Re: Re: Stories/Updates

[Guest guest]

Cobb is the angle of the curve itself. The RVAD is the rib vertebral angle difference and it is a measurement that they take which is a good indicator as to whether the scoliosis will progress or resolve. An RVAD of over 20 degrees will usually progress and less than that may end up resolving on its own.

Noelle (12-2-01)Ian (8-15-04)

Re: Re: Stories/Updates

This e- mail has really made me realize that I need to get Madison's story posted. (sorry ) I don't check the e-mail too terribly often, but this one caught my eye for some reason. At any rate.....My daughter, Madison, was first casted when she was 8 months old, by Dr. D'Astous in SLC, UT. Her cast was changed every six-eight weeks. She wore a cast for 15 months total and is now in a TLSO. We will be going to pick up her second one next Tuesday actually. Her original curve at first application was 54 Cobb and 45 RVAD. After just the first application she went down to 26 Cobb and 20 RVAD. (these measurements are to the best of my recollection) When the third cast was applied her curve actually increased and she had developed a compensatory curve. This was was explained to me because her rotation and wedging were being corrected. She wore a total of 7 casts. When the final cast came off (7/05) her RVAD was zero and her COBB was 12. After just having x-rays done last week her RVAD remains at zero and her COBB is at 5. The only problems we ran into was skin breakdown one time, which we had treated locally at a diabetic wound care clinic. We just had her cast trimmed down a little bit where the breakdown was occuring and within 3 days she was fine. As for after effects, what I notice first and foremost is a VERY straight spine with incredible posture. Upon Dr. D'Astous's recommendation she is receiving PT twice a week to help strengthen her torso and improve her balance. I can see improvement almost every session. Where she was experieincing pulmonary disfunction, all seems to be well now. She goes back for a follow-up on that 2/24. Considering the alternatives, I think she's doing great. I feel like I have tried to tell you all the poitives and negatives involved. In my personal opinion, I think the whole experience was tougher on me than her. She took her first steps ( she was 14 months old) in her 5th cast, at Shriners while walking with Dr. D'Astous, so it seemed very fitting to me. I guess because she learned to walk in the cast is why she has the balance issues, which really aren't that noticeable. And of cousre being in some type of brace or cast (born with sublexed hips) since the day she was born has attributed to the muscle atrophy in her torso. Because I can see constant improvement, I don't hesitate in saying I would do it all over again if I had to. You are going to be suprised how resiliant your little one is. I wish you and your family the very best.

As I stated in the begining I am HORRIBLE about checking the posts. If you, or anyone, would like to chat, I would be more than happy to talk to you. I live in TX (CST), and my only request is please don't call before 0700 or after 2000 my time. Otherwise, I am home all day usually and available for you. 325-651-9160. Sorry this is such a long e-mail, but I hope gives some of you new parents hope and maybe some who are in the journey and getting frustrated and renewed sense of hope. Happy New Year to each and every one of you.

mosunshinebaby <mosunshinebaby@...> wrote:

Like, , Chesney, Lacie, Kenzie, Lexi, Tess...What was their curve degree before 1st Cast?What age did they receive their first cast?How many casts have they gone through?What are their angles now?How old are they now?Just interested in seeing others outcomes from this if any of you have time, I would really appreciate it. I don't mean to ask all girls either, just because I have a daughter, would be interested in boys answers too even, anyone really who has time to share the above info and any additional info. would be appreciated! Even via personal e-mail if you want.. thanks so much!>> While looking through some of your pictures I can't seem to access > most of your e-mails b/c it's not listed in your profile. I'm just > wondering about some of the stories behind the pics & how your kids > are now. We are just entering into having my daughter's first cast put > on and I'm curious what lies ahead (how many casts, how responsive > kids curves have been etc.) Some of the baby girls w/pics posted > remind me of mine & I'm curious to know how things are going for them.> > Also, I think you're on this sight too Ian's Mommy (right?). He uses > an actual plaster cast with fiberglass outside & gortex type lining > too so it can get wet. Is there a specific name that I should find out > about the cast they're planning to use? And/or specific names that I > should be having used on her? Is there anyone here who had only had to > cast there young infant once or twice & had success??? Or is that > complete wishful thinking? Any input or advice is appreciated! She's > only 15 mos. so we want to make sure this is done right while she's in > the rapid growth period. Thanks.>

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, I think normally they shoot for 8 weeks, but I was thinking with all of the casts they did at the ETTP that they might be busier than normal and that is why it was actually 10 weeks before we are getting the cast change. It will be interesting to see if they go to 8 weeks this time or keep it at 10.

Noelle (12-2-01)Ian (8-15-04)

Re: Re: Stories/Updates

Madison had a cast change every 6-8 weeks? I wonder how they determine how often to change it. Cole was 8 months when he was casted and we get our first cast change at 10 weeks. I feel like his current cast is about to fall apart and wish we could get a new one sooner. Plus , Iam anxious for under the arm cast! Great story. Very much like the beginning of Cole's, and we look forward to having the same results in a year from now. <jenstewart73@...> wrote:

This e- mail has really made me realize that I need to get Madison's story posted. (sorry ) I don't check the e-mail too terribly often, but this one caught my eye for some reason. At any rate.....My daughter, Madison, was first casted when she was 8 months old, by Dr. D'Astous in SLC, UT. Her cast was changed every six-eight weeks. She wore a cast for 15 months total and is now in a TLSO. We will be going to pick up her second one next Tuesday actually. Her original curve at first application was 54 Cobb and 45 RVAD. After just the first application she went down to 26 Cobb and 20 RVAD. (these measurements are to the best of my recollection) When the third cast was applied her curve actually increased and she had developed a compensatory curve. This was was explained to me because her rotation and wedging were being corrected. She wore a total of 7 casts. When the final cast came off (7/05) her RVAD was zero and her COBB was 12. After just having x-rays done last week her RVAD remains at zero and her COBB is at 5. The only problems we ran into was skin breakdown one time, which we had treated locally at a diabetic wound care clinic. We just had her cast trimmed down a little bit where the breakdown was occuring and within 3 days she was fine. As for after effects, what I notice first and foremost is a VERY straight spine with incredible posture. Upon Dr. D'Astous's recommendation she is receiving PT twice a week to help strengthen her torso and improve her balance. I can see improvement almost every session. Where she was experieincing pulmonary disfunction, all seems to be well now. She goes back for a follow-up on that 2/24. Considering the alternatives, I think she's doing great. I feel like I have tried to tell you all the poitives and negatives involved. In my personal opinion, I think the whole experience was tougher on me than her. She took her first steps ( she was 14 months old) in her 5th cast, at Shriners while walking with Dr. D'Astous, so it seemed very fitting to me. I guess because she learned to walk in the cast is why she has the balance issues, which really aren't that noticeable. And of cousre being in some type of brace or cast (born with sublexed hips) since the day she was born has attributed to the muscle atrophy in her torso. Because I can see constant improvement, I don't hesitate in saying I would do it all over again if I had to. You are going to be suprised how resiliant your little one is. I wish you and your family the very best.

As I stated in the begining I am HORRIBLE about checking the posts. If you, or anyone, would like to chat, I would be more than happy to talk to you. I live in TX (CST), and my only request is please don't call before 0700 or after 2000 my time. Otherwise, I am home all day usually and available for you. 325-651-9160. Sorry this is such a long e-mail, but I hope gives some of you new parents hope and maybe some who are in the journey and getting frustrated and renewed sense of hope. Happy New Year to each and every one of you.

mosunshinebaby <mosunshinebaby@...> wrote:

Like, , Chesney, Lacie, Kenzie, Lexi, Tess...What was their curve degree before 1st Cast?What age did they receive their first cast?How many casts have they gone through?What are their angles now?How old are they now?Just interested in seeing others outcomes from this if any of you have time, I would really appreciate it. I don't mean to ask all girls either, just because I have a daughter, would be interested in boys answers too even, anyone really who has time to share the above info and any additional info. would be appreciated! Even via personal e-mail if you want.. thanks so much!>> While looking through some of your pictures I can't seem to access > most of your e-mails b/c it's not listed in your profile. I'm just > wondering about some of the stories behind the pics & how your kids > are now. We are just entering into having my daughter's first cast put > on and I'm curious what lies ahead (how many casts, how responsive > kids curves have been etc.) Some of the baby girls w/pics posted > remind me of mine & I'm curious to know how things are going for them.> > Also, I think you're on this sight too Ian's Mommy (right?). He uses > an actual plaster cast with fiberglass outside & gortex type lining > too so it can get wet. Is there a specific name that I should find out > about the cast they're planning to use? And/or specific names that I > should be having used on her? Is there anyone here who had only had to > cast there young infant once or twice & had success??? Or is that > complete wishful thinking? Any input or advice is appreciated! She's > only 15 mos. so we want to make sure this is done right while she's in > the rapid growth period. Thanks.>

PhotosRing in the New Year with Photo Calendars. Add photos, events, holidays, whatever.

PhotosRing in the New Year with Photo Calendars. Add photos, events, holidays, whatever.

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I don't know what kind of machines Cincinnati Children's Hospital has, however they took our 4 month old from 35 degrees before casting and corrected her 75% in her first cast and currently 0 degrees in her second cast. , mother of Evanlee & is (7 months) Baird <michelle_r_baird@...> wrote: mosunshinebaby, The only two hospitals I know of that have the device required to manipulate the spine are Shriner's Salt Lake and Shriner's Erie. There may be one or two more hosp. but I don't know about them. My husband also was very impressed with our Doc at Rainbow Babies Children Hosp., and wanted us to go there for Cole's care. Supposedly he is one of the best in the country,

but we chose another option after much research. Dr. Mehta's cast just makes so much sense. At the recent conference in Erie with Dr. Mehta, which we attended, I found it interesting that my Ped. Ortho Surg. here in Cleve. sent another collegue of his, and his personal nurse to find out more about this casting technique. My local Dr. who is the VP of the National research society for scoliosis was still learning about the procedure. At the conference I spoke with his nurse, and she said "you know, we do do casting too, we just don't get these kinds of results." And I said to her, "That's why we're here!" I guess my point in all this is, that there are a lot of good docs all over the world, BUT that doesn't mean they know everything. We are our children's advocates, and it is our responsibilty to find out all information and options and chose what is best for our children. We have had great correction with

the Mehta cast, and are VERY happy with our decision, as I think all on this board who have been casted with Mehta's technique feel. It is worth any amout of traveling and inconvenience. Good luck with your decision. And please always feel free to ask questions. I can tell you are trying to get as much info as possible. Kudos! Take care. mosunshinebaby <mosunshinebaby@...> wrote: Wow, thank you so much , , & Shellie.. Tracey. Thank you so much for putting the time in on helping me out here. Those are the lines I was thinking along from seeing how successful the newer Mehta "technic" seems, but was having a hard time w/understanding the difference.. now I have a better idea. My husband

is very impressed w/Children's Hospital and our ortho there so I'm having a hard time getting him to understand why there might be better options available that Children's Hospital physicians aren't yet familiar with or atleast practicing. And why I don't want to jump into throwing her in a cast there when we might be wasting the precious time of her infancy growth. He seems to think she's going to be just fine w/what the Dr. wants to do but I just don't want to take the chance if there's a better alternative.. even if it means traveling. However our time is limited, she's already 15 mos. and it basically doubled it's curved state in the past 3 mos. Is Shriner's the only hospitals using this casting technic does anyone know? I'll also check out the other boards too , thanks. I guess now I would need to find out what our closest options for Mehta casting are without wasting anymore time. Thanks again for all

your input!> > > >> > > > While looking through some of your pictures I can't seem > to > > access > > > > most of your e-mails b/c it's not listed in your profile. > I'm > > just > > > > wondering about some of the stories behind the pics &

how > your > > > kids > > > > are now. We are just entering into having my daughter's > first > > cast > > > put > > > > on and I'm curious what lies ahead (how many casts, how > > responsive > > > > kids curves have been etc.) Some of the baby girls w/pics > > posted > > > > remind me of mine & I'm curious to know how things are > going > > for > > > them.> > > >

