New here and needing some advice

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone. Boy am I relieved to have found a group of people who

have experienced all that we are about to endeaver.

My daughter is 22 months old. She is a twin, she was vertex (baby a)

and my son was frank breech. He has been fine, but at 11 weeks of

age she was dx with congenital torticollis for which we began

physical therapy. Last Sept (at 10 months) she was dx with infantile

scoliosis s curve at 24 degrees. We had an MRI under sedation which

showed torticollis and scoliosis but was otherwise unremarkable. We

continued faithfully in PT with little improvement (oh she also wore

a DOC Band for plagiocephaly from July-November) in January we saw

the pediatric ortho who recommended a SCM release. So we did that

Feb 10 and by the end of Feb she was finally walking, before the

surgery she could not stand unassisted. The curve was much improved,

so we f/u every 3 months with the pediatric ortho to monitor things.

And things were good until now..we had an xray done last week which

showed a s curve with a mean of 35 degrees. We were shocked and so

was the doctor. So we are now waiting for an appt for casting with

the use of traction. To be done in the or under sedation.

Apparently there is a very weak area around her l rib cage which

concerns the doc most. I am not sure if it will be a cast or more

like a jacket. He said it would probably take at least 2 casts and

then a tslo ? brace to get her straight again. Of course we are

trying to avoid surgery at all costs. I have been so devastated by

this. I am scared to death that she will choke or worse in this cast

and there will be no way to save her. SHe also has an anaphalytic

allergy to peanuts which makes me even more fearful if she were to

somehow have an exposure and was in the cast. WHat should I expect?

How quickly will she adjust? How do they determine whether or not

they use a cast or vest type cast? Are there any similar stories?

WOrds of wisdom? Is anyone from SC? Thanks so much.

[Guest guest]

Where is she having her cast done? My son has a Mehta style cast from the

Shriner's in Erie Pay. There is a stomach cut out in the shape of a mushroom,

so you would be able to get your arms under the ribcage and do the Heimlich

(sp?) maneuver if it ever came to that.

Also, what is a SCM release? Is this similar to a tethered spinal cord release?

Noelle (12-2-01)

Ian (8-15-04)

New here and needing some advice

Hi everyone. Boy am I relieved to have found a group of people who

have experienced all that we are about to endeaver.

My daughter is 22 months old. She is a twin, she was vertex (baby a)

and my son was frank breech. He has been fine, but at 11 weeks of

age she was dx with congenital torticollis for which we began

physical therapy. Last Sept (at 10 months) she was dx with infantile

scoliosis s curve at 24 degrees. We had an MRI under sedation which

showed torticollis and scoliosis but was otherwise unremarkable. We

continued faithfully in PT with little improvement (oh she also wore

a DOC Band for plagiocephaly from July-November) in January we saw

the pediatric ortho who recommended a SCM release. So we did that

Feb 10 and by the end of Feb she was finally walking, before the

surgery she could not stand unassisted. The curve was much improved,

so we f/u every 3 months with the pediatric ortho to monitor things.

And things were good until now..we had an xray done last week which

showed a s curve with a mean of 35 degrees. We were shocked and so

was the doctor. So we are now waiting for an appt for casting with

the use of traction. To be done in the or under sedation.

Apparently there is a very weak area around her l rib cage which

concerns the doc most. I am not sure if it will be a cast or more

like a jacket. He said it would probably take at least 2 casts and

then a tslo ? brace to get her straight again. Of course we are

trying to avoid surgery at all costs. I have been so devastated by

this. I am scared to death that she will choke or worse in this cast

and there will be no way to save her. SHe also has an anaphalytic

allergy to peanuts which makes me even more fearful if she were to

somehow have an exposure and was in the cast. WHat should I expect?

How quickly will she adjust? How do they determine whether or not

they use a cast or vest type cast? Are there any similar stories?

WOrds of wisdom? Is anyone from SC? Thanks so much.

[Guest guest]

She is having the cast done at the Medical University of SC in

ton SC by Dr Gross. A SCM Release is the surgical

release of the sternocleiodmastoid muscle. (the muscle that runs

from the clavicle to behind the ear)

-- In infantile scoliosis treatment , " Claflin "

<noellesmommy@...> wrote:

>

> Where is she having her cast done? My son has a Mehta style cast

from the Shriner's in Erie Pay. There is a stomach cut out in the

shape of a mushroom, so you would be able to get your arms under the

ribcage and do the Heimlich (sp?) maneuver if it ever came to that.

>

> Also, what is a SCM release? Is this similar to a tethered spinal

cord release?

>

>

> Noelle (12-2-01)

> Ian (8-15-04)

> New here and needing some advice

>

>

> Hi everyone. Boy am I relieved to have found a group of people

who

> have experienced all that we are about to endeaver.

>

> My daughter is 22 months old. She is a twin, she was vertex (baby

a)

> and my son was frank breech. He has been fine, but at 11 weeks of

> age she was dx with congenital torticollis for which we began

> physical therapy. Last Sept (at 10 months) she was dx with

infantile

> scoliosis s curve at 24 degrees. We had an MRI under sedation

which

> showed torticollis and scoliosis but was otherwise unremarkable.

We

> continued faithfully in PT with little improvement (oh she also

wore

> a DOC Band for plagiocephaly from July-November) in January we

saw

> the pediatric ortho who recommended a SCM release. So we did that

> Feb 10 and by the end of Feb she was finally walking, before the

> surgery she could not stand unassisted. The curve was much

improved,

> so we f/u every 3 months with the pediatric ortho to monitor

things.

> And things were good until now..we had an xray done last week

which

> showed a s curve with a mean of 35 degrees. We were shocked and

so

> was the doctor. So we are now waiting for an appt for casting

with

> the use of traction. To be done in the or under sedation.

> Apparently there is a very weak area around her l rib cage which

> concerns the doc most. I am not sure if it will be a cast or more

> like a jacket. He said it would probably take at least 2 casts

and

> then a tslo ? brace to get her straight again. Of course we are

> trying to avoid surgery at all costs. I have been so devastated

by

> this. I am scared to death that she will choke or worse in this

cast

> and there will be no way to save her. SHe also has an anaphalytic

> allergy to peanuts which makes me even more fearful if she were

to

> somehow have an exposure and was in the cast. WHat should I

expect?

> How quickly will she adjust? How do they determine whether or not

> they use a cast or vest type cast? Are there any similar stories?

> WOrds of wisdom? Is anyone from SC? Thanks so much.

