Back from Erie

[Guest guest]

We got back tonight from our 5th casting trip to Erie. I have to admit, I am a

bit disappointed. The last time we were up there, his out of cast number was 18

degrees. This time it was 16 degrees...so not much improvement at all . Dr.

K said he would have expected more correction. I asked if the fact that Ian's

curve is so flexible could be playing a role in not getting the desired

correction and he said it was very possible given that he felt Ian was super

flexible. He said he feels that Ian falls into the slender phenotype and

therefore probably falls into that category where correction is going to take

longer than the stockier/sturdier kids. I asked him if the next cast in

September might be his last cast and he pretty much said no way would it be the

last cast. I'm bummed. BUT, Miss Mehta told me to expect 12 to 15 months in

the cast, so I guess I shouldn't be overly upset...I guess I just really really

thought we were going to see better numbers this time. I did think the rib hump

was better than last time though. I also asked about the rotation and RVAD and

he said the rotation is hard to quantify, but that is was practically nil and

the RVAD looked so good that he did even measure it this time. So, those are

good things!

Surprisingly, they decided to do the waterproof cast this time. Dr. K said that

he has improved his technique since he last did Ian's waterproof cast and felt

we could be successful with it. I was very happy to find out that his new in

cast number is 4 degrees! That is the lowest he's ever been in the cast, so I

guess he was right about having improved his technique.

My other concern is that this cast is unbelievably tight! They actually took

pliers to flare it out some, but I think we are going to have to do some more of

that at home. No joke, he looks like he is 9 months pregnant and his belly is

as hard as a rock especially after he eats. I am nervous about this. I hope it

loosens up some or we may have some serious problems on our hands. He keeps

telling me " Too Tight " and then points to his belly and says " pop balloon " . I

can tell it even hurts him for me to pick him up. I guess we'll get it all

figured out in the next few days.

We also got to see Carly and Pam again while we were there. It was nice seeing

you guys again!

Lastly, we are scheduled to go back again on September 25th and 26th.

Noelle (12-2-01)

Ian (8-15-04)

[Guest guest]

Hey

Atleast the numbers went DOWN! That's the right direction and his in cast

number is awesome. I really hope that the cast loosens up for him. Evan has

looked like that before and his cast did loosen up after about 2 weeks. We've

had to go back and have each of his casts removed atleast 1-2 weeks early b/c

they get SO tight on him.

I really hope this waterproof casts works for you and that some correction is

achieved. How do you feel about him being in another waterproof cast? I'd about

decided if they ever offered us to have Evan in one that I would say NO based on

your/and other parents experiences I've read.

Good luck in the next few days as he adjusts.

and Evan

Claflin <noellesmommy@...> wrote:

We got back tonight from our 5th casting trip to Erie. I have to

admit, I am a bit disappointed. The last time we were up there, his out of cast

number was 18 degrees. This time it was 16 degrees...so not much improvement at

all . Dr. K said he would have expected more correction. I asked if the fact

that Ian's curve is so flexible could be playing a role in not getting the

desired correction and he said it was very possible given that he felt Ian was

super flexible. He said he feels that Ian falls into the slender phenotype and

therefore probably falls into that category where correction is going to take

longer than the stockier/sturdier kids. I asked him if the next cast in

September might be his last cast and he pretty much said no way would it be the

last cast. I'm bummed. BUT, Miss Mehta told me to expect 12 to 15 months in the

cast, so I guess I shouldn't be overly upset...I guess I just really really

thought we were going to see better numbers this time.

I did think the rib hump was better than last time though. I also asked about

the rotation and RVAD and he said the rotation is hard to quantify, but that is

was practically nil and the RVAD looked so good that he did even measure it this

time. So, those are good things!

Surprisingly, they decided to do the waterproof cast this time. Dr. K said that

he has improved his technique since he last did Ian's waterproof cast and felt

we could be successful with it. I was very happy to find out that his new in

cast number is 4 degrees! That is the lowest he's ever been in the cast, so I

guess he was right about having improved his technique.

My other concern is that this cast is unbelievably tight! They actually took

pliers to flare it out some, but I think we are going to have to do some more of

that at home. No joke, he looks like he is 9 months pregnant and his belly is as

hard as a rock especially after he eats. I am nervous about this. I hope it

loosens up some or we may have some serious problems on our hands. He keeps

telling me " Too Tight " and then points to his belly and says " pop balloon " . I can

tell it even hurts him for me to pick him up. I guess we'll get it all figured

out in the next few days.

