IPOH, Sept 17 (Bernama) -- Thirteen-year-old scoliosis patient Arissa El Zahra Reduan is now able to enjoy a normal life after successfully undergoing corrective spinal surgery at Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun (HRPB) on Sept 8.
Her mother, Noorazlin Zulkifly, 40, expressed her gratitude and appreciation to the Ministry of Education (MOE) and members of the public who provided financial assistance to cover the cost of her eldest daughter’s surgery.
“I would like to thank everyone who contributed towards my daughter’s future. With everyone’s support, the surgery went smoothly,” she told Bernama when met at her home here today.
The Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Bandar Baru Putra student was diagnosed with scoliosis by an HRPB orthopaedic specialist at the age of 10, after undergoing treatment on June 5, 2024.
Following the diagnosis, the MOE, Yayasan Guru Tun Hussein Onn (YGTHO), and members of the public have stepped forward to provide financial assistance to help pay for the surgery.
Meanwhile, her father, Reduan Saad, 41, said the surgery took almost nine hours due to the pronounced curvature of Arissa’s spine.
“The doctor informed us that the curvature of Arissa’s upper spine was at 70 degrees, while the lower section had reached 100 degrees and was also twisted.
“Thankfully, after the nine-hour surgery which began at 8 am, the procedure to straighten her spine was completed safely,” he said.
Mohd Ridzuan said the doctors estimated that Arissa would need about two months to make a full recovery before being allowed to return to school.
“The two-month period will allow her to focus on movement exercises and adjust to her condition. Insya-Allah, if her recovery progresses smoothly, Arissa is expected to return to school this November,” he said.
Meanwhile, Arissa El Zahra expressed her happiness and gratitude that her surgery had gone smoothly, although she admitted to feeling nervous before entering the operating theatre.
“I was really scared, but I gathered my courage after receiving so much encouragement and prayers from my teachers and school friends.
“Although my back still feels sore and a little painful, I am happy that I am getting healthier and cannot wait to return to school to see my friends,” she said.
She said her improving health has given her hope of becoming active again and participating in various school activities, particularly sports.
“Previously, my movement was quite limited due to the pain in my back, so I could not participate in sports as actively as my friends.
“I hope that after this I will be able to take part in athletics, which I have always enjoyed, especially running events, once I have fully recovered,” she said.
-- BERNAMA