His journey started around age 17 years old in Singapore. Eli noticed that he was standing predominately on one side but he didn’t think much of it at the time.

His friends noticed it & told him. Wearing baggy T-shirts, my parents didn’t see it.

When I went to the doctor. I did the toe touch test, they didn’t notice anything.

It wasn’t until later when they stoped testing that he noticed that his spine was curved. He mentioned it to his parents who took him to a specialist. During this time, he degree was in it's 20's. It wasn’t severe enough for surgery so the doctor suggested, come back in a year. For the first few years, Eli’s curve remained in the 20's. While in the military, Eli went for a check. It was then that his curves jumped to 40+ degrees.

Years late, Eli would have surgery. It was important for his orthopedic that Eli keep as much as his mobility as possible. This would mean that Eli would have surgery for his most extensive curve.

I don't remember having back pain during this time. A friend commented on a post I shared. I remember you having back pain.

I had my surgery in my early 20’s. I didn’t talk about it. I just lived my life. How I deal with it, through connection via social media.

It’s so important to share. About 2 years ago, Eli got a tattoo on his scar. Having this tattoo, healed me & my scar.

Eli dives into being a model & what that’s like. Eli’s agency is one that represents models with special needs or other conditions.

Eli sees his Scoliosis as his strength, his empowerment, self acceptance. It’s uncomfortable for me.

Eli shares back to a time he was in pain. Getting up was hard. His father in law is an acupuncturist. He helped me to recover, suggesting pressure points to work with moving forward.

What is your self care? Many exercises & not going to the gym.

What Eli would like to hell his younger self. Be proud of your body. It’s been given to you for a reason.

This is his story.

Where you can find Eli:

Instagram: Opps_itsEli

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