Re: New...welcoming input especially from Toronto, Ontario, & Canada

[Guest guest]

We go to Shriner's Erie. It's a small hospital, but the staff is incredibly nice. They like to do first casts down at Pittsburgh's Children but all subsequent casts can be done in Erie. Pittsburgh isn't too far from Erie- maybe an hour to an hour and a half depending on traffic.

The doctor is willing to talk to you, but you have to make it VERY clear you have questions, otherwise they will tend to talk over you. As long as you're up front about wanting EVERY question answered before you're willing to make a decision, they'll gladly talk your ear off and answer questions.

Each patient is given a case worker of sorts (I can't think of what they call the position) but they walk you through any additional questions you might have and are really nice about calling back with answers. They go through the process with you (and Pittsburgh Children's also does this.)

Also, on the odd chance you do have to go to Pittsburgh Children's, Shriners continues to cover the patient and any expenses you may incur. They have an agreement just for this.

Doc is actually going back into casts after a year of "remission" and I'm just waiting for a date on his cast. So, I'm pretty familiar with how Erie works.

Incidentally, if it's your first trip to Erie, they have a bit of a routine- Be there at least a half hour to hour before your appointment because you will have an x-ray appointment BEFORE you see the doctor that they always forget to mention. So, if you show up thinking you're going straight in to the doctor, you'll be delayed until after x-rays.

a

Doc's Mommy

From: ohyearightsorry <to_fire@...>infantile scoliosis treatment Sent: Sunday, February 12, 2012 3:19 PMSubject: New...welcoming input especially from Toronto, Ontario, & Canada

Hello to all the CAST members.My name is Curtis Okazaki, and my 20 month old son, Aidan, has IS. I have been reading posts in this Forum for about one week now, and I would like to thank all of the parents in this group who have posted and shared their experiences. Your comments and tips have been very helpful for my wife, , and myself in understanding IS and its treatment. I have had the pleasure of emailing, and talking with Mr. Graham Hill, who has provided me with a wealth of information for treatment options, including his experience with Shriners Hospital in Erie, PA. Mr. Hill is a pillar of support, and I'd like to publicly thank him for his assistance with our situation.We live just outside of Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Pickering), and we are in the early diagnostic stage of treatment, with X-rays and Pediatrician appointments. As our Canadian medical system differs somewhat from the American version, I would appreciate any

helpful tips from those of you who have had experiences with IS treatment in Toronto or in the Shriner's Hospital in Erie, PA.Again, thank you to all of you for allowing my family to learn from yours, and we wish all of you continued success in your IS treatment.Best RegardsCurtis Okazaki(Aidan, 20 months, still diagnostic)

[Guest guest]