> > > > Also, I think you're on this sight too Ian's Mommy > (right?). > > He > > > uses > > > > an actual plaster cast with fiberglass outside & gortex > type > > > lining > > > > too so it can get wet. Is there a specific name that I > should > > find > > > out > > > > about the cast they're planning to use? And/or specific > names > > that > > > I > >

> > should be having used on her? Is there anyone here who had > > only > > > had to > > > > cast there young infant once or twice & had success??? Or > is > > that > > > > complete wishful thinking? Any input or advice is > appreciated! > > > She's > > > > only 15 mos. so we want to make sure this is done right > while > > > she's in > > > > the rapid growth period. Thanks.> > > >>

> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

[Guest guest]

What type of cast did your daughter have that corrected her so well-IT wasn't a Mehta? My son is also 4mos old and is at 33degrees- our first Ortho wanted us to wait for 3mos which would put us in March-but we see a 2nd specialist Thursday. Sounds like AWESOME progress! - Mom 8/7/05Jim & Abercrombie <dalerocks08@...> wrote: I don't know what kind of machines Cincinnati Children's Hospital has, however they took our 4 month old from 35 degrees before casting and corrected her 75% in her first cast and currently 0 degrees in her second cast. , mother of Evanlee & is (7 months) Baird <michelle_r_baird@...> wrote: mosunshinebaby, The only two hospitals I know of that have the device required to manipulate the spine are Shriner's Salt Lake and Shriner's Erie. There may be one or two more hosp. but I don't know about them. My husband also was very impressed with our Doc at Rainbow Babies Children Hosp., and wanted us to go there for Cole's care. Supposedly he is one of the best in the country, but we chose another option after much research. Dr. Mehta's cast just makes so much sense. At the recent conference in Erie with Dr. Mehta, which we attended, I found it interesting that my Ped. Ortho Surg. here in Cleve. sent another collegue of his, and his personal nurse to find out more about this casting technique. My local Dr. who is the VP of the National research society for scoliosis was still learning about the procedure. At the

conference I spoke with his nurse, and she said "you know, we do do casting too, we just don't get these kinds of results." And I said to her, "That's why we're here!" I guess my point in all this is, that there are a lot of good docs all over the world, BUT that doesn't mean they know everything. We are our children's advocates, and it is our responsibilty to find out all information and options and chose what is best for our children. We have had great correction with the Mehta cast, and are VERY happy with our decision, as I think all on this board who have been casted with Mehta's technique feel. It is worth any amout of traveling and inconvenience. Good luck with your decision. And please always feel free to ask questions. I can tell you are trying to get as much info as possible. Kudos! Take care. mosunshinebaby <mosunshinebaby@...> wrote: Wow, thank you so much , , & Shellie.. Tracey. Thank you so much for putting the time in on helping me out here. Those are the lines I was thinking along from seeing how successful the newer Mehta "technic" seems, but was having a hard time w/understanding the difference.. now I have a better idea. My husband is very impressed w/Children's Hospital and our ortho there so I'm having a hard time getting him to understand why there might be better options available that Children's Hospital physicians aren't yet familiar with or atleast practicing. And why I don't want to jump into throwing her in a cast there when we might be wasting the precious time of her infancy growth. He seems to think

she's going to be just fine w/what the Dr. wants to do but I just don't want to take the chance if there's a better alternative.. even if it means traveling. However our time is limited, she's already 15 mos. and it basically doubled it's curved state in the past 3 mos. Is Shriner's the only hospitals using this casting technic does anyone know? I'll also check out the other boards too , thanks. I guess now I would need to find out what our closest options for Mehta casting are without wasting anymore time. Thanks again for all your input!> > > >> > > > While looking through some of your pictures I can't seem > to > > access > > > > most of your e-mails b/c it's not listed in your profile. > I'm > > just > > > > wondering about some of the stories behind the pics & how > your > > > kids > > > > are now. We are just entering into having my daughter's > first > > cast > > > put > > > > on

and I'm curious what lies ahead (how many casts, how > > responsive > > > > kids curves have been etc.) Some of the baby girls w/pics > > posted > > > > remind me of mine & I'm curious to know how things are > going > > for > > > them.> > > > > > > > Also, I think you're on this sight too Ian's Mommy > (right?). > > He > > > uses > > > > an actual plaster cast with fiberglass outside & gortex > type >

> > lining > > > > too so it can get wet. Is there a specific name that I > should > > find > > > out > > > > about the cast they're planning to use? And/or specific > names > > that > > > I > > > > should be having used on her? Is there anyone here who had > > only > > > had to > > > > cast there young infant once or twice & had success??? Or > is > > that > >

> > complete wishful thinking? Any input or advice is > appreciated! > > > She's > > > > only 15 mos. so we want to make sure this is done right > while > > > she's in > > > > the rapid growth period. Thanks.> > > >> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

[Guest guest]

I believe it was just a plaster of paris jacket. At first it was up over her shoulders but she had such small movement and it kept bending her ear that they cut the shoulder parts off after 2 weeks. Now in her second cast it is under the arm. Pictures are on the website. Both had the hole in the belly and the back, however this one the holes are smaller. One would think with growing the holes would get bigger not smaller but they are the specialists. My words of advise, if you have to wait even a couple of weeks for casting, cherish that time of cuddling and him playing with his toes or rolling over. Althought casting is for the best it is very hard to give up those precious things we otherwise take for granted. , mom of Evanlee & is (7 mos.) <basketsnboyds@...> wrote: What type of cast did your daughter have that corrected her so well-IT wasn't a Mehta? My son is also 4mos old and is at 33degrees- our first Ortho wanted us to wait for 3mos which would put us in March-but we see a 2nd specialist Thursday. Sounds like AWESOME progress! - Mom 8/7/05Jim & Abercrombie <dalerocks08@...> wrote: I don't know what kind of machines Cincinnati Children's Hospital has, however they took our 4 month old from 35 degrees before casting and corrected her 75% in her first cast and currently 0 degrees in her second cast. , mother of Evanlee & is (7 months) Baird <michelle_r_baird@...> wrote: mosunshinebaby, The only two hospitals I know of that have the device required to manipulate the spine are Shriner's Salt Lake and Shriner's Erie. There may be one or two more hosp. but I don't know about them. My husband also was very impressed with our Doc at Rainbow Babies Children Hosp., and wanted us to go there for Cole's care. Supposedly he is one of the best in the country, but we chose another option after much research. Dr. Mehta's cast just makes so much sense. At the recent conference in Erie with Dr. Mehta, which we attended, I found it interesting that my Ped. Ortho Surg. here in Cleve. sent another collegue of his, and his personal nurse to find out more about this casting technique. My local Dr. who is the VP of the National research society for scoliosis was still

learning about the procedure. At the conference I spoke with his nurse, and she said "you know, we do do casting too, we just don't get these kinds of results." And I said to her, "That's why we're here!" I guess my point in all this is, that there are a lot of good docs all over the world, BUT that doesn't mean they know everything. We are our children's advocates, and it is our responsibilty to find out all information and options and chose what is best for our children. We have had great correction with the Mehta cast, and are VERY happy with our decision, as I think all on this board who have been casted with Mehta's technique feel. It is worth any amout of traveling and inconvenience. Good luck with your decision. And please always feel free to ask questions. I can tell you are trying to get as much info as possible. Kudos! Take care. mosunshinebaby <mosunshinebaby@...> wrote: Wow, thank you so much , , & Shellie.. Tracey. Thank you so much for putting the time in on helping me out here. Those are the lines I was thinking along from seeing how successful the newer Mehta "technic" seems, but was having a hard time w/understanding the difference.. now I have a better idea. My husband is very impressed w/Children's Hospital and our ortho there so I'm having a hard time getting him to understand why there might be better options available that Children's Hospital physicians aren't yet familiar with or atleast practicing. And why I don't want to jump into throwing her in a cast there when we might be wasting the precious time of her infancy growth. He seems to think

she's going to be just fine w/what the Dr. wants to do but I just don't want to take the chance if there's a better alternative.. even if it means traveling. However our time is limited, she's already 15 mos. and it basically doubled it's curved state in the past 3 mos. Is Shriner's the only hospitals using this casting technic does anyone know? I'll also check out the other boards too , thanks. I guess now I would need to find out what our closest options for Mehta casting are without wasting anymore time. Thanks again for all your input!> > > >> > > > While looking through some of your pictures I can't seem > to > > access > > > > most of your e-mails b/c it's not listed in your profile. > I'm > > just > > > > wondering about some of the stories behind the pics & how > your > > > kids > > > > are now. We are just entering into having my daughter's > first > > cast > > > put > > > > on

and I'm curious what lies ahead (how many casts, how > > responsive > > > > kids curves have been etc.) Some of the baby girls w/pics > > posted > > > > remind me of mine & I'm curious to know how things are > going > > for > > > them.> > > > > > > > Also, I think you're on this sight too Ian's Mommy > (right?). > > He > > > uses > > > > an actual plaster cast with fiberglass outside & gortex > type >

> > lining > > > > too so it can get wet. Is there a specific name that I > should > > find > > > out > > > > about the cast they're planning to use? And/or specific > names > > that > > > I > > > > should be having used on her? Is there anyone here who had > > only > > > had to > > > > cast there young infant once or twice & had success??? Or > is > > that > >

> > complete wishful thinking? Any input or advice is > appreciated! > > > She's > > > > only 15 mos. so we want to make sure this is done right > while > > > she's in > > > > the rapid growth period. Thanks.> > > >> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

[Guest guest]

, that looks like it could be a Mehta cast. Is there a whole in the back to compensate for the rib hump? If so, then it could very well be the same cast. Mehta usually goes over the shoulder like that depending on where the apex of the curve is.

