, but in 2006 I went to the doctors and it went from there.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
It took about a year for a full diagnoais, but indeed I have a full diagnosis now.
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
I had physiotherapy when I was first diagnosed however once I'd stopped growing, where the spinal curve hadn't progressed, the work through the hospital stopped. I've found staying fit and healthy most beneficial for me.
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
Practising yoga regularly has been most useful, as well as swimming and stretching alongside a healthily diet.
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Keeping up with staying active when I work full time. Stress definitely aggravates the back pain, especially around the curve. So once I'm stressed, the dis-ease of mind, goes straight to the disease/physical ailment.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
No one has reacted or treated my differently or in a negative manner.
What things have you stopped doing?
I haven't stopped doing anything. The doctors said I shouldn't go down water slides at water parks~ I have and will again and it was a lot of fun, even though my back was sore after. Doctors mentioned not to trampoline~ again I have and it's been fine. So listen to yourself, it's about trial and error and most importantly what works for you.
What do you think about the future?
As long as I stay active and get involved with a permanent masseuse, yoga classes and continue to build the strength in my back, I'm confident no surgery is needed.
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
Working in a vegan, ethical and environmentally friendly health food shop has changed my life and opened my eyes to future possibilities.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
I would quite simply, go to water parks more often!
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
Productive, engaging, full of love and support, a whirl wind of adventure and a huge learning curve.
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Get advice; read up on the condition, educate yourself as much as you can~ Knowledge is power. Understand just because your spinal has an abnormality it doesn't necessarily mean you'll be restricted~build muscle and strengthen your back, support it as much as you can~self care is highly recommended. Look into a diet that can aid you. Look into fitness, yoga, any sport you'll enjoy or could benefit you is worth trying.