We also got to see Carly and Pam again while we were there. It was nice seeing

you guys again!

Lastly, we are scheduled to go back again on September 25th and 26th.

Noelle (12-2-01)

Ian (8-15-04)

[Guest guest]

We were in Erie today too!!! Sorry we missed you. out of cast

last time was 24 and in cast was 16. This time it is 25 out and 14

in. We were upset that it went up 1 degree, but atleast that's all

it was. We also got the waterproof cast this time and when I voiced

my concerns he told me to talk to you and that you could probably

give us some pointers. He also told us that 's spine was one of

the worst he has had to work with because it is hardly flexible at

all and it was hard for him to even place it to put the cast on. I

don't know what that means but he did get the cast on and we can't

wait to go in again to see if it helped at all. We are also

scheduled the 25th and 26th. This time we actually got his doctor to

take the cast off early (Tuesday) so we did get two days with him

with no cast, the only bad thing is, the saw was huge my husband said

and it got too hot and actually burned a small line on his back.

Nothing serious but....I hope to see you in September and good luck

to you!!!

> We got back tonight from our 5th casting trip to Erie. I

have to admit, I am a bit disappointed. The last time we were up

there, his out of cast number was 18 degrees. This time it was 16

degrees...so not much improvement at all . Dr. K said he would have

expected more correction. I asked if the fact that Ian's curve is so

flexible could be playing a role in not getting the desired

correction and he said it was very possible given that he felt Ian

was super flexible. He said he feels that Ian falls into the slender

phenotype and therefore probably falls into that category where

correction is going to take longer than the stockier/sturdier kids. I

asked him if the next cast in September might be his last cast and he

pretty much said no way would it be the last cast. I'm bummed. BUT,

Miss Mehta told me to expect 12 to 15 months in the cast, so I guess

I shouldn't be overly upset...I guess I just really really thought we

were going to see better numbers this time.

> I did think the rib hump was better than last time though. I also

asked about the rotation and RVAD and he said the rotation is hard to

quantify, but that is was practically nil and the RVAD looked so good

that he did even measure it this time. So, those are good things!

>

> Surprisingly, they decided to do the waterproof cast this time. Dr.

K said that he has improved his technique since he last did Ian's

waterproof cast and felt we could be successful with it. I was very

happy to find out that his new in cast number is 4 degrees! That is

the lowest he's ever been in the cast, so I guess he was right about

having improved his technique.

>

> My other concern is that this cast is unbelievably tight! They

actually took pliers to flare it out some, but I think we are going

to have to do some more of that at home. No joke, he looks like he is

9 months pregnant and his belly is as hard as a rock especially after

he eats. I am nervous about this. I hope it loosens up some or we may

have some serious problems on our hands. He keeps telling me " Too

Tight " and then points to his belly and says " pop balloon " . I can tell

it even hurts him for me to pick him up. I guess we'll get it all

figured out in the next few days.

>

> We also got to see Carly and Pam again while we were there. It was

nice seeing you guys again!

>

> Lastly, we are scheduled to go back again on September 25th and

26th.

>

>

> Noelle (12-2-01)

> Ian (8-15-04)

>

>

[Guest guest]

,

I know exactly how you feel. When the momentum slows down, it's a bummer. The

great news is that it is improving and down to 4 in cast, it'll only get better

as he grows. Marissa is also slender, so I expect that we'll have the same

slower track versus others. In the whole scheme of things, a few more months is

better if it's ultimately under control and corrected, which it looks like it's

well on it's way to being.

Watch out for the tightness. Marissa's cast was very tight under her arms, she

has fire engine red marks, but no skin breakdown. I'd definitely check that Ian

can move, run, etc with normal feeling and breathing. Marissa's last cast was

also very tight and told us if we couldn't fit a finger under the front

flaps, then pull them out some. We tried not to do this often so as to not

compromise the cast, but wanted to ensure adequate space was there. Worse case

scenario, if you need to replace sooner, I'd push for that. Maybe the

waterproof will loosen up over time, didn't that happen last time?

Take care, Marissa gets her fourth cast next week in Erie. Six months have

flown by.