Noelle (12-2-01)Ian (8-15-04)

Re: Re: Stories/Updates

I believe it was just a plaster of paris jacket. At first it was up over her shoulders but she had such small movement and it kept bending her ear that they cut the shoulder parts off after 2 weeks. Now in her second cast it is under the arm. Pictures are on the website. Both had the hole in the belly and the back, however this one the holes are smaller. One would think with growing the holes would get bigger not smaller but they are the specialists. My words of advise, if you have to wait even a couple of weeks for casting, cherish that time of cuddling and him playing with his toes or rolling over. Althought casting is for the best it is very hard to give up those precious things we otherwise take for granted.

, mom of Evanlee & is (7 mos.) <basketsnboyds@...> wrote:

What type of cast did your daughter have that corrected her so well-IT wasn't a Mehta?

My son is also 4mos old and is at 33degrees- our first Ortho wanted us to wait for 3mos which would put us in March-but we see a 2nd specialist Thursday.

Sounds like AWESOME progress!

- Mom 8/7/05Jim & Abercrombie <dalerocks08@...> wrote:

I don't know what kind of machines Cincinnati Children's Hospital has, however they took our 4 month old from 35 degrees before casting and corrected her 75% in her first cast and currently 0 degrees in her second cast.

, mother of Evanlee & is (7 months) Baird <michelle_r_baird@...> wrote:

mosunshinebaby,

The only two hospitals I know of that have the device required to manipulate the spine are Shriner's Salt Lake and Shriner's Erie. There may be one or two more hosp. but I don't know about them. My husband also was very impressed with our Doc at Rainbow Babies Children Hosp., and wanted us to go there for Cole's care. Supposedly he is one of the best in the country, but we chose another option after much research. Dr. Mehta's cast just makes so much sense. At the recent conference in Erie with Dr. Mehta, which we attended, I found it interesting that my Ped. Ortho Surg. here in Cleve. sent another collegue of his, and his personal nurse to find out more about this casting technique. My local Dr. who is the VP of the National research society for scoliosis was still learning about the procedure. At the conference I spoke with his nurse, and she said "you know, we do do casting too, we just don't get these kinds of results." And I said to her, "That's why we're here!"

I guess my point in all this is, that there are a lot of good docs all over the world, BUT that doesn't mean they know everything. We are our children's advocates, and it is our responsibilty to find out all information and options and chose what is best for our children.

We have had great correction with the Mehta cast, and are VERY happy with our decision, as I think all on this board who have been casted with Mehta's technique feel. It is worth any amout of traveling and inconvenience. Good luck with your decision. And please always feel free to ask questions. I can tell you are trying to get as much info as possible. Kudos! Take care.

mosunshinebaby <mosunshinebaby@...> wrote:

Wow, thank you so much , , & Shellie.. Tracey. Thank you so much for putting the time in on helping me out here. Those are the lines I was thinking along from seeing how successful the newer Mehta "technic" seems, but was having a hard time w/understanding the difference.. now I have a better idea. My husband is very impressed w/Children's Hospital and our ortho there so I'm having a hard time getting him to understand why there might be better options available that Children's Hospital physicians aren't yet familiar with or atleast practicing. And why I don't want to jump into throwing her in a cast there when we might be wasting the precious time of her infancy growth. He seems to think she's going to be just fine w/what the Dr. wants to do but I just don't want to take the chance if there's a better alternative.. even if it means traveling. However our time is limited, she's already 15 mos. and it basically doubled it's curved state in the past 3 mos. Is Shriner's the only hospitals using this casting technic does anyone know? I'll also check out the other boards too , thanks. I guess now I would need to find out what our closest options for Mehta casting are without wasting anymore time. Thanks again for all your input!> > > >> > > > While looking through some of your pictures I can't seem > to > > access > > > > most of your e-mails b/c it's not listed in your profile. > I'm > > just > > > > wondering about some of the stories behind the pics & how > your > > > kids > > > > are now. We are just entering into having my daughter's > first > > cast > > > put > > > > on and I'm curious what lies ahead (how many casts, how > > responsive > > > > kids curves have been etc.) Some of the baby girls w/pics > > posted > > > > remind me of mine & I'm curious to know how things are > going > > for > > > them.> > > > > > > > Also, I think you're on this sight too Ian's Mommy > (right?). > > He > > > uses > > > > an actual plaster cast with fiberglass outside & gortex > type > > > lining > > > > too so it can get wet. Is there a specific name that I > should > > find > > > out > > > > about the cast they're planning to use? And/or specific > names > > that > > > I > > > > should be having used on her? Is there anyone here who had > > only > > > had to > > > > cast there young infant once or twice & had success??? Or > is > > that > > > > complete wishful thinking? Any input or advice is > appreciated! > > > She's > > > > only 15 mos. so we want to make sure this is done right > while > > > she's in > > > > the rapid growth period. Thanks.> > > >> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

[Guest guest]

yes it does have the hole in the front and the back Claflin <noellesmommy@...> wrote: , that looks like it could be a Mehta cast. Is there a whole in the back to compensate for the rib hump? If so, then it could very well be the same cast. Mehta usually goes over the shoulder like that depending on where the apex of the curve is. Noelle (12-2-01)Ian (8-15-04) Re: Re: Stories/Updates I believe it was just a plaster of paris jacket. At first it was up over her shoulders but she had such small movement and it kept bending her ear that they cut the shoulder parts off after 2 weeks. Now in her second cast it is under the arm. Pictures are on the website. Both had the hole in the belly and the back, however this one the holes are smaller. One would think with growing the holes would get bigger not smaller but they are the specialists. My words of

advise, if you have to wait even a couple of weeks for casting, cherish that time of cuddling and him playing with his toes or rolling over. Althought casting is for the best it is very hard to give up those precious things we otherwise take for granted. , mom of Evanlee & is (7 mos.) <basketsnboyds@...> wrote: What type of cast did your daughter have that corrected her so well-IT wasn't a Mehta? My son is also 4mos old and is at 33degrees- our first Ortho wanted us to wait for 3mos which would put us in March-but we see a 2nd specialist Thursday. Sounds like AWESOME progress! - Mom 8/7/05Jim & Abercrombie <dalerocks08@...> wrote: I don't know what kind of machines Cincinnati Children's Hospital has, however they took our 4 month old from 35 degrees before casting and corrected her 75% in her first cast and currently 0 degrees in her second cast. , mother of Evanlee & is (7 months) Baird <michelle_r_baird@...> wrote: mosunshinebaby, The only two hospitals I know of that have the device required to manipulate the spine are Shriner's Salt Lake and Shriner's Erie. There may be one or two more hosp. but I don't know about them. My husband also was very impressed with our Doc at Rainbow Babies Children Hosp., and wanted us to go

there for Cole's care. Supposedly he is one of the best in the country, but we chose another option after much research. Dr. Mehta's cast just makes so much sense. At the recent conference in Erie with Dr. Mehta, which we attended, I found it interesting that my Ped. Ortho Surg. here in Cleve. sent another collegue of his, and his personal nurse to find out more about this casting technique. My local Dr. who is the VP of the National research society for scoliosis was still learning about the procedure. At the conference I spoke with his nurse, and she said "you know, we do do casting too, we just don't get these kinds of results." And I said to her, "That's why we're here!" I guess my point in all this is, that there are a lot of good docs all over the world, BUT that doesn't mean they know everything. We are our children's advocates, and it is our responsibilty to find out all information and options and chose what is best for our

children. We have had great correction with the Mehta cast, and are VERY happy with our decision, as I think all on this board who have been casted with Mehta's technique feel. It is worth any amout of traveling and inconvenience. Good luck with your decision. And please always feel free to ask questions. I can tell you are trying to get as much info as possible. Kudos! Take care. mosunshinebaby <mosunshinebaby@...> wrote: Wow, thank you so much , , & Shellie.. Tracey. Thank you so much for putting the time in on helping me out here. Those are the lines I was thinking along from seeing how successful the newer Mehta "technic" seems, but was having a hard

time w/understanding the difference.. now I have a better idea. My husband is very impressed w/Children's Hospital and our ortho there so I'm having a hard time getting him to understand why there might be better options available that Children's Hospital physicians aren't yet familiar with or atleast practicing. And why I don't want to jump into throwing her in a cast there when we might be wasting the precious time of her infancy growth. He seems to think she's going to be just fine w/what the Dr. wants to do but I just don't want to take the chance if there's a better alternative.. even if it means traveling. However our time is limited, she's already 15 mos. and it basically doubled it's curved state in the past 3 mos. Is Shriner's the only hospitals using this casting technic does anyone know? I'll also check out the other boards too , thanks. I guess now I would need to find out what our closest options for

Mehta casting are without wasting anymore time. Thanks again for all your input!> > > >> > > > While looking through some of your pictures I can't seem > to > > access > > > > most of your e-mails b/c it's not listed in your profile. > I'm > > just

> > > > wondering about some of the stories behind the pics & how > your > > > kids > > > > are now. We are just entering into having my daughter's > first > > cast > > > put > > > > on and I'm curious what lies ahead (how many casts, how > > responsive > > > > kids curves have been etc.) Some of the baby girls w/pics > > posted > > > > remind me of mine & I'm curious to know how things are > going > > for

> > > them.> > > > > > > > Also, I think you're on this sight too Ian's Mommy > (right?). > > He > > > uses > > > > an actual plaster cast with fiberglass outside & gortex > type > > > lining > > > > too so it can get wet. Is there a specific name that I > should > > find > > > out > > > > about the cast they're planning to use? And/or specific > names >

> that > > > I > > > > should be having used on her? Is there anyone here who had > > only > > > had to > > > > cast there young infant once or twice & had success??? Or > is > > that > > > > complete wishful thinking? Any input or advice is > appreciated! > > > She's > > > > only 15 mos. so we want to make sure this is done right > while > > > she's in > > > > the rapid

growth period. Thanks.> > > >> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

[Guest guest]

I bet you it is a Mehta cast then .

Noelle (12-2-01)Ian (8-15-04)

Re: Re: Stories/Updates

I believe it was just a plaster of paris jacket. At first it was up over her shoulders but she had such small movement and it kept bending her ear that they cut the shoulder parts off after 2 weeks. Now in her second cast it is under the arm. Pictures are on the website. Both had the hole in the belly and the back, however this one the holes are smaller. One would think with growing the holes would get bigger not smaller but they are the specialists. My words of advise, if you have to wait even a couple of weeks for casting, cherish that time of cuddling and him playing with his toes or rolling over. Althought casting is for the best it is very hard to give up those precious things we otherwise take for granted.

