Julie Pettis
- Scoliosis Advocate
Julie Pettis cannot recall if she was 9 or 10 when she was diagnosed with scoliosis but shared that it has affected her life for as long as she can remember.
“From childhood I always had back pain, it was just something I learned to live with. I preferred wearing baggy shirts to conceal my crooked back. My hips were unaligned so I would always put my weight on one leg when standing so that my crookedness was less noticeable.”
Julie feels that over the years, maintaining a positive mindset was important for her as it affected her motivation: “I can’t change the fact that I have scoliosis, but I can control how I deal with it.”
The addition of back muscle strengthening exercises in treatment plans for those diagnosed with scoliosis is something that Julie believes would be beneficial.
She also feels that earlier surgical intervention for adults should be considered; with her own journey, she shared that had corrective surgery been an option in her 20’s, 30’s or 40’s she would have elected for that and feels her recovery would have been simpler.
“During the year leading up to my surgery, I focused on mindfulness, positive thinking about my future after surgery. I also did 5 months of physical therapy to help strengthen my back muscles thinking this would all help with my recovery.”
When she isn’t crocheting, playing cards on several card leagues or attending music concerts and plays, Julie loves walking, especially along the beautiful Rhode Island beaches.
“I am happy, strong and full of life.”