Jerry

Marissa's Dad

Back from Erie

We got back tonight from our 5th casting trip to Erie. I have to admit, I am a

bit disappointed. The last time we were up there, his out of cast number was 18

degrees. This time it was 16 degrees...so not much improvement at all . Dr. K

said he would have expected more correction. I asked if the fact that Ian's

curve is so flexible could be playing a role in not getting the desired

correction and he said it was very possible given that he felt Ian was super

flexible. He said he feels that Ian falls into the slender phenotype and

therefore probably falls into that category where correction is going to take

longer than the stockier/sturdier kids. I asked him if the next cast in

September might be his last cast and he pretty much said no way would it be the

last cast. I'm bummed. BUT, Miss Mehta told me to expect 12 to 15 months in the

cast, so I guess I shouldn't be overly upset...I guess I just really really

thought we were going to see better numbers this time. I did think the rib hump

was better than last time though. I also asked about the rotation and RVAD and

he said the rotation is hard to quantify, but that is was practically nil and

the RVAD looked so good that he did even measure it this time. So, those are

good things!

Surprisingly, they decided to do the waterproof cast this time. Dr. K said

that he has improved his technique since he last did Ian's waterproof cast and

felt we could be successful with it. I was very happy to find out that his new

in cast number is 4 degrees! That is the lowest he's ever been in the cast, so I

guess he was right about having improved his technique.

My other concern is that this cast is unbelievably tight! They actually took

pliers to flare it out some, but I think we are going to have to do some more of

that at home. No joke, he looks like he is 9 months pregnant and his belly is as

hard as a rock especially after he eats. I am nervous about this. I hope it

loosens up some or we may have some serious problems on our hands. He keeps

telling me " Too Tight " and then points to his belly and says " pop balloon " . I can

tell it even hurts him for me to pick him up. I guess we'll get it all figured

out in the next few days.

We also got to see Carly and Pam again while we were there. It was nice seeing

you guys again!

Lastly, we are scheduled to go back again on September 25th and 26th.

Noelle (12-2-01)

Ian (8-15-04)

[Guest guest]

I decided to go ahead with the waterproof cast because Dr. K made it seem like

he really improved his casting technique with the fiberglass. The first one

loosened up so much that I thought maybe it was just an inferior cast and we'd

have better luck this time. I assumed that if he felt comfortable with doing it

that he knew what he was talking about, lol! Ian has been crying so much to

take baths, so I figured I would give it a try.

Noelle (12-2-01)

Ian (8-15-04)

Re: Back from Erie

Hey

Atleast the numbers went DOWN! That's the right direction and his in cast

number is awesome. I really hope that the cast loosens up for him. Evan has

looked like that before and his cast did loosen up after about 2 weeks. We've

had to go back and have each of his casts removed atleast 1-2 weeks early b/c

they get SO tight on him.

I really hope this waterproof casts works for you and that some correction is

achieved. How do you feel about him being in another waterproof cast? I'd about

decided if they ever offered us to have Evan in one that I would say NO based on

your/and other parents experiences I've read.

Good luck in the next few days as he adjusts.

and Evan

Claflin <noellesmommy@...> wrote:

We got back tonight from our 5th casting trip to Erie. I have to admit, I am a

bit disappointed. The last time we were up there, his out of cast number was 18

degrees. This time it was 16 degrees...so not much improvement at all . Dr. K

said he would have expected more correction. I asked if the fact that Ian's

curve is so flexible could be playing a role in not getting the desired

correction and he said it was very possible given that he felt Ian was super

flexible. He said he feels that Ian falls into the slender phenotype and

therefore probably falls into that category where correction is going to take

longer than the stockier/sturdier kids. I asked him if the next cast in

September might be his last cast and he pretty much said no way would it be the

last cast. I'm bummed. BUT, Miss Mehta told me to expect 12 to 15 months in the

cast, so I guess I shouldn't be overly upset...I guess I just really really

thought we were going to see better numbers this time.

I did think the rib hump was better than last time though. I also asked about

the rotation and RVAD and he said the rotation is hard to quantify, but that is

was practically nil and the RVAD looked so good that he did even measure it this

time. So, those are good things!

Surprisingly, they decided to do the waterproof cast this time. Dr. K said

that he has improved his technique since he last did Ian's waterproof cast and

felt we could be successful with it. I was very happy to find out that his new

in cast number is 4 degrees! That is the lowest he's ever been in the cast, so I

guess he was right about having improved his technique.