Hello a, & much thanx for that great information. I'm wondering if you had the same Doctor examine your Doc @ Pitts and @ Erie? And did Shriner's Pitts also do the MRI (how long did you have to wait for theMRI, cuz up here in Canada, it can be months to get a sedated MRI.)Regards,Curtis"Resistance is futile.You will be assimilated."Steve JobsOn Feb 12, 2012, at 15:46, "a Ross" <danceswiththesun@...> wrote: We go to Shriner's Erie. It's a small hospital, but the staff is incredibly nice. They like to do first casts down at Pittsburgh's Children but all subsequent casts can be done in Erie. Pittsburgh isn't too far from Erie- maybe an hour to an hour and a half depending on traffic. The doctor is willing to talk to you, but you have to make it VERY clear you have questions, otherwise they will tend to talk over you. As long as you're up front about wanting EVERY question answered before you're willing to make a decision, they'll gladly talk your ear off and answer questions. Each patient is given a case worker of sorts (I can't think of what they call the position) but they walk you through any additional questions you might have and are really nice about calling back with answers. They go through the process with you (and Pittsburgh Children's also does this.) Also, on the odd chance you do have to go to Pittsburgh Children's, Shriners continues to cover the patient and any expenses you may incur. They have an agreement just for this. Doc is actually going back into casts after a year of "remission" and I'm just waiting for a date on his cast. So, I'm pretty familiar with how Erie works. Incidentally, if it's your first trip to Erie, they have a bit of a routine- Be there at least a half hour to hour before your appointment because you will have an x-ray appointment BEFORE you see the doctor that they always forget to mention. So, if you show up thinking you're going straight in to the doctor, you'll be delayed until after x-rays. aDoc's MommyFrom: ohyearightsorry <to_fire@...>infantile scoliosis treatment Sent: Sunday, February 12, 2012 3:19 PMSubject: New...welcoming input especially from Toronto, Ontario, & Canada Hello to all the CAST members.My name is Curtis Okazaki, and my 20 month old son, Aidan, has IS. I have been reading posts in this Forum for about one week now, and I would like to thank all of the parents in this group who have posted and shared their experiences. Your comments and tips have been very helpful for my wife, , and myself in understanding IS and its treatment. I have had the pleasure of emailing, and talking with Mr. Graham Hill, who has provided me with a wealth of information for treatment options, including his experience with Shriners Hospital in Erie, PA. Mr. Hill is a pillar of support, and I'd like to publicly thank him for his assistance with our situation.We live just outside of Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Pickering), and we are in the early diagnostic stage of treatment, with X-rays and Pediatrician appointments. As our Canadian medical system differs somewhat from the American version, I would appreciate anyhelpful tips from those of you who have had experiences with IS treatment in Toronto or in the Shriner's Hospital in Erie, PA.Again, thank you to all of you for allowing my family to learn from yours, and we wish all of you continued success in your IS treatment.Best RegardsCurtis Okazaki(Aidan, 20 months, still diagnostic)

[Guest guest]

Hi Curtis: Nice to meet you! We live in Nova Scotia. Hope we can share

information! (I have a few other contacts within Canada, if you'd like to send

me a private email, others have more Canada-specific experience than I do,

because I'm only a beginner, really.) My son, Teddy, got his first cast at 26

months, in December. He's just started cast #2. (He had a late start because

he's adopted, and only came home from abroad in the summer.) We considered

Shriner's in Montreal, and also consulted with Sick Kids in Toronto. The ortho

at Sick Kids basically told us: " What, are you crazy? You should go to Dr. El-H

in Halifax. He's the man. " So instead of traveling to the US, Montreal, or

Toronto, we've gone forward at the IWK. So far, I'm very happy with our son's

care. Please do email me, if you like, tho! And maybe we can start a Canadian

folks info-sharing loop! best regards, Bess

[Guest guest]

PS: Curtis, do you mind if I ask if there's a special reason why Erie might be

the top Shriner's choice for you, from among the Shriner's Hosps? (Is it

proximity, mainly? I'm asking in case we feel the need in the future to seek

other alternatives for whatever reason.) In Haliax we waited about a month for a

sedated MRI, after our first appointment. Not great, obviously. But we decided

it wasn't the final deal-breaker, when weighed against not having to wait or

travel to appointments from here on out.

[Guest guest]

Hi Bes. Thanx for your reply and information. Aidan and I are new to this IS experience as well. I hope everything works out great for you!In my post, I inquired about the Shriner's hospital in Erie, PA because, from what I've read in other posts, it's the closest Shriner's hosp. that does casting. I've heard about a Doctor in Rochester, NY, that may do it, but I haven't heard from anyone with first-hand knowledge about that. I've also learned that Montreal has a Shriner's hospital, but I don't know if it does serial casting. And Sick Kids here in Toronto does it, but I've heard the wait can be very long (hence my "plan B" for Erie). How is your experience with "the system" there?Regards Curtis"Resistance is futile.You will be assimilated."Steve JobsOn Feb 13, 2012, at 9:15, "bessrattray@..." <bessrny@...> wrote: Hi Curtis: Nice to meet you! We live in Nova Scotia. Hope we can share information! (I have a few other contacts within Canada, if you'd like to send me a private email, others have more Canada-specific experience than I do, because I'm only a beginner, really.) My son, Teddy, got his first cast at 26 months, in December. He's just started cast #2. (He had a late start because he's adopted, and only came home from abroad in the summer.) We considered Shriner's in Montreal, and also consulted with Sick Kids in Toronto. The ortho at Sick Kids basically told us: "What, are you crazy? You should go to Dr. El-H in Halifax. He's the man." So instead of traveling to the US, Montreal, or Toronto, we've gone forward at the IWK. So far, I'm very happy with our son's care. Please do email me, if you like, tho! And maybe we can start a Canadian folks info-sharing loop! best regards, Bess

