Daisy-Mai is standing taller and looking to the future with renewed confidence after undergoing life-changing spinal surgery at Alder Hey.
Daisy-Mai, from Exeter was diagnosed with scoliosis as a baby and was referred from her local team to Alder Hey.
Diagnosed with scoliosis as a baby, Daisy-Mai has lived with the condition for most of her life. Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine twists and curves to the side and, in some cases, can affect posture, breathing, and overall mobility. There are about three or four children per 1000 in the UK diagnosed with scoliosis.
Although Daisy-Mai’s scoliosis was visibly affecting her posture, she did not experience pain. Her condition had been closely monitored since infancy, and she wore a brace from around age 11 to help manage the curvature. Due to her complex medical history, including previous cardiac treatment, surgery eventually became necessary and was carefully planned to ensure the safest outcome.
Daisy-Mai was referred to Alder Hey for specialist care, where a multidisciplinary team carefully planned her treatment to ensure the best possible outcome. Alder Hey is one of the UK’s leading specialist children’s hospitals, with expertise in complex spinal surgery and the care of children with multiple or high-risk conditions.
She underwent a nine-hour operation known as a posterior spinal fusion with costoplasty. This complex procedure involves straightening and stabilising the spine using rods and screws, which fuse sections of the spine together. As part of Daisy-Mai’s surgery, two ribs were also removed to help correct the shape of her chest and improve overall alignment.
Daisy-Mai’s spine has been fully realigned since her procedure. She is three inches taller, and her mum Louisa has described her recovery as ‘life-changing’.
She has returned to college and is thriving again in her studies, and in her daily life, while also regaining her strength and her confidence. She has even signed with an inclusive modelling agency that celebrates visible differences and individuality, highlighting how far she’s come in her recovery.
The care we received was simply outstanding. From the incredible nurses on Ward 4A, who cared for Daisy-Mai with such kindness and compassion, to our hero Mr Davidson, the spinal surgical team and Dr Ravi, her anaesthetist. Every member of the team went above and beyond. We will be forever grateful to each of them for their expertise and humanity.”
Daisy-Mai’s mum Louisa