Olivia's first cast

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone, we are now 3 days into our new journey with Olivia having her first

MRI and cast completed last week-Friday at Shriners Philly with Dr. C. Overall

a good experience albeit I would never recommend gettinga first cast on a Friday

as supports on the discharge day are not as plentiful.

Saturday was a travel day home so today was Olivia's real first day testing out

the new legs under the weight of the new cast. We have come to realize a couple

of things and would appreciate any comments on any of the following that you may

have encountered please.

Olivia's new incast measurement is 24 degrees down from 43 degrees, a great

start but we know it is how the body response out of cast that matters when it

comes off. We are scheduled in Erie with Dr. C for either the second or third

week in October.

1. Olivia was okay on her feet before, not overly strong but okay for a 27 month

old. What we have found now is that with the cast being so heavy she tips

backwards more easily and I am worried about a head injury-especially when she

is back in daycare...did anyone have issues with this at the start and if so did

anyone use a bike helmet etc?

2. Olivia does not seem to mind the cast although there are moments she says her

tummy hurts. We checked the cast and had several adjustments before leaving

shriners but it seems to be mainly where the bottom of the top mushroom cut out

is, the part that holds the ribs in place. It sometimes corresponds with meals,

I am thinking she is filling up and it is the added pressure as there is enough

room to get a finger underneath that area most times.

3. Aclimatizing. Any thoughts or comments on how long it took your child to

get their balance etc.

4. Keeping food our of the cast. We have found using a crayola art bib works so

far, open to any other suggestions.

5. Any tips for good places to stay in Erie PA if you have been there?

Thanks so much