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hello and welcome to CASTS. I am happy to hear you are taking a

proactive position in your daughter's treatmetn and have decided

casting is the technique you would like to explore. I hope I don't

sound rude, but what are your names? There are so many people on the

group now it's difficult for me to keep track of everyone with just a

location or e-mail addy.

My daughter, Madison, was the first baby in the US to get corrected

via casting with the Mehta technique. I'm not sure what has been

recommended to you, so I apologize in advance if I duplicate some

information. Have you requested the video, A New Horizon from

? This is an informative video which will answer a lot of

your questions and probably even give you more to present to your

doc. Do you know what her RVAD is? (rib vertebral angle

difference) Speaking of which, you can always check out the terms

section on the web site when you aren't sure. This measurement is

one that Ms. Mehta developed that is fairly reliable in determining

the progression of a curve. The proper frame for applying a POP

jacket to a kiddo is called an AMIL frame. I feel pretty confident

that is not what your doc is going to be using. He or she p[robably

has a risser style frame, which really isn't suitable for babies.

These frames are only now becoming available to US docs. They are

made by a company in Malta and essential in providing the EDF

(elongation, flexion, derotation) type casting your baby needs to

properly correct her curve and harness her growth towards

correction.

I invite you to read as much as you possibly can on casting. There

is a lot of information and just general knowledge available to you

via CASTS and www.infantilescoliosis.org On the web site you will

find helpful things like diapering techniques, bathing tips, and

stories of other kiddos and parents who have experienced all that

you're encountering. Please feel free to read my daughter's story

at: http://www.infantilescoliosis.org/madisons_story.htm and then

follow up with any questions you might have.

When is your appt for the first cast? Have rcvd a second opinion?

Is traveling to Philly or Erie an option for you for a consultation?

As for your question...is there anyone else in SC? I don't *think*

so. I know there are a few cases in NC and the metro Atlanta area.

I think those are probably the closest to you.

I have probably rambled on long enough, please feel free to e-mail me

privately with your number and the best time to call, if you would

like to chat. Once again, welcome and congratulations on making a

great decision for your child.

>

> Hi everyone. Boy am I relieved to have found a group of people who

> have experienced all that we are about to endeaver.

>

> My daughter is 22 months old. She is a twin, she was vertex (baby

a)

> and my son was frank breech. He has been fine, but at 11 weeks of

> age she was dx with congenital torticollis for which we began

> physical therapy. Last Sept (at 10 months) she was dx with

infantile

> scoliosis s curve at 24 degrees. We had an MRI under sedation

which

> showed torticollis and scoliosis but was otherwise unremarkable.

We

> continued faithfully in PT with little improvement (oh she also

wore

> a DOC Band for plagiocephaly from July-November) in January we saw

> the pediatric ortho who recommended a SCM release. So we did that

> Feb 10 and by the end of Feb she was finally walking, before the

> surgery she could not stand unassisted. The curve was much

improved,

> so we f/u every 3 months with the pediatric ortho to monitor

things.

> And things were good until now..we had an xray done last week which

> showed a s curve with a mean of 35 degrees. We were shocked and so

> was the doctor. So we are now waiting for an appt for casting with

> the use of traction. To be done in the or under sedation.

> Apparently there is a very weak area around her l rib cage which

> concerns the doc most. I am not sure if it will be a cast or more

> like a jacket. He said it would probably take at least 2 casts and

> then a tslo ? brace to get her straight again. Of course we are

> trying to avoid surgery at all costs. I have been so devastated by

> this. I am scared to death that she will choke or worse in this

cast

> and there will be no way to save her. SHe also has an anaphalytic

> allergy to peanuts which makes me even more fearful if she were to

> somehow have an exposure and was in the cast. WHat should I

expect?

> How quickly will she adjust? How do they determine whether or not

> they use a cast or vest type cast? Are there any similar stories?

> WOrds of wisdom? Is anyone from SC? Thanks so much.

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you for your information. My name is beth. My daughter

(and son) will be 2 in December. I am not sure about the total curve

that you were talking about but I read the xray report which said it

measured approx 35 degrees. I will have to get the report tomorrow

and I will tell you exactly what I read. The ped ortho we are using

spoecializes in scoliosis at the medical university in sc. I am

thinking they must be using the table you were talking about b/c he

said it would be a special table with some sort of a rod down the

middle and that she would be in head and hip traction. (under

anesthesia 0f course) One question was all of this done on an outpt

basis for your children? The doc said he thought it would take at

least 2 casts before we even thought about a brace, but he felt it

was correctable without surgery. We do not yet have an appt. I am

waiting for them to call, but he said it could be Dec but they will

try and put a priority on it. Is this normally done in radiology or

the OR? I am an RN but feel like a complete idiot. Above all I am a

mother right now I guess. Plus peds was never my thing. This doc is

our " 2nd opinion " doc. Last year the initial dx came from another

doc. Apparently neither of them expected this to happen. Dr Gross

says he sees this progression about every 10 years and he never would

have thought it would have happened to my daughter since initially

she was improving. Would someone please tell me exactly what to

expect the day of the casting? Thank you again! beth

> >

> > Hi everyone. Boy am I relieved to have found a group of people

who

> > have experienced all that we are about to endeaver.

> >

> > My daughter is 22 months old. She is a twin, she was vertex

(baby

> a)

> > and my son was frank breech. He has been fine, but at 11 weeks

of

> > age she was dx with congenital torticollis for which we began

> > physical therapy. Last Sept (at 10 months) she was dx with

> infantile

> > scoliosis s curve at 24 degrees. We had an MRI under sedation

> which

> > showed torticollis and scoliosis but was otherwise unremarkable.

> We

> > continued faithfully in PT with little improvement (oh she also

> wore

> > a DOC Band for plagiocephaly from July-November) in January we

saw

> > the pediatric ortho who recommended a SCM release. So we did

that

> > Feb 10 and by the end of Feb she was finally walking, before the

> > surgery she could not stand unassisted. The curve was much

> improved,

> > so we f/u every 3 months with the pediatric ortho to monitor

> things.

> > And things were good until now..we had an xray done last week

which

> > showed a s curve with a mean of 35 degrees. We were shocked and

so

> > was the doctor. So we are now waiting for an appt for casting

with

> > the use of traction. To be done in the or under sedation.

> > Apparently there is a very weak area around her l rib cage which

> > concerns the doc most. I am not sure if it will be a cast or

more

> > like a jacket. He said it would probably take at least 2 casts

and

> > then a tslo ? brace to get her straight again. Of course we are

> > trying to avoid surgery at all costs. I have been so devastated

by

> > this. I am scared to death that she will choke or worse in this

> cast

> > and there will be no way to save her. SHe also has an

anaphalytic

> > allergy to peanuts which makes me even more fearful if she were

to

> > somehow have an exposure and was in the cast. WHat should I

> expect?

