Medical Examinations with Siblings: A Personal Insight

When we were children, it was quite common to undergo medical examinations alongside our siblings. The ease of diagnosis was more straightforward when the doctors could see us both at once. My brother and I were no exception. This practice was especially useful for routine check-ups and specific examinations such as the spinal exam which we both experienced.

Medical Examinations in Childhood

During our younger years, it was standard practice for my brother and I to go to the GP together. It was easier for the doctors to observe and document our health conditions simultaneously. However, as we grew older, this practice became less common due to our individual medical needs and the logistics involved in group examinations.

One memorable time we shared a medical experience was during a spinal exam. This particular exam was significant as it led to the diagnosis of scoliosis when I was 18 months old. My brother, on the other hand, was completely healthy at that time.

Advanced Medical Examination at Age 16

Fast forward to the age of 16, there was an unexpected turn of events. During routine medical screening, the clinic realized I was a twin with an identical monozygotic sibling. They decided to conduct a side-by-side comparison of X-rays. The process was a point of amusement for me as I watched my twin brother undergo the same examination as I had to endure every six to twelve months.

During the examination, we were clad only in our underwear and hospital gowns. It was a humbling and intimate experience, allowing for a thorough comparison of our spinal structures and overall health.

Discovery and Comparison

As a result of this examination, my brother and I both shared some surprising discoveries. Firstly, he had a head tilt resembling mine, caused by the congenital spinal defect that was also present in my case. This malformed vertebra had caused me to switch from being left-handed to right-handed, and it was the same defect causing my head to tilt. The only difference was that unlike me, my brother had a complete vertebra present.

Another remarkable finding was the presence of five fused vertebrae in my neck. However, due to the main issue being located in my lower back, the last full spinal X-ray taken of me was when I was just 18 months old. The examination from that time focused on the lumbar and thoracic sections where the curvature was located. Afterward, they only took X-rays of the lower back region.

Reflections and Conclusion

Although the last medical examination conducted with a sibling was during the spinal exam at age 16, it remains a poignant memory of our shared experiences in fostering a better understanding of our health. Such experiences not only highlight the importance of familial support in medical situations but also underscore the unique nature of health conditions that can affect individuals differently within the same family.