hi gtan,
Please read my previous posts quoted below to answer some of your queries.
She wears a leotard (a must) underneath the brace. The brace will of cos be stained by sweat. You need to wash them once a week when she takes a break from the brace. The only setback is when she gets her period, it is tough to put on the pad cos she wears a leotard for the brace.
Initially it will be difficult to sleep, especially if it is not air-con room but they will soon get used to it. For the hard brace, it needs a lot of discipline and patience cos it really retricts her movements like tying shoe laces..
It should not be a problem getting a referral from HPB. You just wanted a second opinion or alternative treatment, I dont see a problem. I suggest you get a referral letter first and start q-ing for an appt at KK for a date after the PSLE.
Good Luck 
She will be fine if she starts treatment before it worsen.
TwinMoM:Yes she is wearing soft brace now (tailored made in KK) for at least 20hrs a day. It has been 3 weeks now, a lil reluctant to wear it due to the weather :x but it is still better than the hard brace which restricts her movements (like a robot) and kids at that age has a lot of self-esteem.. She is due for a review in June and we'll see if it improves.. On the day where she was braced, she took an x-ray with the brace on, it improved a good 9 degrees.. so she has to continue to put on for at least 18mths. The priority now is to stop her curve from increasing, to correct it is of cos a bonus, it does happen to some though depending on their growth spurt.
Yes swimming and pilates are good exercises for Scoliosis. Dont take on excercises that will put stress to the spine eg. skipping.
Notes to parents :idea: : Do explore the pros/cons of soft brace (KK)/hard brace (NUH) before you decide what is best for your child. See both the expertise and decide AFTER. The web nowadays provide so much info for references.
PM me if you need further info. I'm happy to help if I can.
TwinMoM:Hi wi11anna,
In the first place, did she get a referral from HPB to see the NUH doctor under subsidised rate (school check > HPB > specialist)? If so, she can ask the doctor of HPB write her another referral letter to KK for a 2nd opinion. I did that for my daughter cos I foresee the difficulties of wearing the hard brace.
The soft brace's subsidised rate it is approx $2400 (+- varies depending on the components used) I am not sure the exact difference of full/subsidise maybe a few hundred dollars but do consider the regular doctor reviews/xtrays will be charged full as well. You can call up KK to check (Clinic P) or Intergrif Medical (they are in partner with KK)
http://www.integratif.com.sg/
Explain to them your situation, I am sure they will be able to help you. If your daughter is not making use of the hard brace consistently, then try to find an alternative for her asap rather than \"hoping she will be good girlwearing it everyday\" and in the midst of it her curve increasesIt's not easy on her I'm sure.. Even with the soft brace, my daughter can hardly clock 20hrs a day, mostly 17hrs on the average. I am also hoping for the best because nobody can guarantee the result at the end of the day. We only want to stop the degree from increasing and avoid surgery.
Feel free to ask me questions. Just to set the record straight, I'm not in any way related to the soft brace company or any medical institution.. I am just a mother sharing with other parents whose kid is having the same problem, and not sure of what to do.
Cheers
