My name is Hailey.  I have been coming to the Hey Clinic since 2016 to be treated for my scoliosis. When I was first diagnosed with scoliosis, I was 11 years old. At the time, the curves of my spine were around 18 degrees and 10 degrees. I was a competitive dancer and volleyball player and loved to be active.  My first course of treatment was wearing a Boston brace at night and doing physical therapy and the Schroth method to try to prevent the curve from getting any bigger. However, my curves continued to increase over the next few years to about 45 degrees and 18 degrees. I also began to experience a lot of pain while playing volleyball and ended up not being able to play for a few months during my club season. When the largest curve reached 50 degrees, we decided that surgery would be the best option. When I heard the word “surgery,” I immediately thought, “There’s no way I’ll ever be able to play volleyball again.” Dr. Hey assured me that I was in good hands and that I would still be able to play the sport I love. I really appreciated how Dr. Hey answered all of my questions and made me feel informed and comfortable about my upcoming surgery. He was the only surgeon my parents and I met with who took the time to thoroughly explain everything about my scoliosis, we’re so blessed to have found The Hey Clinic! 

The surgery was scheduled for June 23, 2016. The days leading up to the procedure were very nerve-racking. On the day of the operation, we arrived at the hospital around 5:30 am. The nurses, techs, anesthesiologists, and everyone else in pre-op were absolutely wonderful. They told me exactly what was going on as they were prepping me for surgery. Then Dr. Hey came in to see how I was holding up. We all held hands and he led us in prayer, my parents and I really appreciated this as we’d been praying about this day for a long time. The next thing I remember is waking up to nurses giving me meds and making sure I was doing ok after the 5 hour surgery. It was very important that I stand up and walk around as soon as possible. The first time I stood up I noticed was that I was about 2 inches taller (which made me very excited as a volleyball player.) The day after my surgery Dr. Hey stopped in to see how I was doing and to show me the x-ray of my almost perfectly straight back. It was so amazing to see what a difference he made! I began physical and occupational therapy in the hospital and started moving more each day. My mom also stayed during my 4-day stay at the hospital and was always so supportive of me. Before I left the hospital on the fourth day, they did a “car test” to make sure I was able to comfortably get in and out of the car. I was so excited to get home and I was making great progress on my mobility and ability to do things on my own. 

Since I had my surgery in the summer, I didn’t think I would be able to play my last year on the middle school volleyball team that fall. Instead of trying out I was a coaching assistant. But to my surprise, within the first few weeks of the season I was able to start playing again.  My coaches, teammates, parents, and I could not believe how quickly I was able to get back at it. Now, 3 years later, I am playing on a high level team at Triangle Volleyball Club (and have been on a travel team for 5 years total). I have played on a national-level teams and on my high school team at Cardinal Gibbons for two years now since my surgery. When I first found out I needed the surgery, I didn’t think I would ever play volleyball again. It was an amazing feeling when I was able to compete again at the sport I love. I am beyond grateful to Dr. Hey and his amazing staff who helped me to get where I am now! Thank you, Hey Clinic!