My other concern is that this cast is unbelievably tight! They actually took

pliers to flare it out some, but I think we are going to have to do some more of

that at home. No joke, he looks like he is 9 months pregnant and his belly is as

hard as a rock especially after he eats. I am nervous about this. I hope it

loosens up some or we may have some serious problems on our hands. He keeps

telling me " Too Tight " and then points to his belly and says " pop balloon " . I can

tell it even hurts him for me to pick him up. I guess we'll get it all figured

out in the next few days.

We also got to see Carly and Pam again while we were there. It was nice seeing

you guys again!

Lastly, we are scheduled to go back again on September 25th and 26th.

Noelle (12-2-01)

Ian (8-15-04)

[Guest guest]

It sounds like has a rigid curve and that makes it more difficult to

correct versus a flexible curve that is more easily manipulated. But, if the

curve is super flexible, then you have to deal with it springing back out of

cast. I guess you are darned if you do and darned if you don't, lol.

The ortho here has a huge saw too and it's pretty frightening for Ian. Sorry to

hear that had a burn mark on his back. Poor thing!

As for the waterproof cast, well, I actually want tips from the other parents

that have kids in them now, lol. I submersed Ian 3 or 4 times and the cast got

squishy! Just wondering how the other parents are making out with that or if

they are just refraining from totally submersing the cast. I do remember the

water dripping out of the cast for about an hour after submersing him.

Anyway, looking forward to seeing you guys again in September! It is always

nice to have someone to talk to who is going through the same thing.

Noelle (12-2-01)

Ian (8-15-04)

Re: Back from Erie

We were in Erie today too!!! Sorry we missed you. out of cast

last time was 24 and in cast was 16. This time it is 25 out and 14

in. We were upset that it went up 1 degree, but atleast that's all

it was. We also got the waterproof cast this time and when I voiced

my concerns he told me to talk to you and that you could probably

give us some pointers. He also told us that 's spine was one of

the worst he has had to work with because it is hardly flexible at

all and it was hard for him to even place it to put the cast on. I

don't know what that means but he did get the cast on and we can't

wait to go in again to see if it helped at all. We are also

scheduled the 25th and 26th. This time we actually got his doctor to

take the cast off early (Tuesday) so we did get two days with him

with no cast, the only bad thing is, the saw was huge my husband said

and it got too hot and actually burned a small line on his back.

Nothing serious but....I hope to see you in September and good luck

to you!!!

> We got back tonight from our 5th casting trip to Erie. I

have to admit, I am a bit disappointed. The last time we were up

there, his out of cast number was 18 degrees. This time it was 16

degrees...so not much improvement at all . Dr. K said he would have

expected more correction. I asked if the fact that Ian's curve is so

flexible could be playing a role in not getting the desired

correction and he said it was very possible given that he felt Ian

was super flexible. He said he feels that Ian falls into the slender

phenotype and therefore probably falls into that category where

correction is going to take longer than the stockier/sturdier kids. I

asked him if the next cast in September might be his last cast and he

pretty much said no way would it be the last cast. I'm bummed. BUT,

Miss Mehta told me to expect 12 to 15 months in the cast, so I guess

I shouldn't be overly upset...I guess I just really really thought we

were going to see better numbers this time.

> I did think the rib hump was better than last time though. I also

asked about the rotation and RVAD and he said the rotation is hard to

quantify, but that is was practically nil and the RVAD looked so good

that he did even measure it this time. So, those are good things!

>

> Surprisingly, they decided to do the waterproof cast this time. Dr.

K said that he has improved his technique since he last did Ian's

waterproof cast and felt we could be successful with it. I was very

happy to find out that his new in cast number is 4 degrees! That is

the lowest he's ever been in the cast, so I guess he was right about

having improved his technique.

>

> My other concern is that this cast is unbelievably tight! They

actually took pliers to flare it out some, but I think we are going

to have to do some more of that at home. No joke, he looks like he is

9 months pregnant and his belly is as hard as a rock especially after

he eats. I am nervous about this. I hope it loosens up some or we may

have some serious problems on our hands. He keeps telling me " Too

Tight " and then points to his belly and says " pop balloon " . I can tell

it even hurts him for me to pick him up. I guess we'll get it all

figured out in the next few days.

>

> We also got to see Carly and Pam again while we were there. It was

nice seeing you guys again!

>

> Lastly, we are scheduled to go back again on September 25th and

26th.