> > How quickly will she adjust? How do they determine whether or

not

> > they use a cast or vest type cast? Are there any similar

stories?

> > WOrds of wisdom? Is anyone from SC? Thanks so much.

> >

>

[Guest guest]

It sounds like that is the COBB angle and it still sounds like a Risser frame

table. I would ask Dr. Gross specificaly it is a table for bbaies/toddlers. A

lot of Drs say they specialize in scoli, but just as yours told you, nothing in

ten years. Do what you feel is best for you and your family. I personally

wanted a dr who saw this everyday, all day, with a proven track record of

corrected kiddos.

The first two casts we were in pt. She was only 8 months old and my husband

was in Iraq at the time. I had to make sure everything was totally squared away

when we got home because I lived thousands of miles away from family and was

doing it all on my own. Once we were both accustomed to it and had a better

idea of what to expect, able to adjust to traveling, etc. we started doing it in

shorter trips. What to expect is really going to depend on how your kiddo

responds to the anesthesia, hospital environment in general, etc. At the

Shriner's hospital in SLC here's how things worked for us: One day prior to

cast day, we arrived at the hospital, she was evalutaed by Dr. D'Astous, and her

anthesiologist to make sure she was OK, all of questions were answered, I was

given some instruction on what to expect, how to care for the cast, x-rays etc.

The following day she rcvd two meds and then went back to pre-op...more

questions and pics were taken, she went back. THe

first time ftook almost four hours (by her last cast this was down to 45 mins).

She wouold then wake up in recovery and we would go back to her room. The rest

of my experience is no longer valid, because they don't do it like that any

longer. I would recommend taking Mod Podge and fabric with you to decorate the

cast. While the aesthetic part of it is nice, it's also very purposeful. When

there are stains from vomit, spit up, spills, eatting, etc. they are easy to

clean up, the fabric keeps the moleskin on, protects your skin and your baby's

clothes. I would recommend dresses, because pants are a little difficult to

keep up, rhey slide down over the cast a lot. My daughter had some tactile

defensiveness...she hit some milestones a litlte bit later, developed some skin

break down, and torso atrophy. All of these were oversome with a very

reasonable time frame.

Let me know if you have any more questions.

corlieburr <cburr@...> wrote:

Thank you for your information. My name is beth. My daughter

(and son) will be 2 in December. I am not sure about the total curve

that you were talking about but I read the xray report which said it

measured approx 35 degrees. I will have to get the report tomorrow

and I will tell you exactly what I read. The ped ortho we are using

spoecializes in scoliosis at the medical university in sc. I am

thinking they must be using the table you were talking about b/c he

said it would be a special table with some sort of a rod down the

middle and that she would be in head and hip traction. (under

anesthesia 0f course) One question was all of this done on an outpt

basis for your children? The doc said he thought it would take at

least 2 casts before we even thought about a brace, but he felt it

was correctable without surgery. We do not yet have an appt. I am

waiting for them to call, but he said it could be Dec but they will

try and put a priority on it. Is this normally done in radiology or

the OR? I am an RN but feel like a complete idiot. Above all I am a

mother right now I guess. Plus peds was never my thing. This doc is

our " 2nd opinion " doc. Last year the initial dx came from another

doc. Apparently neither of them expected this to happen. Dr Gross

says he sees this progression about every 10 years and he never would

have thought it would have happened to my daughter since initially

she was improving. Would someone please tell me exactly what to

expect the day of the casting? Thank you again! beth

> >

> > Hi everyone. Boy am I relieved to have found a group of people

who

> > have experienced all that we are about to endeaver.

> >

> > My daughter is 22 months old. She is a twin, she was vertex

(baby

> a)

> > and my son was frank breech. He has been fine, but at 11 weeks

of

> > age she was dx with congenital torticollis for which we began

> > physical therapy. Last Sept (at 10 months) she was dx with

> infantile

> > scoliosis s curve at 24 degrees. We had an MRI under sedation

> which

> > showed torticollis and scoliosis but was otherwise unremarkable.

> We

> > continued faithfully in PT with little improvement (oh she also

> wore

> > a DOC Band for plagiocephaly from July-November) in January we

saw

> > the pediatric ortho who recommended a SCM release. So we did

that

> > Feb 10 and by the end of Feb she was finally walking, before the

> > surgery she could not stand unassisted. The curve was much

> improved,

> > so we f/u every 3 months with the pediatric ortho to monitor

> things.

> > And things were good until now..we had an xray done last week

which

> > showed a s curve with a mean of 35 degrees. We were shocked and

so

> > was the doctor. So we are now waiting for an appt for casting

with

> > the use of traction. To be done in the or under sedation.

> > Apparently there is a very weak area around her l rib cage which

> > concerns the doc most. I am not sure if it will be a cast or

more

> > like a jacket. He said it would probably take at least 2 casts

and

> > then a tslo ? brace to get her straight again. Of course we are

> > trying to avoid surgery at all costs. I have been so devastated

by

> > this. I am scared to death that she will choke or worse in this

> cast

> > and there will be no way to save her. SHe also has an

anaphalytic

> > allergy to peanuts which makes me even more fearful if she were

to

> > somehow have an exposure and was in the cast. WHat should I

> expect?

> > How quickly will she adjust? How do they determine whether or

not

> > they use a cast or vest type cast? Are there any similar

stories?

> > WOrds of wisdom? Is anyone from SC? Thanks so much.

> >

>

---------------------------------

Get your own web address for just $1.99/1st yr. We'll help. Small

Business.

[Guest guest]

I wanted to chime in to say that I agree with Jen in that it sounds like a

risser table rather than an AMIL. I would specifically ask about that. I would

also ask about the type of cutouts they put in their casts to allow for lung

expansion and prevent chest wall deformities. There should also be a cutout in

the back on the opposite side of the curve (my son is Right thoracic so his is

on the left). This allows them to work on the rib hump. I would specifically

ask if they use the Mehta technique and how many casts they have applied on

infants. There are many scoli specialists, but very few who specialize in

infantile scoliosis and even fewer who use the Mehta technique.

Noelle (12-2-01)

Ian (8-15-04)

Re: Re: New here and needing some advice

It sounds like that is the COBB angle and it still sounds like a Risser frame

table. I would ask Dr. Gross specificaly it is a table for bbaies/toddlers. A

lot of Drs say they specialize in scoli, but just as yours told you, nothing in

ten years. Do what you feel is best for you and your family. I personally wanted

a dr who saw this everyday, all day, with a proven track record of corrected

kiddos.

