dry suits for swimming

[Guest guest]

With summer soon approaching we decided to try a waterproof cast. We are casted

at Strong Memorial in Rochester and Dr. R and I discussed bracing for the summer

but I wanted to stick with casting so we went with this one. Amaya is able to

take baths, go in swimming pools and water parks. She can not go in lakes,

rivers, or oceans. I like the cast as it is lighter then the other however,

when she takes a bath or shower she is wet for hours, she drips from the bottom

of the cast. I guess this is something I can deal with to enable her to enjoy

summer.

Seeing as I don't want to keep this type of cast on again I was doing research

and found what is called a Hickman Drysuit, this is available through Hammond

Drysuits. My husband and I have decided to order one for Amaya to be able to

take swimming lessons this fall. They are quite pricey but I feel it will be

money well spent in the long run.

Amaya is in her 5th cast and we have seen minimum improvement however I feel

this is the best treatment to hold off what might be surgery. We have also

decided to not x-ray her at every casting and cast removal. This will limit her

exposure to radiation and possible side effects of that. She seems to have

adjusted well to her cast and life with it. I remember when she was diagnosed

with progressive infantile scoliosis in June of 2010, how scared and alone I

felt. Then I found this group and without all of you I don't know what I would

have done. I would love to be able to raise awareness of infantile scoliosis

and hopefully Amaya and I will be in a local magazine to let others out there

know they are not alone and that resources are available, as well as treatment

options.

Tammy Mullins, mom to Amaya almost 3

diagnosed by mom in April 2010 and finally by pediatrician in June

casting at Strong Memorial, Rochester, NY