>

>

> Noelle (12-2-01)

> Ian (8-15-04)

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hey gang,

Got a question for anyone that may have experienced this. We got Marissa's cast

cut off today. Where the rib hump was, it looked much better. However, there

seems to be a hump on the other side of her spine now????? I know I'm not going

crazy, but that's what it looks like. When I rub my hands across her back, it's

much smoother all over, but she seems to have something that she didn't have

previously. Did this every happen to anyone? Also, seems like her hip bone

opposite her old rib hump is extending out a bit. It's not really bone, it's

seems like it's swollen. There is a bruise there, maybe it was too tight.

AAAGGGGHHHHHH. That's how I feel right now. I'm driving myself bananas. Has

anyone experienced anything like this before?

Thx,

Jerry

Marissa's Dad

Re: Back from Erie

We were in Erie today too!!! Sorry we missed you. out of cast

last time was 24 and in cast was 16. This time it is 25 out and 14

in. We were upset that it went up 1 degree, but atleast that's all

it was. We also got the waterproof cast this time and when I voiced

my concerns he told me to talk to you and that you could probably

give us some pointers. He also told us that 's spine was one of

the worst he has had to work with because it is hardly flexible at

all and it was hard for him to even place it to put the cast on. I

don't know what that means but he did get the cast on and we can't

wait to go in again to see if it helped at all. We are also

scheduled the 25th and 26th. This time we actually got his doctor to

take the cast off early (Tuesday) so we did get two days with him

with no cast, the only bad thing is, the saw was huge my husband said

and it got too hot and actually burned a small line on his back.

Nothing serious but....I hope to see you in September and good luck

to you!!!

> We got back tonight from our 5th casting trip to Erie. I

have to admit, I am a bit disappointed. The last time we were up

there, his out of cast number was 18 degrees. This time it was 16

degrees...so not much improvement at all . Dr. K said he would have

expected more correction. I asked if the fact that Ian's curve is so

flexible could be playing a role in not getting the desired

correction and he said it was very possible given that he felt Ian

was super flexible. He said he feels that Ian falls into the slender

phenotype and therefore probably falls into that category where

correction is going to take longer than the stockier/sturdier kids. I

asked him if the next cast in September might be his last cast and he

pretty much said no way would it be the last cast. I'm bummed. BUT,

Miss Mehta told me to expect 12 to 15 months in the cast, so I guess

I shouldn't be overly upset...I guess I just really really thought we

were going to see better numbers this time.

> I did think the rib hump was better than last time though. I also

asked about the rotation and RVAD and he said the rotation is hard to

quantify, but that is was practically nil and the RVAD looked so good

that he did even measure it this time. So, those are good things!

>

> Surprisingly, they decided to do the waterproof cast this time. Dr.

K said that he has improved his technique since he last did Ian's

waterproof cast and felt we could be successful with it. I was very

happy to find out that his new in cast number is 4 degrees! That is

the lowest he's ever been in the cast, so I guess he was right about

having improved his technique.

>

> My other concern is that this cast is unbelievably tight! They

actually took pliers to flare it out some, but I think we are going

to have to do some more of that at home. No joke, he looks like he is

9 months pregnant and his belly is as hard as a rock especially after

he eats. I am nervous about this. I hope it loosens up some or we may

have some serious problems on our hands. He keeps telling me " Too

Tight " and then points to his belly and says " pop balloon " . I can tell

it even hurts him for me to pick him up. I guess we'll get it all

figured out in the next few days.

>

> We also got to see Carly and Pam again while we were there. It was

nice seeing you guys again!

>

> Lastly, we are scheduled to go back again on September 25th and

26th.

>

>

> Noelle (12-2-01)

> Ian (8-15-04)

>

>

[Guest guest]

I think it is Jake whose curve changes position, but I don't know about the rib

hump. Definitely bring it up when you get to Erie. I will be interested to

hear what they say.

Noelle (12-2-01)

Ian (8-15-04)

Re: Back from Erie

We were in Erie today too!!! Sorry we missed you. out of cast

last time was 24 and in cast was 16. This time it is 25 out and 14

in. We were upset that it went up 1 degree, but atleast that's all

it was. We also got the waterproof cast this time and when I voiced

my concerns he told me to talk to you and that you could probably

give us some pointers. He also told us that 's spine was one of

the worst he has had to work with because it is hardly flexible at

all and it was hard for him to even place it to put the cast on. I

don't know what that means but he did get the cast on and we can't

wait to go in again to see if it helped at all. We are also

scheduled the 25th and 26th. This time we actually got his doctor to

take the cast off early (Tuesday) so we did get two days with him

with no cast, the only bad thing is, the saw was huge my husband said

and it got too hot and actually burned a small line on his back.