The first two casts we were in pt. She was only 8 months old and my husband

was in Iraq at the time. I had to make sure everything was totally squared away

when we got home because I lived thousands of miles away from family and was

doing it all on my own. Once we were both accustomed to it and had a better idea

of what to expect, able to adjust to traveling, etc. we started doing it in

shorter trips. What to expect is really going to depend on how your kiddo

responds to the anesthesia, hospital environment in general, etc. At the

Shriner's hospital in SLC here's how things worked for us: One day prior to cast

day, we arrived at the hospital, she was evalutaed by Dr. D'Astous, and her

anthesiologist to make sure she was OK, all of questions were answered, I was

given some instruction on what to expect, how to care for the cast, x-rays etc.

The following day she rcvd two meds and then went back to pre-op...more

questions and pics were taken, she went back. THe

first time ftook almost four hours (by her last cast this was down to 45

mins). She wouold then wake up in recovery and we would go back to her room. The

rest of my experience is no longer valid, because they don't do it like that any

longer. I would recommend taking Mod Podge and fabric with you to decorate the

cast. While the aesthetic part of it is nice, it's also very purposeful. When

there are stains from vomit, spit up, spills, eatting, etc. they are easy to

clean up, the fabric keeps the moleskin on, protects your skin and your baby's

clothes. I would recommend dresses, because pants are a little difficult to keep

up, rhey slide down over the cast a lot. My daughter had some tactile

defensiveness...she hit some milestones a litlte bit later, developed some skin

break down, and torso atrophy. All of these were oversome with a very reasonable

time frame.

Let me know if you have any more questions.

corlieburr <cburr@...> wrote:

Thank you for your information. My name is beth. My daughter

(and son) will be 2 in December. I am not sure about the total curve

that you were talking about but I read the xray report which said it

measured approx 35 degrees. I will have to get the report tomorrow

and I will tell you exactly what I read. The ped ortho we are using

spoecializes in scoliosis at the medical university in sc. I am

thinking they must be using the table you were talking about b/c he

said it would be a special table with some sort of a rod down the

middle and that she would be in head and hip traction. (under

anesthesia 0f course) One question was all of this done on an outpt

basis for your children? The doc said he thought it would take at

least 2 casts before we even thought about a brace, but he felt it

was correctable without surgery. We do not yet have an appt. I am

waiting for them to call, but he said it could be Dec but they will

try and put a priority on it. Is this normally done in radiology or

the OR? I am an RN but feel like a complete idiot. Above all I am a

mother right now I guess. Plus peds was never my thing. This doc is

our " 2nd opinion " doc. Last year the initial dx came from another

doc. Apparently neither of them expected this to happen. Dr Gross

says he sees this progression about every 10 years and he never would

have thought it would have happened to my daughter since initially

she was improving. Would someone please tell me exactly what to

expect the day of the casting? Thank you again! beth

> >

> > Hi everyone. Boy am I relieved to have found a group of people

who

> > have experienced all that we are about to endeaver.

> >

> > My daughter is 22 months old. She is a twin, she was vertex

(baby

> a)

> > and my son was frank breech. He has been fine, but at 11 weeks

of

> > age she was dx with congenital torticollis for which we began

> > physical therapy. Last Sept (at 10 months) she was dx with

> infantile

> > scoliosis s curve at 24 degrees. We had an MRI under sedation

> which

> > showed torticollis and scoliosis but was otherwise unremarkable.

> We

> > continued faithfully in PT with little improvement (oh she also

> wore

> > a DOC Band for plagiocephaly from July-November) in January we

saw

> > the pediatric ortho who recommended a SCM release. So we did

that

> > Feb 10 and by the end of Feb she was finally walking, before the

> > surgery she could not stand unassisted. The curve was much

> improved,

> > so we f/u every 3 months with the pediatric ortho to monitor

> things.

> > And things were good until now..we had an xray done last week

which

> > showed a s curve with a mean of 35 degrees. We were shocked and

so

> > was the doctor. So we are now waiting for an appt for casting

with

> > the use of traction. To be done in the or under sedation.

> > Apparently there is a very weak area around her l rib cage which

> > concerns the doc most. I am not sure if it will be a cast or

more

> > like a jacket. He said it would probably take at least 2 casts

and

> > then a tslo ? brace to get her straight again. Of course we are

> > trying to avoid surgery at all costs. I have been so devastated

by

> > this. I am scared to death that she will choke or worse in this

> cast

> > and there will be no way to save her. SHe also has an

anaphalytic

> > allergy to peanuts which makes me even more fearful if she were

to

> > somehow have an exposure and was in the cast. WHat should I

> expect?

> > How quickly will she adjust? How do they determine whether or

not

> > they use a cast or vest type cast? Are there any similar

stories?

> > WOrds of wisdom? Is anyone from SC? Thanks so much.

> >

>

---------------------------------

Get your own web address for just $1.99/1st yr. We'll help. Small

Business.

[Guest guest]

I just wanted to add in that you want to make sure that your ped ortho

specializes in this type of casting and ask how many he has applied? If he

hasn't seen a case in 10 years or more, you want to make sure your daughter is

being fitted for the cast and having it applied on the AMIL frame properly. Just

my two cents---

We went to several doctors before finding Dr. in Erie.

Good luck.

and Evan

Claflin <noellesmommy@...> wrote:

I wanted to chime in to say that I agree with Jen in that it sounds

like a risser table rather than an AMIL. I would specifically ask about that. I

would also ask about the type of cutouts they put in their casts to allow for

lung expansion and prevent chest wall deformities. There should also be a cutout

in the back on the opposite side of the curve (my son is Right thoracic so his

is on the left). This allows them to work on the rib hump. I would specifically

ask if they use the Mehta technique and how many casts they have applied on

infants. There are many scoli specialists, but very few who specialize in

infantile scoliosis and even fewer who use the Mehta technique.

Noelle (12-2-01)

Ian (8-15-04)

Re: Re: New here and needing some advice

It sounds like that is the COBB angle and it still sounds like a Risser frame

table. I would ask Dr. Gross specificaly it is a table for bbaies/toddlers. A

lot of Drs say they specialize in scoli, but just as yours told you, nothing in

ten years. Do what you feel is best for you and your family. I personally wanted

a dr who saw this everyday, all day, with a proven track record of corrected

kiddos.