, mom of Evanlee & is (7 mos.) <basketsnboyds@...> wrote:

What type of cast did your daughter have that corrected her so well-IT wasn't a Mehta?

My son is also 4mos old and is at 33degrees- our first Ortho wanted us to wait for 3mos which would put us in March-but we see a 2nd specialist Thursday.

Sounds like AWESOME progress!

- Mom 8/7/05Jim & Abercrombie <dalerocks08@...> wrote:

I don't know what kind of machines Cincinnati Children's Hospital has, however they took our 4 month old from 35 degrees before casting and corrected her 75% in her first cast and currently 0 degrees in her second cast.

, mother of Evanlee & is (7 months) Baird <michelle_r_baird@...> wrote:

mosunshinebaby,

The only two hospitals I know of that have the device required to manipulate the spine are Shriner's Salt Lake and Shriner's Erie. There may be one or two more hosp. but I don't know about them. My husband also was very impressed with our Doc at Rainbow Babies Children Hosp., and wanted us to go there for Cole's care. Supposedly he is one of the best in the country, but we chose another option after much research. Dr. Mehta's cast just makes so much sense. At the recent conference in Erie with Dr. Mehta, which we attended, I found it interesting that my Ped. Ortho Surg. here in Cleve. sent another collegue of his, and his personal nurse to find out more about this casting technique. My local Dr. who is the VP of the National research society for scoliosis was still learning about the procedure. At the conference I spoke with his nurse, and she said "you know, we do do casting too, we just don't get these kinds of results." And I said to her, "That's why we're here!"

I guess my point in all this is, that there are a lot of good docs all over the world, BUT that doesn't mean they know everything. We are our children's advocates, and it is our responsibilty to find out all information and options and chose what is best for our children.

We have had great correction with the Mehta cast, and are VERY happy with our decision, as I think all on this board who have been casted with Mehta's technique feel. It is worth any amout of traveling and inconvenience. Good luck with your decision. And please always feel free to ask questions. I can tell you are trying to get as much info as possible. Kudos! Take care.

mosunshinebaby <mosunshinebaby@...> wrote:

Wow, thank you so much , , & Shellie.. Tracey. Thank you so much for putting the time in on helping me out here. Those are the lines I was thinking along from seeing how successful the newer Mehta "technic" seems, but was having a hard time w/understanding the difference.. now I have a better idea. My husband is very impressed w/Children's Hospital and our ortho there so I'm having a hard time getting him to understand why there might be better options available that Children's Hospital physicians aren't yet familiar with or atleast practicing. And why I don't want to jump into throwing her in a cast there when we might be wasting the precious time of her infancy growth. He seems to think she's going to be just fine w/what the Dr. wants to do but I just don't want to take the chance if there's a better alternative.. even if it means traveling. However our time is limited, she's already 15 mos. and it basically doubled it's curved state in the past 3 mos. Is Shriner's the only hospitals using this casting technic does anyone know? I'll also check out the other boards too , thanks. I guess now I would need to find out what our closest options for Mehta casting are without wasting anymore time. Thanks again for all your input!> > > >> > > > While looking through some of your pictures I can't seem > to > > access > > > > most of your e-mails b/c it's not listed in your profile. > I'm > > just > > > > wondering about some of the stories behind the pics & how > your > > > kids > > > > are now. We are just entering into having my daughter's > first > > cast > > > put > > > > on and I'm curious what lies ahead (how many casts, how > > responsive > > > > kids curves have been etc.) Some of the baby girls w/pics > > posted > > > > remind me of mine & I'm curious to know how things are > going > > for > > > them.> > > > > > > > Also, I think you're on this sight too Ian's Mommy > (right?). > > He > > > uses > > > > an actual plaster cast with fiberglass outside & gortex > type > > > lining > > > > too so it can get wet. Is there a specific name that I > should > > find > > > out > > > > about the cast they're planning to use? And/or specific > names > > that > > > I > > > > should be having used on her? Is there anyone here who had > > only > > > had to > > > > cast there young infant once or twice & had success??? Or > is > > that > > > > complete wishful thinking? Any input or advice is > appreciated! > > > She's > > > > only 15 mos. so we want to make sure this is done right > while > > > she's in > > > > the rapid growth period. Thanks.> > > >> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

[Guest guest]

Thanks so much for the kind words of advise! He is rolling and loves to "eat" his toes1 Did your ped. Ortho specialize in this type of casting? I haven't heard of any other cast that had the holes in the front and the back- did you take the Mehta article w/you? Thanks in advance! Jim & Abercrombie <dalerocks08@...> wrote: I believe it was just a plaster of paris jacket. At first it was up over her shoulders but she had such small movement and it kept bending her ear that they cut the shoulder parts off after 2 weeks. Now in her second cast it is under the arm. Pictures are on the website. Both had the hole in the belly and the back, however this one the holes are smaller. One would think with growing the holes would get bigger not

smaller but they are the specialists. My words of advise, if you have to wait even a couple of weeks for casting, cherish that time of cuddling and him playing with his toes or rolling over. Althought casting is for the best it is very hard to give up those precious things we otherwise take for granted. , mom of Evanlee & is (7 mos.) <basketsnboyds@...> wrote: What type of cast did your daughter have that corrected her so well-IT wasn't a Mehta? My son is also 4mos old and is at 33degrees- our first Ortho wanted us to wait for 3mos which would put us in March-but we see a 2nd specialist Thursday. Sounds like AWESOME progress! - Mom 8/7/05Jim & Abercrombie

<dalerocks08@...> wrote: I don't know what kind of machines Cincinnati Children's Hospital has, however they took our 4 month old from 35 degrees before casting and corrected her 75% in her first cast and currently 0 degrees in her second cast. , mother of Evanlee & is (7 months) Baird <michelle_r_baird@...> wrote: mosunshinebaby, The only two hospitals I know of that have the device required to manipulate the spine are Shriner's Salt Lake and Shriner's Erie. There may be one or two more hosp. but I don't know about them. My husband also was very

impressed with our Doc at Rainbow Babies Children Hosp., and wanted us to go there for Cole's care. Supposedly he is one of the best in the country, but we chose another option after much research. Dr. Mehta's cast just makes so much sense. At the recent conference in Erie with Dr. Mehta, which we attended, I found it interesting that my Ped. Ortho Surg. here in Cleve. sent another collegue of his, and his personal nurse to find out more about this casting technique. My local Dr. who is the VP of the National research society for scoliosis was still learning about the procedure. At the conference I spoke with his nurse, and she said "you know, we do do casting too, we just don't get these kinds of results." And I said to her, "That's why we're here!" I guess my point in all this is, that there are a lot of good docs all over the world, BUT that doesn't mean they know everything. We are our children's advocates, and it is our responsibilty

to find out all information and options and chose what is best for our children. We have had great correction with the Mehta cast, and are VERY happy with our decision, as I think all on this board who have been casted with Mehta's technique feel. It is worth any amout of traveling and inconvenience. Good luck with your decision. And please always feel free to ask questions. I can tell you are trying to get as much info as possible. Kudos! Take care. mosunshinebaby <mosunshinebaby@...> wrote: Wow, thank you so much , , & Shellie.. Tracey. Thank you so much for putting the time in on helping me out here. Those are the lines I was thinking along from seeing how

successful the newer Mehta "technic" seems, but was having a hard time w/understanding the difference.. now I have a better idea. My husband is very impressed w/Children's Hospital and our ortho there so I'm having a hard time getting him to understand why there might be better options available that Children's Hospital physicians aren't yet familiar with or atleast practicing. And why I don't want to jump into throwing her in a cast there when we might be wasting the precious time of her infancy growth. He seems to think she's going to be just fine w/what the Dr. wants to do but I just don't want to take the chance if there's a better alternative.. even if it means traveling. However our time is limited, she's already 15 mos. and it basically doubled it's curved state in the past 3 mos. Is Shriner's the only hospitals using this casting technic does anyone know? I'll also check out the other boards too , thanks. I

guess now I would need to find out what our closest options for Mehta casting are without wasting anymore time. Thanks again for all your input!> > > >> > > > While looking through some of your pictures I can't seem > to > > access > > > > most of your e-mails b/c it's not listed in your profile. >

I'm > > just > > > > wondering about some of the stories behind the pics & how > your > > > kids > > > > are now. We are just entering into having my daughter's > first > > cast > > > put > > > > on and I'm curious what lies ahead (how many casts, how > > responsive > > > > kids curves have been etc.) Some of the baby girls w/pics > > posted > > > > remind me of mine & I'm curious to know how things are > going

> > for > > > them.> > > > > > > > Also, I think you're on this sight too Ian's Mommy > (right?). > > He > > > uses > > > > an actual plaster cast with fiberglass outside & gortex > type > > > lining > > > > too so it can get wet. Is there a specific name that I > should > > find > > > out > > > > about the cast they're planning to use? And/or specific

> names > > that > > > I > > > > should be having used on her? Is there anyone here who had > > only > > > had to > > > > cast there young infant once or twice & had success??? Or > is > > that > > > > complete wishful thinking? Any input or advice is > appreciated! > > > She's > > > > only 15 mos. so we want to make sure this is done right > while > > > she's in >

> > > the rapid growth period. Thanks.> > > >> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

[Guest guest]

Thanks so much for the kind words of advise! He is rolling and loves to "eat" his toes1 Did your ped. Ortho specialize in this type of casting? I haven't heard of any other cast that had the holes in the front and the back- did you take the Mehta article w/you? Thanks in advance! Jim & Abercrombie <dalerocks08@...> wrote: I believe it was just a plaster of paris jacket. At first it was up over her shoulders but she had such small movement and it kept bending her ear that they cut the shoulder parts off after 2 weeks. Now in her second cast it is under the arm. Pictures are on the website. Both had the hole in the belly and the back, however this one the holes are smaller. One would think with growing the holes would get bigger not

smaller but they are the specialists. My words of advise, if you have to wait even a couple of weeks for casting, cherish that time of cuddling and him playing with his toes or rolling over. Althought casting is for the best it is very hard to give up those precious things we otherwise take for granted. , mom of Evanlee & is (7 mos.) <basketsnboyds@...> wrote: What type of cast did your daughter have that corrected her so well-IT wasn't a Mehta? My son is also 4mos old and is at 33degrees- our first Ortho wanted us to wait for 3mos which would put us in March-but we see a 2nd specialist Thursday. Sounds like AWESOME progress! - Mom 8/7/05Jim & Abercrombie