[Guest guest]

Hi Again, Curtis; The people at Sick Kids said, yes, they do serial casting (but

" why weren't we seeing the big honcho at IWK? " they wanted to know?; and

Shriner's in Montreal also said they do serial casting. (I believe Montreal docs

may have done some training w/the famous Dr. D'Astous --?-- as did the people at

IWK in Halifax). Obviously, tho, Canadian hosps aren't doing it as often, w/as

many kids, as the primary Shriners Hospitals in the U.S. So there's a lot to

consider in this decision, for sure. IWK has done serial casting, EDF kind, for

literally decades . . . tho, obviously, it is continually being updated and

improved upon, so I'm not sure how closely their current methods resemble what

they were doing even 10 years ago. Anyway, so far I'm very comfortable. Huge

shift in curve, in cast #1, from 61 down to 21 degrees. Seems like a good sign,

anyway. So we're sticking w/IWK for the foreseeable future. BUt.... you know,

" know your options " has to be a good plan, right? I have been in contact

w/another Canadian who goes to a U.S. Shriners, and I bet they'd have a lot to

tell you about decision-making, since they're more experienced than me, and did

choose to go to U.S. Shriners. GOOD LUCK with it all! Bess

>

> > Hi Curtis: Nice to meet you! We live in Nova Scotia. Hope we can share

information! (I have a few other contacts within Canada, if you'd like to send

me a private email, others have more Canada-specific experience than I do,

because I'm only a beginner, really.) My son, Teddy, got his first cast at 26

months, in December. He's just started cast #2. (He had a late start because

he's adopted, and only came home from abroad in the summer.) We considered

Shriner's in Montreal, and also consulted with Sick Kids in Toronto. The ortho

at Sick Kids basically told us: " What, are you crazy? You should go to Dr. El-H

in Halifax. He's the man. " So instead of traveling to the US, Montreal, or

Toronto, we've gone forward at the IWK. So far, I'm very happy with our son's

care. Please do email me, if you like, tho! And maybe we can start a Canadian

folks info-sharing loop! best regards, Bess

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Just trying to keep a time-line here so other Canadians can compare.

Aidan went to his first Pediatrician visit today. The Doctor looked at his back,

watched him walk, listened to his heart, lungs, and head, and told us he had a

33.7 degree thoracic curve to the left, and none of the internal organs were

being affected. He also told us that Aidan had a big head for a 20 month-old. He

suggested bracing, but also admitted that he'd never seen a case of I.S. I told

him I wanted Mehta Serial Casting, so the Doctor made a referral to Toronto's

Sick Children's Hospital so we can be seen by the Ortho. Surgeon. Sick Kids is

supposed to call within 2 weeks, but I have no idea how long the wait for the

actual appointment will be. I also asked if he would set-up an appointment for a

sedated MRI, but he said Sick Kids would do that. I've obtained copies of the

initial X-rays as well as the X-ray report.

Thanks to a and Bess for their replies.

>

> Hello to all the CAST members.

> My name is Curtis Okazaki, and my 20 month old son, Aidan, has IS. I have been

reading posts in this Forum for about one week now, and I would like to thank

all of the parents in this group who have posted and shared their experiences.