The first two casts we were in pt. She was only 8 months old and my husband was

in Iraq at the time. I had to make sure everything was totally squared away when

we got home because I lived thousands of miles away from family and was doing it

all on my own. Once we were both accustomed to it and had a better idea of what

to expect, able to adjust to traveling, etc. we started doing it in shorter

trips. What to expect is really going to depend on how your kiddo responds to

the anesthesia, hospital environment in general, etc. At the Shriner's hospital

in SLC here's how things worked for us: One day prior to cast day, we arrived at

the hospital, she was evalutaed by Dr. D'Astous, and her anthesiologist to make

sure she was OK, all of questions were answered, I was given some instruction on

what to expect, how to care for the cast, x-rays etc. The following day she rcvd

two meds and then went back to pre-op...more questions and pics were taken, she

went back. THe

first time ftook almost four hours (by her last cast this was down to 45 mins).

She wouold then wake up in recovery and we would go back to her room. The rest

of my experience is no longer valid, because they don't do it like that any

longer. I would recommend taking Mod Podge and fabric with you to decorate the

cast. While the aesthetic part of it is nice, it's also very purposeful. When

there are stains from vomit, spit up, spills, eatting, etc. they are easy to

clean up, the fabric keeps the moleskin on, protects your skin and your baby's

clothes. I would recommend dresses, because pants are a little difficult to keep

up, rhey slide down over the cast a lot. My daughter had some tactile

defensiveness...she hit some milestones a litlte bit later, developed some skin

break down, and torso atrophy. All of these were oversome with a very reasonable

time frame.

Let me know if you have any more questions.

corlieburr <cburr@...> wrote:

Thank you for your information. My name is beth. My daughter

(and son) will be 2 in December. I am not sure about the total curve

that you were talking about but I read the xray report which said it

measured approx 35 degrees. I will have to get the report tomorrow

and I will tell you exactly what I read. The ped ortho we are using

spoecializes in scoliosis at the medical university in sc. I am

thinking they must be using the table you were talking about b/c he

said it would be a special table with some sort of a rod down the

middle and that she would be in head and hip traction. (under

anesthesia 0f course) One question was all of this done on an outpt

basis for your children? The doc said he thought it would take at

least 2 casts before we even thought about a brace, but he felt it

was correctable without surgery. We do not yet have an appt. I am

waiting for them to call, but he said it could be Dec but they will

try and put a priority on it. Is this normally done in radiology or

the OR? I am an RN but feel like a complete idiot. Above all I am a

mother right now I guess. Plus peds was never my thing. This doc is

our " 2nd opinion " doc. Last year the initial dx came from another

doc. Apparently neither of them expected this to happen. Dr Gross

says he sees this progression about every 10 years and he never would

have thought it would have happened to my daughter since initially

she was improving. Would someone please tell me exactly what to

expect the day of the casting? Thank you again! beth

> >

> > Hi everyone. Boy am I relieved to have found a group of people

who

> > have experienced all that we are about to endeaver.

> >

> > My daughter is 22 months old. She is a twin, she was vertex

(baby

> a)

> > and my son was frank breech. He has been fine, but at 11 weeks

of

> > age she was dx with congenital torticollis for which we began

> > physical therapy. Last Sept (at 10 months) she was dx with

> infantile

> > scoliosis s curve at 24 degrees. We had an MRI under sedation

> which

> > showed torticollis and scoliosis but was otherwise unremarkable.

> We

> > continued faithfully in PT with little improvement (oh she also

> wore

> > a DOC Band for plagiocephaly from July-November) in January we

saw

> > the pediatric ortho who recommended a SCM release. So we did

that

> > Feb 10 and by the end of Feb she was finally walking, before the

> > surgery she could not stand unassisted. The curve was much

> improved,

> > so we f/u every 3 months with the pediatric ortho to monitor

> things.

> > And things were good until now..we had an xray done last week

which

> > showed a s curve with a mean of 35 degrees. We were shocked and

so

> > was the doctor. So we are now waiting for an appt for casting

with

> > the use of traction. To be done in the or under sedation.

> > Apparently there is a very weak area around her l rib cage which

> > concerns the doc most. I am not sure if it will be a cast or

more

> > like a jacket. He said it would probably take at least 2 casts

and

> > then a tslo ? brace to get her straight again. Of course we are

> > trying to avoid surgery at all costs. I have been so devastated

by

> > this. I am scared to death that she will choke or worse in this

> cast

> > and there will be no way to save her. SHe also has an

anaphalytic

> > allergy to peanuts which makes me even more fearful if she were

to

> > somehow have an exposure and was in the cast. WHat should I

> expect?

> > How quickly will she adjust? How do they determine whether or

not

> > they use a cast or vest type cast? Are there any similar

stories?

> > WOrds of wisdom? Is anyone from SC? Thanks so much.

> >

>

---------------------------------

Get your own web address for just $1.99/1st yr. We'll help. Small

Business.

[Guest guest]

It sounds like I need to call today and ask some more questions. Last

Friday when we were given all of this news it was kindof like being

hit with the broad side of a truck. I was completely numb and could

ask very few questions just b/c I couldn't even process what I was

being told and was mostly trying to concentrate on not breaking

down. Did most of the children have to go to PT? We did PT for over

a year and a half for the tort. Sounds like we are going to get

through this, although the road maybe long, he said the first cast

would take at least an hour. I guess we better plan on spending the

night just in case. Where are all the docs everyone is talking

about? Where is ERie? Must be a LONG way from SC b/c I have never

heard of it. I wonder if my doc trained with these docs? I will

look into things today. How did your children initially respond to

the cast when they first woke up? Is the cast colored or white? OMG

I didn't even think about vomit. Do the casts have an odor? Here I

go panicking again...thanks

> > >

> > > Hi everyone. Boy am I relieved to have found a group of people

> who

> > > have experienced all that we are about to endeaver.

> > >

> > > My daughter is 22 months old. She is a twin, she was vertex

> (baby

> > a)

> > > and my son was frank breech. He has been fine, but at 11 weeks

> of

> > > age she was dx with congenital torticollis for which we began

> > > physical therapy. Last Sept (at 10 months) she was dx with

> > infantile

> > > scoliosis s curve at 24 degrees. We had an MRI under sedation

> > which

> > > showed torticollis and scoliosis but was otherwise

unremarkable.