<dalerocks08@...> wrote: I don't know what kind of machines Cincinnati Children's Hospital has, however they took our 4 month old from 35 degrees before casting and corrected her 75% in her first cast and currently 0 degrees in her second cast. , mother of Evanlee & is (7 months) Baird <michelle_r_baird@...> wrote: mosunshinebaby, The only two hospitals I know of that have the device required to manipulate the spine are Shriner's Salt Lake and Shriner's Erie. There may be one or two more hosp. but I don't know about them. My husband also was very

impressed with our Doc at Rainbow Babies Children Hosp., and wanted us to go there for Cole's care. Supposedly he is one of the best in the country, but we chose another option after much research. Dr. Mehta's cast just makes so much sense. At the recent conference in Erie with Dr. Mehta, which we attended, I found it interesting that my Ped. Ortho Surg. here in Cleve. sent another collegue of his, and his personal nurse to find out more about this casting technique. My local Dr. who is the VP of the National research society for scoliosis was still learning about the procedure. At the conference I spoke with his nurse, and she said "you know, we do do casting too, we just don't get these kinds of results." And I said to her, "That's why we're here!" I guess my point in all this is, that there are a lot of good docs all over the world, BUT that doesn't mean they know everything. We are our children's advocates, and it is our responsibilty

to find out all information and options and chose what is best for our children. We have had great correction with the Mehta cast, and are VERY happy with our decision, as I think all on this board who have been casted with Mehta's technique feel. It is worth any amout of traveling and inconvenience. Good luck with your decision. And please always feel free to ask questions. I can tell you are trying to get as much info as possible. Kudos! Take care. mosunshinebaby <mosunshinebaby@...> wrote: Wow, thank you so much , , & Shellie.. Tracey. Thank you so much for putting the time in on helping me out here. Those are the lines I was thinking along from seeing how

successful the newer Mehta "technic" seems, but was having a hard time w/understanding the difference.. now I have a better idea. My husband is very impressed w/Children's Hospital and our ortho there so I'm having a hard time getting him to understand why there might be better options available that Children's Hospital physicians aren't yet familiar with or atleast practicing. And why I don't want to jump into throwing her in a cast there when we might be wasting the precious time of her infancy growth. He seems to think she's going to be just fine w/what the Dr. wants to do but I just don't want to take the chance if there's a better alternative.. even if it means traveling. However our time is limited, she's already 15 mos. and it basically doubled it's curved state in the past 3 mos. Is Shriner's the only hospitals using this casting technic does anyone know? I'll also check out the other boards too , thanks. I

guess now I would need to find out what our closest options for Mehta casting are without wasting anymore time. Thanks again for all your input!> > > >> > > > While looking through some of your pictures I can't seem > to > > access > > > > most of your e-mails b/c it's not listed in your profile. >

I'm > > just > > > > wondering about some of the stories behind the pics & how > your > > > kids > > > > are now. We are just entering into having my daughter's > first > > cast > > > put > > > > on and I'm curious what lies ahead (how many casts, how > > responsive > > > > kids curves have been etc.) Some of the baby girls w/pics > > posted > > > > remind me of mine & I'm curious to know how things are > going

> > for > > > them.> > > > > > > > Also, I think you're on this sight too Ian's Mommy > (right?). > > He > > > uses > > > > an actual plaster cast with fiberglass outside & gortex > type > > > lining > > > > too so it can get wet. Is there a specific name that I > should > > find > > > out > > > > about the cast they're planning to use? And/or specific

> names > > that > > > I > > > > should be having used on her? Is there anyone here who had > > only > > > had to > > > > cast there young infant once or twice & had success??? Or > is > > that > > > > complete wishful thinking? Any input or advice is > appreciated! > > > She's > > > > only 15 mos. so we want to make sure this is done right > while > > > she's in >

> > > the rapid growth period. Thanks.> > > >> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

[Guest guest]

Yes, it is. This is where is seen by Dr. Crawford.

Gail

Re: Stories/Updates

Just wondering if the Cincinnati Childrens Hospital is in Ohio?Jackie> > > > >> > > > > While looking through some of your pictures I can't > seem > > to > > > access > > > > > most of your e-mails b/c it's not listed in your > profile. > > I'm > > > just > > > > > wondering about some of the stories behind the pics & > how > > your > > > > kids > > > > > are now. We are just entering into having my > daughter's > > first > > > cast > > > > put > > > > > on and I'm curious what lies ahead (how many casts, > how > > > responsive > > > > > kids curves have been etc.) Some of the baby girls > w/pics > > > posted > > > > > remind me of mine & I'm curious to know how things are > > going > > > for > > > > them.> > > > > > > > > > Also, I think you're on this sight too Ian's Mommy > > (right?). > > > He > > > > uses > > > > > an actual plaster cast with fiberglass outside & > gortex > > type > > > > lining > > > > > too so it can get wet. Is there a specific name that I > > should > > > find > > > > out > > > > > about the cast they're planning to use? And/or > specific > > names > > > that > > > > I > > > > > should be having used on her? Is there anyone here who > had > > > only > > > > had to > > > > > cast there young infant once or twice & had > success??? Or > > is > > > that > > > > > complete wishful thinking? Any input or advice is > > appreciated! > > > > She's > > > > > only 15 mos. so we want to make sure this is done > right > > while > > > > she's in > > > > > the rapid growth period. Thanks.> > > > >> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

[Guest guest]

It all happened so fast with the first cast, from Pediatrician's diagnosis of scoliosis to Children's Ortho for confirmation to casting in about a week. I wasn't completely knowledgeable of what all was going on. Not till the Ortho said they would do casting did I begin to research and find this site, which was just a matter of days before casting. I feel very confident in Cincinnati Children's, everyone we have met there seems to be very aware and educated on the whole infantile scoliosis thing. Though I am not sure how many cases they have treated. I felt very blessed that we were basically given no other option but to cast and do it quickly. So far it seems to be successful. After we get our next cast change at the end of January she will stay in it for 2 months then we are going to try bracing for Spring and Summer. , mom of Evanlee & is (7 mos.)

<basketsnboyds@...> wrote: Thanks so much for the kind words of advise! He is rolling and loves to "eat" his toes1 Did your ped. Ortho specialize in this type of casting? I haven't heard of any other cast that had the holes in the front and the back- did you take the Mehta article w/you? Thanks in advance! Jim & Abercrombie <dalerocks08@...> wrote: I believe it was just a plaster of paris jacket. At first it was up over her shoulders but she had such small movement and it kept bending her ear that they cut the shoulder parts off after 2 weeks. Now in her second cast it is under the arm. Pictures are on the

website. Both had the hole in the belly and the back, however this one the holes are smaller. One would think with growing the holes would get bigger not smaller but they are the specialists. My words of advise, if you have to wait even a couple of weeks for casting, cherish that time of cuddling and him playing with his toes or rolling over. Althought casting is for the best it is very hard to give up those precious things we otherwise take for granted. , mom of Evanlee & is (7 mos.) <basketsnboyds@...> wrote: What type of cast did your daughter have that corrected her so well-IT wasn't a Mehta? My son is also 4mos old and is at 33degrees- our first Ortho wanted us to wait for 3mos which would put us in March-but we see a 2nd specialist Thursday.

Sounds like AWESOME progress! - Mom 8/7/05Jim & Abercrombie <dalerocks08@...> wrote: I don't know what kind of machines Cincinnati Children's Hospital has, however they took our 4 month old from 35 degrees before casting and corrected her 75% in her first cast and currently 0 degrees in her second cast. , mother of Evanlee & is (7 months) Baird <michelle_r_baird@...> wrote: mosunshinebaby, The only two hospitals I know of that have the device required to manipulate the

spine are Shriner's Salt Lake and Shriner's Erie. There may be one or two more hosp. but I don't know about them. My husband also was very impressed with our Doc at Rainbow Babies Children Hosp., and wanted us to go there for Cole's care. Supposedly he is one of the best in the country, but we chose another option after much research. Dr. Mehta's cast just makes so much sense. At the recent conference in Erie with Dr. Mehta, which we attended, I found it interesting that my Ped. Ortho Surg. here in Cleve. sent another collegue of his, and his personal nurse to find out more about this casting technique. My local Dr. who is the VP of the National research society for scoliosis was still learning about the procedure. At the conference I spoke with his nurse, and she said "you know, we do do casting too, we just don't get these kinds of results." And I said to her, "That's why we're here!" I guess my point in all this is, that there are a

lot of good docs all over the world, BUT that doesn't mean they know everything. We are our children's advocates, and it is our responsibilty to find out all information and options and chose what is best for our children. We have had great correction with the Mehta cast, and are VERY happy with our decision, as I think all on this board who have been casted with Mehta's technique feel. It is worth any amout of traveling and inconvenience. Good luck with your decision. And please always feel free to ask questions. I can tell you are trying to get as much info as possible. Kudos! Take care. mosunshinebaby <mosunshinebaby@...> wrote: Wow, thank you so much , , &

Shellie.. Tracey. Thank you so much for putting the time in on helping me out here. Those are the lines I was thinking along from seeing how successful the newer Mehta "technic" seems, but was having a hard time w/understanding the difference.. now I have a better idea. My husband is very impressed w/Children's Hospital and our ortho there so I'm having a hard time getting him to understand why there might be better options available that Children's Hospital physicians aren't yet familiar with or atleast practicing. And why I don't want to jump into throwing her in a cast there when we might be wasting the precious time of her infancy growth. He seems to think she's going to be just fine w/what the Dr. wants to do but I just don't want to take the chance if there's a better alternative.. even if it means traveling. However our time is limited, she's already 15 mos. and it basically doubled it's curved state in the past 3 mos.

