A woman in Manitoba who has suffered from scoliosis since childhood waited for surgery for eight years, but she has finally ushered in her own spring. From taking care of dogs and mopping the floor to now being able to walk independently, her life has undergone earth-shattering changes compared to a year ago. According to Global News, Kim Hughes-Tardiff (pictured), a woman from Manitoba, said she has been living a very difficult life, always feeling exhausted due to her mobility issues. “It has been a really tough journey,” she said.
After a long wait of up to eight years, she finally underwent back surgery on June 2, 2025. “I had lumbar fusion surgery, which involved the implantation of 32 steel nails and rods.” The doctors initially planned to perform four surgeries, but the long wait disrupted the original plan.
“In the end, only one surgery was needed because my bones and nerves were severely compressed and too soft, and he did his best. However, if it had been done eight years ago, the situation might have been better, but it’s too late now,” Tadif said.
Tadif has been unable to work due to pain since 2014. She said that waiting eight years for surgery left her exhausted. She was unable to make plans and cancelled many, saying, “I can’t predict how I’ll be tomorrow.”
Highlighting the challenges facing the healthcare system Her experience highlights the challenges many Canadians Clinical psychologist Renée El-Gabalawy has studied the effects of surgical delays and cancellations. She says the impact of waiting goes far beyond physical condition: “The effects are very broad, encompassing mental health, social functioning, and physical well-being.”
She pointed out that some studies suggest it could take Canada 30 years to resolve its surgical backlog. She advised patients to do as much as they can while waiting. “Whether it’s cognitive behavioural therapy or exercise, we know that these methods can effectively improve physical and mental health, as well as perioperative outcomes.”
As for Tadif, her recovery is expected to take another year, but she is grateful that the pain has lessened. She looks forward to returning to doing the things she loves. “I love swimming, I love being outdoors in the summer, and taking a hot bath really helps,” Tadif said. Of course, there’s also playing with her new puppies.