Jackie Apostel, girlfriend of Cruz Beckham, marked the two-year anniversary of her extensive spinal surgery by posting a topless photograph on Instagram, revealing her scar and encouraging her followers to embrace their own. Apostel, a Brazilian songwriter, has scoliosis, a condition where the spine twists and curves, which necessitated the spinal fusion surgery to stabilize her backbone.
In the post shared on Saturday, Apostel is seen from the back, displaying the scar from her procedure. She captioned the image with, "Your scars are sexy." She also added, "2 years ago today I had my full spinal fusion. never ever felt better and we love a cute scar. just a lil wear & tear."
Apostel shared the update from Miami, where she was seen with the Beckham family, including Victoria, David, Cruz, and Romeo, at the Inter Miami stadium on Friday night.
Spinal fusion is a surgical technique used to join two or more vertebrae, aiming to alleviate pain, correct spinal issues, and enhance stability. During the operation, a bone graft is inserted between the vertebrae to limit excessive movement, with the graft potentially sourced from the patient, a donor, or synthesized materials. Surgeons may also employ screws and rods to secure the fused vertebrae.
Last year, Apostel shared details about her surgery and recovery, crediting Cruz and her loved ones for supporting her through what she described as "crazy psychological fear" experienced while on medication. She reflected on the recovery period, noting that the initial two weeks were challenging, but her determination to return to her music studio within a month of the operation kept her motivated. She stated she was back 25 days post-op.
"People go through far worse than this every day and in times where you’re physically and mentally weak you really realize what a crazy difference conversation and comfort can have on you," Apostel wrote previously. "Having someone check on you all the time, help you, love you." She also noted that while most days she feels normal, there are times she feels "weird in my body," a sentiment she believes many people experience. She also mentioned limitations such as difficulty wearing high heels for extended periods.
She emphasized the importance of having a strong support system, calling the mental aspect of the surgery and recovery the hardest part. Apostel described calling people in tears due to anxiety and fear of not being productive, exacerbated by medication that could make one feel "weird and sensitive."
Spinal fusion surgery is typically recommended for conditions including spondylolisthesis, intractable back pain, spinal instability, scoliosis, fractures, and tumors. The NHS funds such procedures only for patients meeting specific criteria.