Your comments and tips have been very helpful for my wife, , and myself in

understanding IS and its treatment. I have had the pleasure of emailing, and

talking with Mr. Graham Hill, who has provided me with a wealth of information

for treatment options, including his experience with Shriners Hospital in Erie,

PA. Mr. Hill is a pillar of support, and I'd like to publicly thank him for his

assistance with our situation.

> We live just outside of Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Pickering), and we are in

the early diagnostic stage of treatment, with X-rays and Pediatrician

appointments. As our Canadian medical system differs somewhat from the American

version, I would appreciate any helpful tips from those of you who have had

experiences with IS treatment in Toronto or in the Shriner's Hospital in Erie,

PA.

> Again, thank you to all of you for allowing my family to learn from yours, and

we wish all of you continued success in your IS treatment.

> Best Regards

> Curtis Okazaki

> (Aidan, 20 months, still diagnostic)

>

[Guest guest]

Good luck on your scoli journey, Curtis. Please continue to ask questions

here and to rely on parents like Graham. We are all here to help.

Sincerely,

HRH

> Hello to all the CAST members.

> My name is Curtis Okazaki, and my 20 month old son, Aidan, has IS. I have

> been reading posts in this Forum for about one week now, and I would like

> to thank all of the parents in this group who have posted and shared their

> experiences. Your comments and tips have been very helpful for my wife,

> , and myself in understanding IS and its treatment. I have had the

> pleasure of emailing, and talking with Mr. Graham Hill, who has provided

> me with a wealth of information for treatment options, including his

> experience with Shriners Hospital in Erie, PA. Mr. Hill is a pillar of

> support, and I'd like to publicly thank him for his assistance with our

> situation.

> We live just outside of Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Pickering), and we are

> in the early diagnostic stage of treatment, with X-rays and Pediatrician

> appointments. As our Canadian medical system differs somewhat from the

> American version, I would appreciate any helpful tips from those of you

> who have had experiences with IS treatment in Toronto or in the Shriner's

> Hospital in Erie, PA.

> Again, thank you to all of you for allowing my family to learn from yours,

> and we wish all of you continued success in your IS treatment.

> Best Regards

> Curtis Okazaki

> (Aidan, 20 months, still diagnostic)

>

>

[Guest guest]

Sorry, to hear about Docs continued progression. Looks like your headed

in the right direction so please keep us posted.

HRH

> We go to Shriner's Erie.  It's a small hospital, but the staff is

> incredibly nice.  They like to do first casts down at Pittsburgh's

> Children but all subsequent casts can be done in Erie.  Pittsburgh isn't

> too far from Erie- maybe an hour to an hour and a half depending on

> traffic. 

>  

> The doctor is willing to talk to you, but you have to make it VERY clear

> you have questions, otherwise they will tend to talk over you.  As long

> as you're up front about wanting EVERY question answered before you're

> willing to make a decision, they'll gladly talk your ear off and answer

> questions.

>  

> Each patient is given a case worker of sorts (I can't think of what they

> call the position) but they walk you through any additional questions you

> might have and are really nice about calling back with answers.  They go

> through the process with you (and Pittsburgh Children's also does this.) 

>  

> Also, on the odd chance you do have to go to Pittsburgh Children's,

> Shriners continues to cover the patient and any expenses you may incur. 

> They have an agreement just for this.

>  

> Doc is actually going back into casts after a year of " remission " and I'm

> just waiting for a date on his cast.  So, I'm pretty familiar with how

> Erie works.

>  

> Incidentally, if it's your first trip to Erie, they have a bit of a

> routine- Be there at least a half hour to hour before your appointment

> because you will have an x-ray appointment BEFORE you see the doctor that

> they always forget to mention.  So, if you show up thinking you're going

> straight in to the doctor, you'll be delayed until after x-rays.

>  

> a

> Doc's Mommy

>

>

> ________________________________

> From: ohyearightsorry <to_fire@...>

> infantile scoliosis treatment

> Sent: Sunday, February 12, 2012 3:19 PM

> Subject: New...welcoming input especially from

> Toronto, Ontario, & Canada

>

>

>  

> Hello to all the CAST members.

