February 05, 2025

Shae Strom wishes she could tell her 17-year-old self just how much better life is on the other side of spinal fusion surgery.

"Today, I'm 28 years old, a social worker in child psychiatry, and I continue to be grateful for you (Dr. Buchowski) and the surgery that changed my life. Seventeen-year-old me would have wondered how this big surgery would impact her life and would be astonished to know that life continued as normal, and even better than it was before. She would also be astounded to know that even though I was never a runner before surgery, I decided this year to train and run two half-marathons." Perhaps the biggest message to Shae's 17-year-old self is, "My spine is straight and I don't feel any pain." 

Choosing Surgery 

Like many kids and adolescents with scoliosis, Shae didn't necessarily have to have surgery. Treating scoliosis without surgery is the first step of a care plan when possible. That was the best way to manage Shae's scoliosis for many years, until her curvature worsened and her daily life was negatively affected. Shae dealt with daily pain and as a teenage girl she was extremely self-conscious. "I felt crooked, I felt like my clothing didn't fit me right, and that my rib cage was protruding significantly so that others could see. When I was living with scoliosis, I would look away from my reflection in storefront windows because I couldn't believe how crooked my body looked." 

Shae and her family spent time with Jacob Buchowski, MD, MS, WashU Medicine spine surgeon exploring the options. "Dr. Buchowski thoroughly answered all of our questions. He was so warm and personable during my pre-surgery visits and made me feel confident in making the decision to go through with the surgery. I had two rods and 18 screws put into my spine (T3-L1 spinal fusion)." Shortly after Shae woke from surgery, her parents showed her the post-operative X-rays. She couldn't believe what had been possible with surgery and surprisingly asked, "That's MY spine?"

Life After Surgery 

By the one-year mark, her life had returned to normal, but with significant improvements — a straighter spine, diminished pain, and newfound confidence just in time to start college. Now, 11 years post-surgery, her life reflects the success of surgery to treat scoliosis. "I have absolutely no pain from my spinal fusion and I am much more confident in my body. I am braver and happier." 

Shae spends time hiking, walking her dog, exploring national parks, and recently embraced a new challenge: running. She trained and competed in two half marathons in 2024 and now she's training for a full marathon. 

A Message for Others 

As a happy and healthy adult who reflects on her decision to have spinal surgery as a teenager, Shae has a few pieces of advice for others. "Look to trusted healthcare providers like Dr. Buchowski. Consider risks and weigh benefits, be brave and trust your intuition."

To teenage girls with scoliosis, Shae emphasizes very few people are as aware of your scoliosis as you are. She is glad she had the surgery and encouragingly shares, "You'll be better, happier, stronger, and braver than you were having gone through it."

Learn why patient's choose Washington University Orthopedics, request an appointment online or call (314) 514-3500.