Is Shriner's the only hospitals using this casting technic does anyone know? I'll also check out the other boards too , thanks. I guess now I would need to find out what our closest options for Mehta casting are without wasting anymore time. Thanks again for all your input!> > > >> > > > While looking through some of your pictures I can't seem > to >

> access > > > > most of your e-mails b/c it's not listed in your profile. > I'm > > just > > > > wondering about some of the stories behind the pics & how > your > > > kids > > > > are now. We are just entering into having my daughter's > first > > cast > > > put > > > > on and I'm curious what lies ahead (how many casts, how > > responsive > > > > kids curves have been etc.) Some of the baby girls w/pics >

> posted > > > > remind me of mine & I'm curious to know how things are > going > > for > > > them.> > > > > > > > Also, I think you're on this sight too Ian's Mommy > (right?). > > He > > > uses > > > > an actual plaster cast with fiberglass outside & gortex > type > > > lining > > > > too so it can get wet. Is there a specific name that I > should > > find >

> > out > > > > about the cast they're planning to use? And/or specific > names > > that > > > I > > > > should be having used on her? Is there anyone here who had > > only > > > had to > > > > cast there young infant once or twice & had success??? Or > is > > that > > > > complete wishful thinking? Any input or advice is > appreciated! > > > She's > > > > only 15 mos. so we

want to make sure this is done right > while > > > she's in > > > > the rapid growth period. Thanks.> > > >> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

[Guest guest]

yes , mom of Evanlee & is (7 mos.)Jaqzy <buckijackie@...> wrote: Just wondering if the Cincinnati Childrens Hospital is in Ohio?Jackie> > > > >> > > > > While looking through some of your pictures I can't > seem > > to > > > access > > > > > most of your e-mails b/c it's not listed in your > profile. > > I'm > > > just > > > > > wondering about some of the stories behind the pics & > how > > your > > > > kids > > > > > are now. We are just entering into having my > daughter's > > first > > > cast > >

> > put > > > > > on and I'm curious what lies ahead (how many casts, > how > > > responsive > > > > > kids curves have been etc.) Some of the baby girls > w/pics > > > posted > > > > > remind me of mine & I'm curious to know how things are > > going > > > for > > > > them.> > > > > > > > > > Also, I think you're on this sight too Ian's Mommy > > (right?). > > > He > > >

> uses > > > > > an actual plaster cast with fiberglass outside & > gortex > > type > > > > lining > > > > > too so it can get wet. Is there a specific name that I > > should > > > find > > > > out > > > > > about the cast they're planning to use? And/or > specific > > names > > > that > > > > I > > > > > should be having used on her? Is there anyone here who > had > > > only >

> > > had to > > > > > cast there young infant once or twice & had > success??? Or > > is > > > that > > > > > complete wishful thinking? Any input or advice is > > appreciated! > > > > She's > > > > > only 15 mos. so we want to make sure this is done > right > > while > > > > she's in > > > > > the rapid growth period. Thanks.> > > > >> > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

[Guest guest]

Thanks so much for the information-Good luck with your little ones! I'll keep everyone posted on Evan and what the Ped. Ortho tells us tomorrow. -Evan's MomJim & Abercrombie <dalerocks08@...> wrote: It all happened so fast with the first cast, from Pediatrician's diagnosis of scoliosis to Children's Ortho for confirmation to casting in about a week. I wasn't completely knowledgeable of what all was going on. Not till the Ortho said they would do casting did I begin to research and find this site, which was just a matter of days before casting. I feel very confident in Cincinnati Children's, everyone we have met there seems to be very aware and educated on the whole infantile scoliosis thing. Though I am not sure how many cases they have

treated. I felt very blessed that we were basically given no other option but to cast and do it quickly. So far it seems to be successful. After we get our next cast change at the end of January she will stay in it for 2 months then we are going to try bracing for Spring and Summer. , mom of Evanlee & is (7 mos.) <basketsnboyds@...> wrote: Thanks so much for the kind words of advise! He is rolling and loves to "eat" his toes1 Did your ped. Ortho specialize in this type of casting? I haven't heard of any other cast that had the holes in the front and the back- did you take the Mehta article w/you? Thanks in advance! Jim & Abercrombie <dalerocks08@...>

wrote: I believe it was just a plaster of paris jacket. At first it was up over her shoulders but she had such small movement and it kept bending her ear that they cut the shoulder parts off after 2 weeks. Now in her second cast it is under the arm. Pictures are on the website. Both had the hole in the belly and the back, however this one the holes are smaller. One would think with growing the holes would get bigger not smaller but they are the specialists. My words of advise, if you have to wait even a couple of weeks for casting, cherish that time of cuddling and him playing with his toes or rolling over. Althought casting is for the best it is very hard to give up those precious things we otherwise take for granted. , mom of Evanlee & is (7 mos.)

<basketsnboyds@...> wrote: What type of cast did your daughter have that corrected her so well-IT wasn't a Mehta? My son is also 4mos old and is at 33degrees- our first Ortho wanted us to wait for 3mos which would put us in March-but we see a 2nd specialist Thursday. Sounds like AWESOME progress! - Mom 8/7/05Jim & Abercrombie <dalerocks08@...> wrote: I don't know what kind of machines Cincinnati Children's Hospital has, however they took our 4 month old from 35 degrees before casting and corrected her 75% in her first cast and currently 0 degrees in her second cast. , mother of Evanlee

& is (7 months) Baird <michelle_r_baird@...> wrote: mosunshinebaby, The only two hospitals I know of that have the device required to manipulate the spine are Shriner's Salt Lake and Shriner's Erie. There may be one or two more hosp. but I don't know about them. My husband also was very impressed with our Doc at Rainbow Babies Children Hosp., and wanted us to go there for Cole's care. Supposedly he is one of the best in the country, but we chose another option after much research. Dr. Mehta's cast just makes so much sense. At the recent conference in Erie with Dr. Mehta, which we attended, I found it interesting that my Ped. Ortho Surg. here in Cleve. sent another collegue of his, and his personal nurse to find

out more about this casting technique. My local Dr. who is the VP of the National research society for scoliosis was still learning about the procedure. At the conference I spoke with his nurse, and she said "you know, we do do casting too, we just don't get these kinds of results." And I said to her, "That's why we're here!" I guess my point in all this is, that there are a lot of good docs all over the world, BUT that doesn't mean they know everything. We are our children's advocates, and it is our responsibilty to find out all information and options and chose what is best for our children. We have had great correction with the Mehta cast, and are VERY happy with our decision, as I think all on this board who have been casted with Mehta's technique feel. It is worth any amout of traveling and inconvenience. Good luck with your decision. And please always feel free to ask questions. I can tell you are

trying to get as much info as possible. Kudos! Take care. mosunshinebaby <mosunshinebaby@...> wrote: Wow, thank you so much , , & Shellie.. Tracey. Thank you so much for putting the time in on helping me out here. Those are the lines I was thinking along from seeing how successful the newer Mehta "technic" seems, but was having a hard time w/understanding the difference.. now I have a better idea. My husband is very impressed w/Children's Hospital and our ortho there so I'm having a hard time getting him to understand why there might be better options available that Children's Hospital physicians aren't yet familiar with or atleast practicing. And why I don't want to

jump into throwing her in a cast there when we might be wasting the precious time of her infancy growth. He seems to think she's going to be just fine w/what the Dr. wants to do but I just don't want to take the chance if there's a better alternative.. even if it means traveling. However our time is limited, she's already 15 mos. and it basically doubled it's curved state in the past 3 mos. Is Shriner's the only hospitals using this casting technic does anyone know? I'll also check out the other boards too , thanks. I guess now I would need to find out what our closest options for Mehta casting are without wasting anymore time. Thanks again for all your input!> > > >> > > > While looking through some of your pictures I can't seem > to > > access > > > > most of your e-mails b/c it's not listed in your profile. > I'm > > just > > > > wondering about some of the stories behind the pics & how > your > > > kids > > > > are now. We are just entering

into having my daughter's > first > > cast > > > put > > > > on and I'm curious what lies ahead (how many casts, how > > responsive > > > > kids curves have been etc.) Some of the baby girls w/pics > > posted > > > > remind me of mine & I'm curious to know how things are > going > > for > > > them.> > > > > > > > Also, I think you're on this sight too Ian's Mommy > (right?). > > He

> > > uses > > > > an actual plaster cast with fiberglass outside & gortex > type > > > lining > > > > too so it can get wet. Is there a specific name that I > should > > find > > > out > > > > about the cast they're planning to use? And/or specific > names > > that > > > I > > > > should be having used on her? Is there anyone here who had > > only > > > had to

> > > > cast there young infant once or twice & had success??? Or > is > > that > > > > complete wishful thinking? Any input or advice is > appreciated! > > > She's > > > > only 15 mos. so we want to make sure this is done right > while > > > she's in > > > > the rapid growth period. Thanks.> > > >> > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

> > > > > >

[Guest guest]

I think the best source to answer your questions would be Dr. D'astous. When I told the ortho here and my pediatrician about Ian being casted, they were VERY against it as they said Risser was the old method of treatment and not used any more. I tried explaining to them that he was not being put in a Risser cast, but in the EDF cast, but at the time I wasn't as knowledgeable and didn't know the terms like EDF and all of that to explain that it wasn't the risser casting. They really wanted me to brace him because they thought I was exploring the risser casts.

Noelle (12-2-01)Ian (8-15-04)

Re: Stories/Updates

Hi guys!!Thanks for the response Shellie Grant, Hyatt is the origin of this group right? I was wondering how often she checks these posts, I'd love it if she told me more!!I checked out Bethany's pics & it looks like the exact same kind of table used in risser casting?? Where did you hear risser is the old type of casting used (I think that was C. right?) Just curious because this is the exact casting procedure they do that they refer to as risser casting (or risser cotrel casting) - http://www.srs.org/professionals/resources/risser_cotrel_cast_technique.ppt - which is also listed in the Files area on this site. Now Cotrel, Morel, & Mehta all seem to have the same ideas, as Morel & Cotrel did the study "E.D.F. technique in the correction of scoliosis", and Mehta & Morel provide the "RESOLUTION rather than control" study in '79, the E.D.F. technique of casting seems to support and be incorporated into the POP casting study done by Mehta & Morel in '79. It seems to me the term risser-cotrel casting is incorporation of the risser (scale) & cotrel's name being involved in the casting term due to fact that E.D.F. IS in fact being incorporated into the treatment as well (being that the E.D.F. technique article/study was in in fact BY him you know?), regardless of what the actual table is called. I'm thinking that the POP casting using the E.D.F. technique (which obviously needs the special casting table that allows those manipulations) is what is most important, wrapping the cast in fiberglass seems like it just aids in it's water resistence.. same with having the gortex liner.Of course I'm not 100% sure on that above but it's kind of the conclusion I'm drawing after going over all this information. Doesn't that make sense to everyone? It seems like the "Mehta" casting you are referring too is really just an incorporation of POP cast using the E.D.F. technique? I LM w/Dr. D'Astous' (sp?) assistant for a but & she used the term "risser casting" in their scoliosis treatment procedure as well when she left a message back for me. I'm going to call her again right now. A 2nd opinion would never hurt, maybe I'll be able to get questions answered over the phone even right now. I'm certainly not thrilled about her having to have a leg and arm in & I want to talk to him about that and all that I've learned to really find out exactly what his plan is & be 100% clear on the technique/equipment that's being used. I'm thankful for having those of you I've corresponded with here to sort our exactly what I need to be looking for, so once again, thank you thank you!!!!> > > > > >> > > > > > While looking through some of your pictures I can't > > seem > > > to > > > > access > > > > > > most of your e-mails b/c it's not listed in your > > profile. > > > I'm > > > > just > > > > > > wondering about some of the stories behind the pics > & > > how > > > your > > > > > kids > > > > > > are now. We are just entering into having my > > daughter's > > > first > > > > cast > > > > > put > > > > > > on and I'm curious what lies ahead (how many casts, > > how > > > > responsive > > > > > > kids curves have been etc.) Some of the baby girls > > w/pics > > > > posted > > > > > > remind me of mine & I'm curious to know how things > are > > > going > > > > for > > > > > them.> > > > > > > > > > > > Also, I think you're on this sight too Ian's Mommy > > > (right?). > > > > He > > > > > uses > > > > > > an actual plaster cast with fiberglass outside & > > gortex > > > type > > > > > lining > > > > > > too so it can get wet. Is there a specific name that > I > > > should > > > > find > > > > > out > > > > > > about the cast they're planning to use? And/or > > specific > > > names > > > > that > > > > > I > > > > > > should be having used on her? Is there anyone here > who > > had > > > > only > > > > > had to > > > > > > cast there young infant once or twice & had > > success??? Or > > > is > > > > that > > > > > > complete wishful thinking? Any input or advice is > > > appreciated! > > > > > She's > > > > > > only 15 mos. so we want to make sure this is done > > right > > > while > > > > > she's in > > > > > > the rapid growth period. Thanks.> > > > > >> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