Nothing serious but....I hope to see you in September and good luck

to you!!!

> We got back tonight from our 5th casting trip to Erie. I

have to admit, I am a bit disappointed. The last time we were up

there, his out of cast number was 18 degrees. This time it was 16

degrees...so not much improvement at all . Dr. K said he would have

expected more correction. I asked if the fact that Ian's curve is so

flexible could be playing a role in not getting the desired

correction and he said it was very possible given that he felt Ian

was super flexible. He said he feels that Ian falls into the slender

phenotype and therefore probably falls into that category where

correction is going to take longer than the stockier/sturdier kids. I

asked him if the next cast in September might be his last cast and he

pretty much said no way would it be the last cast. I'm bummed. BUT,

Miss Mehta told me to expect 12 to 15 months in the cast, so I guess

I shouldn't be overly upset...I guess I just really really thought we

were going to see better numbers this time.

> I did think the rib hump was better than last time though. I also

asked about the rotation and RVAD and he said the rotation is hard to

quantify, but that is was practically nil and the RVAD looked so good

that he did even measure it this time. So, those are good things!

>

> Surprisingly, they decided to do the waterproof cast this time. Dr.

K said that he has improved his technique since he last did Ian's

waterproof cast and felt we could be successful with it. I was very

happy to find out that his new in cast number is 4 degrees! That is

the lowest he's ever been in the cast, so I guess he was right about

having improved his technique.

>

> My other concern is that this cast is unbelievably tight! They

actually took pliers to flare it out some, but I think we are going

to have to do some more of that at home. No joke, he looks like he is

9 months pregnant and his belly is as hard as a rock especially after

he eats. I am nervous about this. I hope it loosens up some or we may

have some serious problems on our hands. He keeps telling me " Too

Tight " and then points to his belly and says " pop balloon " . I can tell

it even hurts him for me to pick him up. I guess we'll get it all

figured out in the next few days.

>

> We also got to see Carly and Pam again while we were there. It was

nice seeing you guys again!

>

> Lastly, we are scheduled to go back again on September 25th and

26th.

>

>

> Noelle (12-2-01)

> Ian (8-15-04)

>

>

[Guest guest]

We have not experienced that before either, but will be very interested to see

what Erie says and what the xrays show or don't show. Have a good trip. When are

you leaving? Let us know how it goes.

/Cole

Jerry Lamarre <gerard_lamarre@...> wrote:

Hey gang,

Got a question for anyone that may have experienced this. We got Marissa's cast

cut off today. Where the rib hump was, it looked much better. However, there

seems to be a hump on the other side of her spine now????? I know I'm not going

crazy, but that's what it looks like. When I rub my hands across her back, it's

much smoother all over, but she seems to have something that she didn't have

previously. Did this every happen to anyone? Also, seems like her hip bone

opposite her old rib hump is extending out a bit. It's not really bone, it's

seems like it's swollen. There is a bruise there, maybe it was too tight.

AAAGGGGHHHHHH. That's how I feel right now. I'm driving myself bananas. Has

anyone experienced anything like this before?

Thx,

Jerry

Marissa's Dad

Re: Back from Erie

We were in Erie today too!!! Sorry we missed you. out of cast

last time was 24 and in cast was 16. This time it is 25 out and 14

in. We were upset that it went up 1 degree, but atleast that's all

it was. We also got the waterproof cast this time and when I voiced

my concerns he told me to talk to you and that you could probably

give us some pointers. He also told us that 's spine was one of

the worst he has had to work with because it is hardly flexible at

all and it was hard for him to even place it to put the cast on. I

don't know what that means but he did get the cast on and we can't

wait to go in again to see if it helped at all. We are also

scheduled the 25th and 26th. This time we actually got his doctor to

take the cast off early (Tuesday) so we did get two days with him

with no cast, the only bad thing is, the saw was huge my husband said

and it got too hot and actually burned a small line on his back.

Nothing serious but....I hope to see you in September and good luck

to you!!!

