A woman in Ireland suffering from scoliosis since the tender age of 6 weeks old has been given a second chance at a normal life 30 years later. Deirdre McDonnell, from Drogheda, County Louth, just became known as the world’s first adult to undergo a magnetic expansion control system (MAGEC) rod operation — and she's now able to straighten her severely curved back.

Her successful surgery gives hope to other adults who have undergone a number of unsuccessful and painful invasive operations in an attempt to straighten and lengthen their spine. “The operation has completely changed my life. Before, I could only walk short distances without being in pain, but now I love to walk everywhere. After more than 30 years of operations and taking painkillers, I'm finally hopeful for the future,” said McDonnell, the Daily Mail reported.

McDonnell was diagnosed with congenital scoliosis just over a month after being born. Patients with this form of scoliosis have a spinal deformity caused by vertebrae that are not properly formed. According to the Scoliosis Research Society, this occurs in the first six weeks of embryonic formation and often before the mother even knows she is pregnant, with the cause remaining unknown. So far, genetic studies have not found evidence whether this condition can be inherited.

Doctors expected McDonnell’s life expectancy to not go over age 7. Then, over the next 10 years, she underwent eight painful operations to save her life. The MAGEC surgery was her last hope as doctors told her she would be dead within 10 years otherwise.

“Because my spine was curved at 130 degrees, it formed into a C-shape and my lungs didn't have room to expand, so they never grew to full size. At my worst, my lungs were operating at only 30 percent of what they should have been. This meant that I was constantly poorly with pneumonia and chest infections. Doctors said they didn't know what else they could do,” she said.

The MAGEC rod technology, which has existed since 2011 was able to save McDonnell’s life. Previously, it has only been used on children as an alternative to the emotionally and physically painful treatment region of traditional growing rods. While there is still a moderate procedure for implantation, the MAGEC rod eliminates the need for repeated lengthening surgeries, according to Shriners Hospitals for Children.

After the surgery, the specially designed rod can be gradually lengthened from outside of the skin with the use of the External Remote Control (ERC), and in the exam room, to avoid the need for general anesthesia and incision. Magnets outside the body contained in the ERC device communicate with the magnets of the implanted rod to automatically modify the length of the growing rod with just the touch of a button.

This surgery is now a game-changer not only for McDonnell, but for six to nine million people in the U.S. with scoliosis. It can cut down the number of visits and the costs of scoliosis surgery patients go through annually. MAGEC could help eliminate pain and help patients feel much more confident in themselves.

“I feel so lucky to have been able to have this operation — it really has changed my life,” McDonnell said.