[Guest guest]

Glad you got your answer! I am very interested in that fiberglass tape. They put some waterproof tape on the outside of Ian's cast, so that it won't get wet if he has a leaky diaper, but the cast still can't get wet. They didn't mention it being fiberglass though...never thought to ask what it was made out of. I assume you still can't get the cast wet though, right? I am actually going to ask them to put some at the top of the cast because that is where he tends to get it wet from his sippy cups.

Were they able to set up a consult for you while you are in the area?

Noelle (12-2-01)Ian (8-15-04)

Re: Stories/Updates

SO, I spoke with Dr. D'Astous' nurse/assitant about all of this & she said all of these assumptions are totally correct! It's the plaster with the technique that's the main idea in corrective casting of scoliosis patients, as well as Mehta's main idea. And they actually refer to their treatment as risser casting too (as shown in the risser-cotrel casting ppt presentation) while using the E.D.F. casting technique ( & special casting table), they also include the fiberglass tape on the outside of the POP to mold & hold it right or something, plus aids in water resistence. > > > > > > >> > > > > > > While looking through some of your pictures I > can't > > > seem > > > > to > > > > > access > > > > > > > most of your e-mails b/c it's not listed in your > > > profile. > > > > I'm > > > > > just > > > > > > > wondering about some of the stories behind the > pics > > & > > > how > > > > your > > > > > > kids > > > > > > > are now. We are just entering into having my > > > daughter's > > > > first > > > > > cast > > > > > > put > > > > > > > on and I'm curious what lies ahead (how many > casts, > > > how > > > > > responsive > > > > > > > kids curves have been etc.) Some of the baby girls > > > w/pics > > > > > posted > > > > > > > remind me of mine & I'm curious to know how things > > are > > > > going > > > > > for > > > > > > them.> > > > > > > > > > > > > > Also, I think you're on this sight too Ian's Mommy > > > > (right?). > > > > > He > > > > > > uses > > > > > > > an actual plaster cast with fiberglass outside & > > > gortex > > > > type > > > > > > lining > > > > > > > too so it can get wet. Is there a specific name > that > > I > > > > should > > > > > find > > > > > > out > > > > > > > about the cast they're planning to use? And/or > > > specific > > > > names > > > > > that > > > > > > I > > > > > > > should be having used on her? Is there anyone here > > who > > > had > > > > > only > > > > > > had to > > > > > > > cast there young infant once or twice & had > > > success??? Or > > > > is > > > > > that > > > > > > > complete wishful thinking? Any input or advice is > > > > appreciated! > > > > > > She's > > > > > > > only 15 mos. so we want to make sure this is done > > > right > > > > while > > > > > > she's in > > > > > > > the rapid growth period. Thanks.> > > > > > >> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

[Guest guest]

checks in very often. Right now she is preparing to take her own daughter to Salt Lake City this month for a halo traction procedure for several weeks and then her first VEPTR surgery. Olivia has halo-ed once and has never had spinal instrumentation surgery. They have a lot to think about and plan for in the next few weeks. Those of us that can answer questions are trying to fill in the gaps for her. Please pray for Olivia and . They have helped us all so much!!!!! Shellie Grantmosunshinebaby <mosunshinebaby@...> wrote: Hi guys!!Thanks for the response Shellie Grant, Hyatt is the origin of this group right? I was wondering how often she checks these posts, I'd love it if she told me more!!I checked out Bethany's pics &

it looks like the exact same kind of table used in risser casting?? Where did you hear risser is the old type of casting used (I think that was C. right?) Just curious because this is the exact casting procedure they do that they refer to as risser casting (or risser cotrel casting) - http://www.srs.org/professionals/resources/risser_cotrel_cast_technique.ppt - which is also listed in the Files area on this site. Now Cotrel, Morel, & Mehta all seem to have the same ideas, as Morel & Cotrel did the study "E.D.F. technique in the correction of scoliosis", and Mehta & Morel provide the "RESOLUTION rather than control" study in '79, the E.D.F. technique of casting seems to support and be incorporated into the POP casting study done by Mehta & Morel in '79. It seems to me the term risser-cotrel casting is

incorporation of the risser (scale) & cotrel's name being involved in the casting term due to fact that E.D.F. IS in fact being incorporated into the treatment as well (being that the E.D.F. technique article/study was in in fact BY him you know?), regardless of what the actual table is called. I'm thinking that the POP casting using the E.D.F. technique (which obviously needs the special casting table that allows those manipulations) is what is most important, wrapping the cast in fiberglass seems like it just aids in it's water resistence.. same with having the gortex liner.Of course I'm not 100% sure on that above but it's kind of the conclusion I'm drawing after going over all this information. Doesn't that make sense to everyone? It seems like the "Mehta" casting you are referring too is really just an incorporation of POP cast using the E.D.F. technique? I LM w/Dr. D'Astous' (sp?)

assistant for a but & she used the term "risser casting" in their scoliosis treatment procedure as well when she left a message back for me. I'm going to call her again right now. A 2nd opinion would never hurt, maybe I'll be able to get questions answered over the phone even right now. I'm certainly not thrilled about her having to have a leg and arm in & I want to talk to him about that and all that I've learned to really find out exactly what his plan is & be 100% clear on the technique/equipment that's being used. I'm thankful for having those of you I've corresponded with here to sort our exactly what I need to be looking for, so once again, thank you thank you!!!!> > > > > >> > > > > > While looking through some of your pictures I can't > > seem > > > to > > > > access > >

> > > > most of your e-mails b/c it's not listed in your > > profile. > > > I'm > > > > just > > > > > > wondering about some of the stories behind the pics > & > > how > > > your > > > > > kids > > > > > > are now. We are just entering into having my > > daughter's > > > first > > > > cast > > > > > put > > > > > > on and I'm curious what lies ahead (how many casts, > > how > > > > responsive > >

> > > > kids curves have been etc.) Some of the baby girls > > w/pics > > > > posted > > > > > > remind me of mine & I'm curious to know how things > are > > > going > > > > for > > > > > them.> > > > > > > > > > > > Also, I think you're on this sight too Ian's Mommy > > > (right?). > > > > He > > > > > uses > > > > > > an actual plaster cast with fiberglass outside & > > gortex > >

> type > > > > > lining > > > > > > too so it can get wet. Is there a specific name that > I > > > should > > > > find > > > > > out > > > > > > about the cast they're planning to use? And/or > > specific > > > names > > > > that > > > > > I > > > > > > should be having used on her? Is there anyone here > who > > had > > > > only > > > > > had to > > >

> > > cast there young infant once or twice & had > > success??? Or > > > is > > > > that > > > > > > complete wishful thinking? Any input or advice is > > > appreciated! > > > > > She's > > > > > > only 15 mos. so we want to make sure this is done > > right > > > while > > > > > she's in > > > > > > the rapid growth period. Thanks.> > > > > >> > > > > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

[Guest guest]

Erie and Salt Lake use the same casting (although each doctor may have subtle differences)...the drs. at Erie just have never referred to it as Risser. Erie has never actually called it by a name other than to tell me they use Mehta's technique, I guess when I say Risser (I am not meaning the cast in and of itself, but the technique) and it being the old technique I am thinking Risser without the EDF because that is what is different from the way the casts used to be applied. I know the doc here at UVA (I've emailed with him, but he hasn't treated Ian...he's not the one who recommended bracing) uses the risser cast, but it is NOT the EDF-mehta technique. I met some parents who had that cast done (he actually makes his cast go up the neck if I remember correctly - I don't know what the purpose of that is) with him and had a terrible experience. They ended up at Shriners the same day as Ian which is how I met them. Ian actually saw a second ortho here recently for x-rays and she also said to brace because she was unfamiliar with the EDF and thought we were going to do the old Risser. Oh, and also the first doc I saw here actually does the VEPTR surgery, so I know he is good, but he was clueless about the EDF. Not to mention his bedside manner left A LOT to be desired. You really are lucky your ortho's office is so nice about you asking your questions. I am half tempted to call him & the other lady I saw and tell them Ian went from 43 degrees to 7 degrees in his cast, lol! To their credit though, Mehta's study just came out a few months ago, so when I saw them they probably had never heard of it since it is only just now becoming more well known in the orthopedic community.

If your guy is doing the Risser with the Mehta (EDF), than that is fantastic! It will be great to find another place that is doing this - I thought only SLC and Erie were doing it. I will be interested to hear what he says about the leg too. Good luck!!

Noelle (12-2-01)Ian (8-15-04)

Re: Stories/Updates

Hi ! The fact that your ortho wanted to brace him & not cast him tells me that they are the ones who weren't knowledgable, on anything, techniques in correcting scoliosis, let alone what risser casting is?

Risser (or Risser-Cotrel) Casting, like I said I've found is basically another way of saying a POP cast/jacket using the E.D.F. casting technique... Cotrel (in the Risser-Cotrel casting termanology) is the one who wrote the E.D.F. article/study... having their names together I think shows that risser casts support that (Cotrel's E.D.F.)technique.

I posted after this last post too that I did end up getting to speak w/his nurse, I'm sure she's accurate in the termanology they're using for their casting, she was pretty knowledgable on everything they're doing there including the Dr.'s involvement w/Dr. Mehta and what's going on there.

I went over everything w/her in extreme detail as did she with me & I clarified all that I've said and my conclusions I've drawn w/her & she said they are accurate and that the Dr. would too, I trust that they are too. They don't refer to their casts as Mehta Casts or Mehta casting however they know what someone means of course when saying that. Do they where you're taking Ian in Erie?

