Divya’s Spinal Fusion Journey at Rady Children’s
For 15-year-old Divya, life is all about staying active. Whether she’s playing field hockey, spending time at the beach, trying new coffee shops or creating something artistic, she brings curiosity and a bright smile wherever she goes.
When Divya was 12, a routine visit to the doctor changed everything.
A Routine Checkup Leads to a Scoliosis Diagnosis
Divya’s spine before and after spinal fusion surgery
During her annual physical, Divya’s pediatrician noticed a slight curvature in her spine and referred her to an orthopedic specialist. At first, the curve was mild, and her family wasn’t overly concerned.
“We knew scoliosis can happen during adolescence, so we hoped a brace would be enough,” her mom, Anjuli, said.
For more than a year, Divya wore a corrective brace. But after a rapid growth spurt, her scoliosis continued to progress, leading her family to the Orthopedics and Scoliosis Center at Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego and orthopedic spine surgeon V. Salil Upasani, MD.
Expert Care Through Every Step
After careful evaluation, Divya underwent spinal fusion surgery.
“There was a nurse who updated us every 90 minutes during her eight-hour surgery,” Anjuli recalled. “She was our lifeline that day. We also felt incredibly supported by the nurses who cared for Divya after surgery and taught us how to help her recover at home.”
Stronger Every Day
Divya recovering after surgery
Now, six months after surgery, Divya is doing well and continuing to grow stronger through physical therapy. Her optimism, family support and determination to live with less back pain have carried her through recovery.
The experience has also inspired a new appreciation for health care.
“She has a new perspective on pain management and the impact doctors and surgeons can have on people’s lives,” Anjuli said. “She’s even interested in pursuing a career in the medical field.”
Today, Divya is back to doing what she loves, embracing life with renewed strength and gratitude for the team at Rady Children’s who helped make her recovery possible.
Learn more about the Children’s Orthopedics and Scoliosis Center at Rady Children’s.