> We got back tonight from our 5th casting trip to Erie. I

have to admit, I am a bit disappointed. The last time we were up

there, his out of cast number was 18 degrees. This time it was 16

degrees...so not much improvement at all . Dr. K said he would have

expected more correction. I asked if the fact that Ian's curve is so

flexible could be playing a role in not getting the desired

correction and he said it was very possible given that he felt Ian

was super flexible. He said he feels that Ian falls into the slender

phenotype and therefore probably falls into that category where

correction is going to take longer than the stockier/sturdier kids. I

asked him if the next cast in September might be his last cast and he

pretty much said no way would it be the last cast. I'm bummed. BUT,

Miss Mehta told me to expect 12 to 15 months in the cast, so I guess

I shouldn't be overly upset...I guess I just really really thought we

were going to see better numbers this time.

> I did think the rib hump was better than last time though. I also

asked about the rotation and RVAD and he said the rotation is hard to

quantify, but that is was practically nil and the RVAD looked so good

that he did even measure it this time. So, those are good things!

>

> Surprisingly, they decided to do the waterproof cast this time. Dr.

K said that he has improved his technique since he last did Ian's

waterproof cast and felt we could be successful with it. I was very

happy to find out that his new in cast number is 4 degrees! That is

the lowest he's ever been in the cast, so I guess he was right about

having improved his technique.

>

> My other concern is that this cast is unbelievably tight! They

actually took pliers to flare it out some, but I think we are going

to have to do some more of that at home. No joke, he looks like he is

9 months pregnant and his belly is as hard as a rock especially after

he eats. I am nervous about this. I hope it loosens up some or we may

have some serious problems on our hands. He keeps telling me " Too

Tight " and then points to his belly and says " pop balloon " . I can tell

it even hurts him for me to pick him up. I guess we'll get it all

figured out in the next few days.

>

> We also got to see Carly and Pam again while we were there. It was

nice seeing you guys again!

>

> Lastly, we are scheduled to go back again on September 25th and

26th.

>

>

> Noelle (12-2-01)

> Ian (8-15-04)

>

>

[Guest guest]

Yes, it loosened up a lot the last time we had the waterproof cast. But, I

almost think it was an inferior cast because it was super loose. Makes me

afraid to submerse this one. I want it to loosen up, but not too much, know

what I mean?

I am really going to watch this tightness. So far, I don't see sores, but he is

pretty red in some areas.

Be sure to post after your trip to Erie next week. I will be anxious to hear

how she makes out.

Noelle (12-2-01)

Ian (8-15-04)

Back from Erie

We got back tonight from our 5th casting trip to Erie. I have to admit, I am a

bit disappointed. The last time we were up there, his out of cast number was 18

degrees. This time it was 16 degrees...so not much improvement at all . Dr. K

said he would have expected more correction. I asked if the fact that Ian's

curve is so flexible could be playing a role in not getting the desired

correction and he said it was very possible given that he felt Ian was super

flexible. He said he feels that Ian falls into the slender phenotype and

therefore probably falls into that category where correction is going to take

longer than the stockier/sturdier kids. I asked him if the next cast in

September might be his last cast and he pretty much said no way would it be the

last cast. I'm bummed. BUT, Miss Mehta told me to expect 12 to 15 months in the

cast, so I guess I shouldn't be overly upset...I guess I just really really

thought we were going to see better numbers this time. I did think the rib hump

was better than last time though. I also asked about the rotation and RVAD and

he said the rotation is hard to quantify, but that is was practically nil and

the RVAD looked so good that he did even measure it this time. So, those are

good things!

Surprisingly, they decided to do the waterproof cast this time. Dr. K said

that he has improved his technique since he last did Ian's waterproof cast and

felt we could be successful with it. I was very happy to find out that his new

in cast number is 4 degrees! That is the lowest he's ever been in the cast, so I

guess he was right about having improved his technique.

My other concern is that this cast is unbelievably tight! They actually took

pliers to flare it out some, but I think we are going to have to do some more of

that at home. No joke, he looks like he is 9 months pregnant and his belly is as

hard as a rock especially after he eats. I am nervous about this. I hope it

loosens up some or we may have some serious problems on our hands. He keeps

telling me " Too Tight " and then points to his belly and says " pop balloon " . I can

tell it even hurts him for me to pick him up. I guess we'll get it all figured

out in the next few days.

We also got to see Carly and Pam again while we were there. It was nice seeing

you guys again!

Lastly, we are scheduled to go back again on September 25th and 26th.

Noelle (12-2-01)

Ian (8-15-04)