> > We

> > > continued faithfully in PT with little improvement (oh she also

> > wore

> > > a DOC Band for plagiocephaly from July-November) in January we

> saw

> > > the pediatric ortho who recommended a SCM release. So we did

> that

> > > Feb 10 and by the end of Feb she was finally walking, before

the

> > > surgery she could not stand unassisted. The curve was much

> > improved,

> > > so we f/u every 3 months with the pediatric ortho to monitor

> > things.

> > > And things were good until now..we had an xray done last week

> which

> > > showed a s curve with a mean of 35 degrees. We were shocked and

> so

> > > was the doctor. So we are now waiting for an appt for casting

> with

> > > the use of traction. To be done in the or under sedation.

> > > Apparently there is a very weak area around her l rib cage

which

> > > concerns the doc most. I am not sure if it will be a cast or

> more

> > > like a jacket. He said it would probably take at least 2 casts

> and

> > > then a tslo ? brace to get her straight again. Of course we are

> > > trying to avoid surgery at all costs. I have been so devastated

> by

> > > this. I am scared to death that she will choke or worse in this

> > cast

> > > and there will be no way to save her. SHe also has an

> anaphalytic

> > > allergy to peanuts which makes me even more fearful if she were

> to

> > > somehow have an exposure and was in the cast. WHat should I

> > expect?

> > > How quickly will she adjust? How do they determine whether or

> not

> > > they use a cast or vest type cast? Are there any similar

> stories?

> > > WOrds of wisdom? Is anyone from SC? Thanks so much.

> > >

> >

>

> ---------------------------------

> Get your own web address for just $1.99/1st yr. We'll help.

Small Business.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Erie is in PA- we live on the VA/NC border and drive there every 8 weeks. I know

some people fly in from all over the country.

My son Evan had PT for torticollis from age 3months- 9months (approximately)

and then continued the PT until last week for trunk

controll/stability/strengthening, learning to crawl/walk/adapt to the cast. I

think it helped him, but I truly think he would've hit his milestones w/o it, he

is a strong,determined little boy.

I've had issues with the shirt- not vomit, but pee-- I just pull the little

antibacterial shirt that they put underneath as much as I can and then just wash

it. I tried cutting it and taping it one time and had MAJOR problems with his

skin. I know some parents actually cut the shirt out or take it off, but I

wouldn't reccommend that, I'm just speaking from our experience.

As far as colors, you can choose what the cast color is- look in the Photo's

section in the group and you can see.

Have you read all the articles in the files section on

www.infantilescoliosis.org yet?Once you read them, you might feel more prepared

and more comfortable asking questions.

Good luck.

and Evan

corlieburr <cburr@...> wrote:

It sounds like I need to call today and ask some more questions. Last

Friday when we were given all of this news it was kindof like being

hit with the broad side of a truck. I was completely numb and could

ask very few questions just b/c I couldn't even process what I was

being told and was mostly trying to concentrate on not breaking

down. Did most of the children have to go to PT? We did PT for over

a year and a half for the tort. Sounds like we are going to get

through this, although the road maybe long, he said the first cast

would take at least an hour. I guess we better plan on spending the

night just in case. Where are all the docs everyone is talking

about? Where is ERie? Must be a LONG way from SC b/c I have never

heard of it. I wonder if my doc trained with these docs? I will

look into things today. How did your children initially respond to

the cast when they first woke up? Is the cast colored or white? OMG

I didn't even think about vomit. Do the casts have an odor? Here I

go panicking again...thanks

> > >

> > > Hi everyone. Boy am I relieved to have found a group of people

> who

> > > have experienced all that we are about to endeaver.

> > >

> > > My daughter is 22 months old. She is a twin, she was vertex

> (baby

> > a)

> > > and my son was frank breech. He has been fine, but at 11 weeks

> of

> > > age she was dx with congenital torticollis for which we began

> > > physical therapy. Last Sept (at 10 months) she was dx with

> > infantile

> > > scoliosis s curve at 24 degrees. We had an MRI under sedation

> > which

> > > showed torticollis and scoliosis but was otherwise

unremarkable.

> > We

> > > continued faithfully in PT with little improvement (oh she also

> > wore

> > > a DOC Band for plagiocephaly from July-November) in January we

> saw

> > > the pediatric ortho who recommended a SCM release. So we did

> that

> > > Feb 10 and by the end of Feb she was finally walking, before

the

> > > surgery she could not stand unassisted. The curve was much

> > improved,

> > > so we f/u every 3 months with the pediatric ortho to monitor

> > things.

> > > And things were good until now..we had an xray done last week

> which

> > > showed a s curve with a mean of 35 degrees. We were shocked and

> so

> > > was the doctor. So we are now waiting for an appt for casting

> with

> > > the use of traction. To be done in the or under sedation.

> > > Apparently there is a very weak area around her l rib cage

which

> > > concerns the doc most. I am not sure if it will be a cast or

> more

> > > like a jacket. He said it would probably take at least 2 casts

> and

> > > then a tslo ? brace to get her straight again. Of course we are

> > > trying to avoid surgery at all costs. I have been so devastated

> by

> > > this. I am scared to death that she will choke or worse in this

> > cast

> > > and there will be no way to save her. SHe also has an

> anaphalytic

> > > allergy to peanuts which makes me even more fearful if she were

> to

> > > somehow have an exposure and was in the cast. WHat should I

> > expect?

> > > How quickly will she adjust? How do they determine whether or

> not

> > > they use a cast or vest type cast? Are there any similar

> stories?

> > > WOrds of wisdom? Is anyone from SC? Thanks so much.

> > >

> >

>

> ---------------------------------

> Get your own web address for just $1.99/1st yr. We'll help.

Small Business.

>

>

[Guest guest]

I can't imagine not staying overnight. You are going to want to make sure

everything is OK from a neuro stand point after anesthesia, the cast will most

likely need trimming/flaring, and it will have to be petaled (moleskin applied).

This can't be done until it's dry. I know things are done a little differently

now than when Madison had hers. I have heard mention on the group that they

might even petal it for you? I would still take the fabric with you while she

is still groggy so you can get it done without too much of a fight.

In SLC they apply an antimicrobial shirt under the cast. This absorbs and

essentially eliminates odors. Urine was usually our biggest challenge and

diapering is a little tricky. You will really have to figure out what works

best for you, but for me, here's what I did: (please remember she was only 8

mths old, so adjust accordingly to your child's size)

I found that ONLY:Y Pampers Cruisers worked for this...let me assure you I

tried EVERY diaper brand out there to figure this out. You will need a size

1or 2 diaper, tabs removed, 3-4 panty liners, size 3,4, or 5 diaper. Line the

bottom of the cast with the panty liners. Lay the panty liner length-wise

around, putting half underneath and the other half on the outside. Take the

smaller diaper and tuck it into the cast, folding the top down to trap urine or

feces from going up inside the cast. Finally take the larger diaper and put it

on top of everything, just like you normally would, without the cast. I changed

the panty liners 1-2 times a day, depending on how messy they got an the large

diaper every 1-2 days, depending on how good of a shape it was still in and if

it was soiled of course. As she got older, I did find it easier to put Pampers

First Steps ( a type of pull-up over the top, instead of a large diaper.)

