Lisa
My daughter was diagnosed with scoliosis at age 13. She had a 30 degree lower curve and a 22 degree upper curve. She was told that she would have to wear a hard brace for 2 years. After much research we discovered a new brace called Spinecor, made in Montreal. (They have a web site www.biorthex.com) She wore it religiously for 18 months and is almost finished and will not have to have surgery. However, I am concerned with a few things your MD has told you ... Bracing only assists when the skeletal growth is immature (xray will show that the riser sign at the hip is not closed) and I have NEVER heard of bracing being used to arrest a curve that is over 35 - 40 degrees. Your Dr. maybe using the brace to keep the heart and lungs from being comprimised while awaiting growth to finish so that surgery can be done. I would contact the Scoliosis Association. I don't know where you live, but I do know a ton of fantastic spine specialists here in Southern Ca. Please get a second opinion. Trust me on this though - if the Dr.says that bracing is the only option - it is preferable to death. Also, it is easier for a boy to disguise a brace than for a girl - all he needs to do is wear baggy clothes! Good luck! If you wnat to email me please feel free to do so.