> My name is Curtis Okazaki, and my 20 month old son, Aidan, has IS. I have

> been reading posts in this Forum for about one week now, and I would like

> to thank all of the parents in this group who have posted and shared their

> experiences. Your comments and tips have been very helpful for my wife,

> , and myself in understanding IS and its treatment. I have had the

> pleasure of emailing, and talking with Mr. Graham Hill, who has provided

> me with a wealth of information for treatment options, including his

> experience with Shriners Hospital in Erie, PA. Mr. Hill is a pillar of

> support, and I'd like to publicly thank him for his assistance with our

> situation.

> We live just outside of Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Pickering), and we are

> in the early diagnostic stage of treatment, with X-rays and Pediatrician

> appointments. As our Canadian medical system differs somewhat from the

> American version, I would appreciate any helpful tips from those of you

> who have had experiences with IS treatment in Toronto or in the Shriner's

> Hospital in Erie, PA.

> Again, thank you to all of you for allowing my family to learn from yours,

> and we wish all of you continued success in your IS treatment.

> Best Regards

> Curtis Okazaki

> (Aidan, 20 months, still diagnostic)

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Glad all is well and that you were guided to IWK. Thanks for supporting

Canadian families and please keep us posted!

HRH

> Hi Curtis: Nice to meet you! We live in Nova Scotia. Hope we can share

> information! (I have a few other contacts within Canada, if you'd like to

> send me a private email, others have more Canada-specific experience than

> I do, because I'm only a beginner, really.) My son, Teddy, got his first

> cast at 26 months, in December. He's just started cast #2. (He had a late

> start because he's adopted, and only came home from abroad in the summer.)

> We considered Shriner's in Montreal, and also consulted with Sick Kids in

> Toronto. The ortho at Sick Kids basically told us: " What, are you crazy?

> You should go to Dr. El-H in Halifax. He's the man. " So instead of

> traveling to the US, Montreal, or Toronto, we've gone forward at the IWK.

> So far, I'm very happy with our son's care. Please do email me, if you

> like, tho! And maybe we can start a Canadian folks info-sharing loop! best

> regards, Bess

>

>

[Guest guest]

Sounds like you'll be getting some answers soon. Please keep us posted

and keep the questions coming!

HRH

> Just trying to keep a time-line here so other Canadians can compare.

> Aidan went to his first Pediatrician visit today. The Doctor looked at his

> back, watched him walk, listened to his heart, lungs, and head, and told

> us he had a 33.7 degree thoracic curve to the left, and none of the

> internal organs were being affected. He also told us that Aidan had a big

> head for a 20 month-old. He suggested bracing, but also admitted that he'd

> never seen a case of I.S. I told him I wanted Mehta Serial Casting, so the

> Doctor made a referral to Toronto's Sick Children's Hospital so we can be

> seen by the Ortho. Surgeon. Sick Kids is supposed to call within 2 weeks,

> but I have no idea how long the wait for the actual appointment will be. I

> also asked if he would set-up an appointment for a sedated MRI, but he

> said Sick Kids would do that. I've obtained copies of the initial X-rays

> as well as the X-ray report.

> Thanks to a and Bess for their replies.

>

>

>>

>> Hello to all the CAST members.

>> My name is Curtis Okazaki, and my 20 month old son, Aidan, has IS. I

>> have been reading posts in this Forum for about one week now, and I

>> would like to thank all of the parents in this group who have posted and

>> shared their experiences. Your comments and tips have been very

>> helpful for my wife, , and myself in understanding IS and its

>> treatment. I have had the pleasure of emailing, and talking with Mr.

>> Graham Hill, who has provided me with a wealth of information for

>> treatment options, including his experience with Shriners Hospital in

>> Erie, PA. Mr. Hill is a pillar of support, and I'd like to publicly

>> thank him for his assistance with our situation.