This is really a trial and error thing and you will have to figure what works

best for you. Something to consider, I was the only one who could change her

diaper because my husband's hands were too big to be able to do the

tucking...you may want to figure out something that will be able to help you;

especially since you have two to contend with. (Just imagine, I could never go

ANYWHERE without her because I was the only one that could change her)

This is a little bit down the road...but something to keep in the back of your

mind. Make sure you have her checked out by anesthesia BEFORE her cast is

removed. If she can't have the anesthesia, she can't get a new cast and then

you've lost precious ground. I made Madison's contact with other people very

limited, because I didn't want any respiratory issues to prevent a cast change.

Madison went through PT and OT the entire time her cast was on. She cont'd w/

PT for another year after wards and is now in gymnastics. She needed the PT for

torso strengthening. She still stumbles quite a bit compared to other children

her age, but she's perfectly straight and we've avoided surgery. I am sure the

stumbling will eventually work itself out too. I was able to convince Madison's

ped ortho in San to go to SLC to do a fellowship with Dr. D'Astous for a

few months. He maintains contact with Dr. D'Astous and consults with him on all

of Madison's follow up. Maybe this is something you could present to your local

doc too?

Someone else will have to answer this question, but I will throw it out there

for you: After the " Straight Forward " event, is there now a doc in TN trained

to do an EDF cast? And if so, does he or she have an AMIL frame? I was

thinking this would be a much closer location for you, if it's an option.

Anyway, I have been very long winded. I know all of this is very overwhelming

in the beginning, but you will get through this. Try to have a great support

system set up for yourself just so you can get a break every once in a while.

Make sure you spend at least a few minutes by yourself everyday. This will help

you be a better mommy and deal with the stress of all of this so much easier.

One more piece of advice that I wish I would have known before hand. Hold her

as much as you possibly can right now. You will miss not being able to " touch "

her. If you have anymore questions or would like to chat, please don't hesitate

to ask.

lieburr <cburr@...> wrote:

It sounds like I need to call today and ask some more questions. Last

Friday when we were given all of this news it was kindof like being

hit with the broad side of a truck. I was completely numb and could

ask very few questions just b/c I couldn't even process what I was

being told and was mostly trying to concentrate on not breaking

down. Did most of the children have to go to PT? We did PT for over

a year and a half for the tort. Sounds like we are going to get

through this, although the road maybe long, he said the first cast

would take at least an hour. I guess we better plan on spending the

night just in case. Where are all the docs everyone is talking

about? Where is ERie? Must be a LONG way from SC b/c I have never

heard of it. I wonder if my doc trained with these docs? I will

look into things today. How did your children initially respond to

the cast when they first woke up? Is the cast colored or white? OMG

I didn't even think about vomit. Do the casts have an odor? Here I

go panicking again...thanks

> > >

> > > Hi everyone. Boy am I relieved to have found a group of people

> who

> > > have experienced all that we are about to endeaver.

> > >

> > > My daughter is 22 months old. She is a twin, she was vertex

> (baby

> > a)

> > > and my son was frank breech. He has been fine, but at 11 weeks

> of

> > > age she was dx with congenital torticollis for which we began

> > > physical therapy. Last Sept (at 10 months) she was dx with

> > infantile

> > > scoliosis s curve at 24 degrees. We had an MRI under sedation

> > which

> > > showed torticollis and scoliosis but was otherwise

unremarkable.

> > We

> > > continued faithfully in PT with little improvement (oh she also

> > wore

> > > a DOC Band for plagiocephaly from July-November) in January we

> saw

> > > the pediatric ortho who recommended a SCM release. So we did

> that

> > > Feb 10 and by the end of Feb she was finally walking, before

the

> > > surgery she could not stand unassisted. The curve was much

> > improved,

> > > so we f/u every 3 months with the pediatric ortho to monitor

> > things.

> > > And things were good until now..we had an xray done last week

> which

> > > showed a s curve with a mean of 35 degrees. We were shocked and

> so

> > > was the doctor. So we are now waiting for an appt for casting

> with

> > > the use of traction. To be done in the or under sedation.

> > > Apparently there is a very weak area around her l rib cage

which

> > > concerns the doc most. I am not sure if it will be a cast or

> more

> > > like a jacket. He said it would probably take at least 2 casts

> and

> > > then a tslo ? brace to get her straight again. Of course we are

> > > trying to avoid surgery at all costs. I have been so devastated

> by

> > > this. I am scared to death that she will choke or worse in this

> > cast

> > > and there will be no way to save her. SHe also has an

> anaphalytic

> > > allergy to peanuts which makes me even more fearful if she were

> to

> > > somehow have an exposure and was in the cast. WHat should I

> > expect?

> > > How quickly will she adjust? How do they determine whether or

> not

> > > they use a cast or vest type cast? Are there any similar

> stories?

> > > WOrds of wisdom? Is anyone from SC? Thanks so much.

> > >

> >

>

> ---------------------------------

> Get your own web address for just $1.99/1st yr. We'll help.

Small Business.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Erie uses the antibacterial shirt as well. I have found that taping it to the

bottom of the cast really helps with diapering. In Erie, they petal the cast

for you. The cast is usually dry by the time they come out of the OR at least

this has always been the case for us. I've never had to replace any of the

moleskin on any of our casts because the nurses do such a great job with it. I

agree that the pampers cruisers are the only diapers that have worked for us

because of the super stretchy tabs and the fact that they just seem to absorb

urine better than any other diaper brand. I only use one diaper and tuck it up

the front of the cast and have never had issues with urine getting up in the

cast.

I always try to keep his cast completely covered so that it never gets dirty or

anything on it to avoid the whole smelly cast situation. He did get vomit on it

one time when I was changing his clothes. The antibacterial shirt really did

help to get rid of the stink after a day or so.

If you do go the casting route, I would definitely try to stay overnight the

first time to make sure the cast doesn't need any adjustments. We've had enough

casts now that I know what to look for, so the overnight stay isn't necessary

for us although most times we still stay overnight only because we have an 8 to

9 hour drive home to Virginia.