Well at any rate I'm so glad to have a clear understanding on everything now & I really appreciate your help & kindness in pointing me in the right directions too! I'm getting together an organised e-mail to send to our ortho going over everything, making sure they've got the right technique & equipment in place there for her plaster case (that in itself is a huge part of the correction and after seeing how difficult it's been for people to get a Dr. to use plaster casting I'm thankful that they're up on it's purpose) including the neccessity of her leg being in I'm wondering what amount of correction is going to worth dibilitating her like that for 3 mos., if it's only an estimated degree or so I don't know if that's worth it you know? But I also don't want to hinder anything, progress or what not. They probably think I'm such a pain, I'm just kidding, I know they don't. Anyway, thanks again for everything, I've been trying to keep up on other posts here but I've just been so occupied w/this, I feel a lot more relieved now though thankfully

Thanks again for everything!

> > > > > > >> > > > > > > While looking through some of your pictures I > can't > > > seem > > > > to > > > > > access > > > > > > > most of your e-mails b/c it's not listed in your > > > profile. > > > > I'm > > > > > just > > > > > > > wondering about some of the stories behind the > pics > > & > > > how > > > > your > > > > > > kids > > > > > > > are now. We are just entering into having my > > > daughter's > > > > first > > > > > cast > > > > > > put > > > > > > > on and I'm curious what lies ahead (how many > casts, > > > how > > > > > responsive > > > > > > > kids curves have been etc.) Some of the baby girls > > > w/pics > > > > > posted > > > > > > > remind me of mine & I'm curious to know how things > > are > > > > going > > > > > for > > > > > > them.> > > > > > > > > > > > > > Also, I think you're on this sight too Ian's Mommy > > > > (right?). > > > > > He > > > > > > uses > > > > > > > an actual plaster cast with fiberglass outside & > > > gortex > > > > type > > > > > > lining > > > > > > > too so it can get wet. Is there a specific name > that > > I > > > > should > > > > > find > > > > > > out > > > > > > > about the cast they're planning to use? And/or > > > specific > > > > names > > > > > that > > > > > > I > > > > > > > should be having used on her? Is there anyone here > > who > > > had > > > > > only > > > > > > had to > > > > > > > cast there young infant once or twice & had > > > success??? Or > > > > is > > > > > that > > > > > > > complete wishful thinking? Any input or advice is > > > > appreciated! > > > > > > She's > > > > > > > only 15 mos. so we want to make sure this is done > > > right > > > > while > > > > > > she's in > > > > > > > the rapid growth period. Thanks.> > > > > > >> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

[Guest guest]

is the founder of this group. She is VERY active, VERY knowledgable, and VERY supportive to all of us. Right now,she is getting Olivia ready to have a Halo traction then the VEPTR surgery. This will be the first one for Liv, so she needs our support and prayers.

Gail

mosunshinebaby <mosunshinebaby@...> wrote:

Hi guys!!Thanks for the response Shellie Grant, Hyatt is the origin of this group right? I was wondering how often she checks these posts, I'd love it if she told me more!!I checked out Bethany's pics & it looks like the exact same kind of table used in risser casting?? Where did you hear risser is the old type of casting used (I think that was C. right?) Just curious because this is the exact casting procedure they do that they refer to as risser casting (or risser cotrel casting) - http://www.srs.org/professionals/resources/risser_cotrel_cast_technique.ppt - which is also listed in the Files area on this site. Now Cotrel, Morel, & Mehta all seem to have the same ideas, as Morel & Cotrel did the study "E.D.F. technique in the correction of scoliosis", and Mehta & Morel provide the "RESOLUTION rather than control" study in '79, the E.D.F. technique of casting seems to support and be incorporated into the POP casting study done by Mehta & Morel in '79. It seems to me the term risser-cotrel casting is incorporation of the risser (scale) & cotrel's name being involved in the casting term due to fact that E.D.F. IS in fact being incorporated into the treatment as well (being that the E.D.F. technique article/study was in in fact BY him you know?), regardless of what the actual table is called. I'm thinking that the POP casting using the E.D.F. technique (which obviously needs the special casting table that allows those manipulations) is what is most important, wrapping the cast in fiberglass seems like it just aids in it's water resistence.. same with having the gortex liner.Of course I'm not 100% sure on that above but it's kind of the conclusion I'm drawing after going over all this information. Doesn't that make sense to everyone? It seems like the "Mehta" casting you are referring too is really just an incorporation of POP cast using the E.D.F. technique? I LM w/Dr. D'Astous' (sp?) assistant for a but & she used the term "risser casting" in their scoliosis treatment procedure as well when she left a message back for me. I'm going to call her again right now. A 2nd opinion would never hurt, maybe I'll be able to get questions answered over the phone even right now. I'm certainly not thrilled about her having to have a leg and arm in & I want to talk to him about that and all that I've learned to really find out exactly what his plan is & be 100% clear on the technique/equipment that's being used. I'm thankful for having those of you I've corresponded with here to sort our exactly what I need to be looking for, so once again, thank you thank you!!!!> > > > > >> > > > > > While looking through some of your pictures I can't > > seem > > > to > > > > access > > > > > > most of your e-mails b/c it's not listed in your > > profile. > > > I'm > > > > just > > > > > > wondering about some of the stories behind the pics > & > > how > > > your > > > > > kids > > > > > > are now. We are just entering into having my > > daughter's > > > first > > > > cast > > > > > put > > > > > > on and I'm curious what lies ahead (how many casts, > > how > > > > responsive > > > > > > kids curves have been etc.) Some of the baby girls > > w/pics > > > > posted > > > > > > remind me of mine & I'm curious to know how things > are > > > going > > > > for > > > > > them.> > > > > > > > > > > > Also, I think you're on this sight too Ian's Mommy > > > (right?). > > > > He > > > > > uses > > > > > > an actual plaster cast with fiberglass outside & > > gortex > > > type > > > > > lining > > > > > > too so it can get wet. Is there a specific name that > I > > > should > > > > find > > > > > out > > > > > > about the cast they're planning to use? And/or > > specific > > > names > > > > that > > > > > I > > > > > > should be having used on her? Is there anyone here > who > > had > > > > only > > > > > had to > > > > > > cast there young infant once or twice & had > > success??? Or > > > is > > > > that > > > > > > complete wishful thinking? Any input or advice is > > > appreciated! > > > > > She's > > > > > > only 15 mos. so we want to make sure this is done > > right > > > while > > > > > she's in > > > > > > the rapid growth period. Thanks.> > > > > >> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

[Guest guest]

I have a question, since Olivia is having the VEPTR surgery in March, why

does Olivia have to go through the Halo procedure? Be one less surgery to

have to deal with.

Betty

Madison, WI

[Guest guest]

because they have to get her curve down low enough for the veptr to be successful...her curve currently exceeds 100Betty Hicks <missbetty37@...> wrote: I have a question, since Olivia is having the VEPTR surgery in March, whydoes Olivia have to go through the Halo procedure? Be one less surgery tohave to deal with.BettyMadison, WI

Photos Ring in the New Year with Photo Calendars. Add photos, events, holidays, whatever.

[Guest guest]

No worries :0) I'm just glad we can all talk to each other!!!! mosunshinebaby <mosunshinebaby@...> wrote: Yes yes, please know I didn't mean that question to be snide, I've only been active here a few days. I'm sure she is consumed. I think it so awesome what she's accomplished while going through everything they have & am very much appreciative of all the help & advice I have received. And they will certainly be in our prayers for sure. > > > > > > >> > > > >

> > While looking through some of your pictures I > can't > > > seem > > > > to > > > > > access > > > > > > > most of your e-mails b/c it's not listed in your > > > profile. > > > > I'm > > > > > just > > > > > > > wondering about some of the stories behind the > pics > > & > > > how > > > > your > > > > > > kids > > > > > > > are now. We are just entering into having my > > > daughter's > > > > first > > > > >

cast > > > > > > put > > > > > > > on and I'm curious what lies ahead (how many > casts, > > > how > > > > > responsive > > > > > > > kids curves have been etc.) Some of the baby girls > > > w/pics > > > > > posted > > > > > > > remind me of mine & I'm curious to know how things > > are > > > > going > > > > > for > > > > > > them.> > > > > > > > > > > > > >

Also, I think you're on this sight too Ian's Mommy > > > > (right?). > > > > > He > > > > > > uses > > > > > > > an actual plaster cast with fiberglass outside & > > > gortex > > > > type > > > > > > lining > > > > > > > too so it can get wet. Is there a specific name > that > > I > > > > should > > > > > find > > > > > > out > > > > > > > about the cast they're planning to use? And/or > > > specific > >

> > names > > > > > that > > > > > > I > > > > > > > should be having used on her? Is there anyone here > > who > > > had > > > > > only > > > > > > had to > > > > > > > cast there young infant once or twice & had > > > success??? Or > > > > is > > > > > that > > > > > > > complete wishful thinking? Any input or advice is > > > > appreciated! > > > > > > She's > > >

> > > > only 15 mos. so we want to make sure this is done > > > right > > > > while > > > > > > she's in > > > > > > > the rapid growth period. Thanks.> > > > > > >> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

[Guest guest]

Thank you, didn’t know her curve was that bad. I knew that

her curve was high but didn’t know it was that high. Makes sense

now. Didn’t I read somewhere Olivia loves the Halo? I think

she would hate it. Oh well.

Thanks Jenn S.

Betty

Madison, WI

[Guest guest]

Betty,

My daughter Kylie is the one who loves having the

Halo. She will be joining Miss Olivia on Feb.5th, for

her 3rd Halo. She is so excited to have another Halo

and to spend a month of it with her good friend,

Olivia. I don't know what it is about the Halo she

loves, but she does love it!

(mom to Kylie, age 8)

--- Betty Hicks <missbetty37@...> wrote:

> Thank you, didn't know her curve was that bad. I

> knew that her curve was

> high but didn't know it was that high. Makes sense

> now. Didn't I read

> somewhere Olivia loves the Halo? I think she would

> hate it. Oh well.

>

>

>

> Thanks Jenn S.

>

>

>

> Betty

>

> Madison, WI

>

>

>

>

__________________________________________

DSL – Something to write home about.

Just $16.99/mo. or less.

dsl.

[Guest guest]

,

Maybe she likes the Halo because of the old saying that she might have

heard about Angels and their Halos. When Kylie had her other Halos, was Olivia

there each time? That could be why she loves them. That when Kylie gets a

Halo, Olivia is there also. An association thing.

Good luck to both of you, actually 4 of you, ,

Olivia and Kylie and you .

Betty

Madison, WI