Reece’s Spine

Hi everyone, my name is Reece Smith and I am based in Amanzimtoti, KZN.

I was born with the rare disability - Arthrogryposis - which has caused me to live my entire life with scoliosis. Over the past few years, my scoliosis has gotten worse and is projected to get even worse if left untreated. If I don't have the much-needed surgery, I will live the remainder of my life with respiratory problems and the inability to sit properly.

 I was originally scheduled to have this surgery at King Dinuzulu Hospital at the beginning of the year. However, the risks to have the surgery through the state were too high (such as death and 50% chance of being paralysed from the waist down, which would lead to no feeling from the waist don and the inability to control my bowels). Due to these risks, it was necessary to have this surgery through the private sector to decrease the risks as low as possible.

After lots of research, I discovered Prof Dunn in Cape Town and went to go see him for an appointment at the beginning of June this year....