Noelle (12-2-01)

Ian (8-15-04)

Re: Re: New here and needing some advice

I can't imagine not staying overnight. You are going to want to make sure

everything is OK from a neuro stand point after anesthesia, the cast will most

likely need trimming/flaring, and it will have to be petaled (moleskin applied).

This can't be done until it's dry. I know things are done a little differently

now than when Madison had hers. I have heard mention on the group that they

might even petal it for you? I would still take the fabric with you while she is

still groggy so you can get it done without too much of a fight.

In SLC they apply an antimicrobial shirt under the cast. This absorbs and

essentially eliminates odors. Urine was usually our biggest challenge and

diapering is a little tricky. You will really have to figure out what works best

for you, but for me, here's what I did: (please remember she was only 8 mths

old, so adjust accordingly to your child's size)

I found that ONLY:Y Pampers Cruisers worked for this...let me assure you I

tried EVERY diaper brand out there to figure this out. You will need a size 1or

2 diaper, tabs removed, 3-4 panty liners, size 3,4, or 5 diaper. Line the bottom

of the cast with the panty liners. Lay the panty liner length-wise around,

putting half underneath and the other half on the outside. Take the smaller

diaper and tuck it into the cast, folding the top down to trap urine or feces

from going up inside the cast. Finally take the larger diaper and put it on top

of everything, just like you normally would, without the cast. I changed the

panty liners 1-2 times a day, depending on how messy they got an the large

diaper every 1-2 days, depending on how good of a shape it was still in and if

it was soiled of course. As she got older, I did find it easier to put Pampers

First Steps ( a type of pull-up over the top, instead of a large diaper.)

This is really a trial and error thing and you will have to figure what works

best for you. Something to consider, I was the only one who could change her

diaper because my husband's hands were too big to be able to do the

tucking...you may want to figure out something that will be able to help you;

especially since you have two to contend with. (Just imagine, I could never go

ANYWHERE without her because I was the only one that could change her)

This is a little bit down the road...but something to keep in the back of your

mind. Make sure you have her checked out by anesthesia BEFORE her cast is

removed. If she can't have the anesthesia, she can't get a new cast and then

you've lost precious ground. I made Madison's contact with other people very

limited, because I didn't want any respiratory issues to prevent a cast change.

Madison went through PT and OT the entire time her cast was on. She cont'd w/

PT for another year after wards and is now in gymnastics. She needed the PT for

torso strengthening. She still stumbles quite a bit compared to other children

her age, but she's perfectly straight and we've avoided surgery. I am sure the

stumbling will eventually work itself out too. I was able to convince Madison's

ped ortho in San to go to SLC to do a fellowship with Dr. D'Astous for a

few months. He maintains contact with Dr. D'Astous and consults with him on all

of Madison's follow up. Maybe this is something you could present to your local

doc too?

Someone else will have to answer this question, but I will throw it out there

for you: After the " Straight Forward " event, is there now a doc in TN trained to

do an EDF cast? And if so, does he or she have an AMIL frame? I was thinking

this would be a much closer location for you, if it's an option.

Anyway, I have been very long winded. I know all of this is very overwhelming

in the beginning, but you will get through this. Try to have a great support

system set up for yourself just so you can get a break every once in a while.

Make sure you spend at least a few minutes by yourself everyday. This will help

you be a better mommy and deal with the stress of all of this so much easier.

One more piece of advice that I wish I would have known before hand. Hold her as

much as you possibly can right now. You will miss not being able to " touch " her.

If you have anymore questions or would like to chat, please don't hesitate to

ask.

lieburr <cburr@...> wrote:

It sounds like I need to call today and ask some more questions. Last

Friday when we were given all of this news it was kindof like being

hit with the broad side of a truck. I was completely numb and could

ask very few questions just b/c I couldn't even process what I was

being told and was mostly trying to concentrate on not breaking

down. Did most of the children have to go to PT? We did PT for over

a year and a half for the tort. Sounds like we are going to get

through this, although the road maybe long, he said the first cast

would take at least an hour. I guess we better plan on spending the

night just in case. Where are all the docs everyone is talking

about? Where is ERie? Must be a LONG way from SC b/c I have never

heard of it. I wonder if my doc trained with these docs? I will

look into things today. How did your children initially respond to

the cast when they first woke up? Is the cast colored or white? OMG

I didn't even think about vomit. Do the casts have an odor? Here I

go panicking again...thanks

> > >

> > > Hi everyone. Boy am I relieved to have found a group of people

> who

> > > have experienced all that we are about to endeaver.

> > >

> > > My daughter is 22 months old. She is a twin, she was vertex

> (baby

> > a)

> > > and my son was frank breech. He has been fine, but at 11 weeks

> of

> > > age she was dx with congenital torticollis for which we began

> > > physical therapy. Last Sept (at 10 months) she was dx with

> > infantile

> > > scoliosis s curve at 24 degrees. We had an MRI under sedation

> > which

> > > showed torticollis and scoliosis but was otherwise

unremarkable.

> > We

> > > continued faithfully in PT with little improvement (oh she also

> > wore

> > > a DOC Band for plagiocephaly from July-November) in January we

> saw

> > > the pediatric ortho who recommended a SCM release. So we did

> that

> > > Feb 10 and by the end of Feb she was finally walking, before

the

> > > surgery she could not stand unassisted. The curve was much

> > improved,

> > > so we f/u every 3 months with the pediatric ortho to monitor

> > things.

> > > And things were good until now..we had an xray done last week

> which

> > > showed a s curve with a mean of 35 degrees. We were shocked and

> so

> > > was the doctor. So we are now waiting for an appt for casting

> with

> > > the use of traction. To be done in the or under sedation.

> > > Apparently there is a very weak area around her l rib cage

which

> > > concerns the doc most. I am not sure if it will be a cast or

> more

> > > like a jacket. He said it would probably take at least 2 casts

> and

> > > then a tslo ? brace to get her straight again. Of course we are

> > > trying to avoid surgery at all costs. I have been so devastated

> by

> > > this. I am scared to death that she will choke or worse in this

> > cast

> > > and there will be no way to save her. SHe also has an

> anaphalytic

> > > allergy to peanuts which makes me even more fearful if she were

> to

> > > somehow have an exposure and was in the cast. WHat should I

> > expect?

> > > How quickly will she adjust? How do they determine whether or

> not

> > > they use a cast or vest type cast? Are there any similar

> stories?

> > > WOrds of wisdom? Is anyone from SC? Thanks so much.

> > >

> >

>

> ---------------------------------

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>