>> We live just outside of Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Pickering), and we are

>> in the early diagnostic stage of treatment, with X-rays and Pediatrician

>> appointments. As our Canadian medical system differs somewhat from the

>> American version, I would appreciate any helpful tips from those of you

>> who have had experiences with IS treatment in Toronto or in the

>> Shriner's Hospital in Erie, PA.

>> Again, thank you to all of you for allowing my family to learn from

>> yours, and we wish all of you continued success in your IS treatment.

>> Best Regards

>> Curtis Okazaki

>> (Aidan, 20 months, still diagnostic)

>>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Update...March 3, 2012.

Well, 2 weeks went by and we didn't hear from the Orthopaedic Clinic @ Toronto's

Sick Children's Hospital, so we called Aidan's doc. and they got back to us on

Feb. 28th, stating that we would be seen...get this...sometime in late May or

early June..(sigh). That's 4 months from initial xrays....(insert fav. expletive

here).

Here's what we heard from an Ortho. surgeon @ Sick Kids;

" Scoliosis usually does not progress over days or even weeks. It takes months.

As long as the neurologic exam is normal, May should be okay. Sick Kids likely

reviewed the consult and thought that it was okay. "

I've read so many posts in this forum about how parents can visually see a

worsening of the curve over 3 or 4 months...I can't believe a surgeon @ Sick

Kid's would have this view of " waiting is okay " .

So...we've got the ball rolling on our application to the Erie,PA Shriner's

Hospital, and we've also contacted our local Shriner's Temple for assistance.

We know of a Dr. C. who casts @ Erie. Does anyone have experience with casting

from a different Doctor @ Erie?

We also had a friend tell us that if you submit a medical note that you're

seeking treatment in the U.S. along with your Canadian passport application, you

can get your passport in a few days instead of weeks. Is that true?

And a final question to the forum. In Aidan's first X-rays, we never got an RVAD

calculated. We got the COBB, but I'm afraid it might be way off because I was

holding Aidan down, supine, on the table when they shot the pics (I've read that

he should have been standing up). My question is, is an RVAD really necessary to

cast? Do the Docs really use it, or do they (can they) cast without the RVAD? My

thinking is, if you can see a rib hump, then you have to cast regardless...Your

thoughts are appreciated.

Regards,

Curtis

> >>

> >> Hello to all the CAST members.

> >> My name is Curtis Okazaki, and my 20 month old son, Aidan, has IS. I

> >> have been reading posts in this Forum for about one week now, and I

> >> would like to thank all of the parents in this group who have posted and

> >> shared their experiences. Your comments and tips have been very

> >> helpful for my wife, , and myself in understanding IS and its

> >> treatment. I have had the pleasure of emailing, and talking with Mr.

> >> Graham Hill, who has provided me with a wealth of information for

> >> treatment options, including his experience with Shriners Hospital in

> >> Erie, PA. Mr. Hill is a pillar of support, and I'd like to publicly

> >> thank him for his assistance with our situation.

> >> We live just outside of Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Pickering), and we are

> >> in the early diagnostic stage of treatment, with X-rays and Pediatrician

> >> appointments. As our Canadian medical system differs somewhat from the

> >> American version, I would appreciate any helpful tips from those of you

> >> who have had experiences with IS treatment in Toronto or in the

> >> Shriner's Hospital in Erie, PA.

> >> Again, thank you to all of you for allowing my family to learn from

> >> yours, and we wish all of you continued success in your IS treatment.

> >> Best Regards

> >> Curtis Okazaki

> >> (Aidan, 20 months, still diagnostic)

> >>

> >

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hey--We have never actually rec'd an RVAD number. Logan was visually rotated, no doubt. And had a rib hump that was completly visable. So with that, we started casted without a number. But I think it completely is up to the dr you see. We go to a dr in SC and his stance has always been, if you can see something without an xray, than they need to be casted again. He prefers to keep the radiation to an absolute minimum, so it is very common (for us) to go 6-8 months to a year without knowing numbers. Logan's mama45 down to 9 out of cast as of Sept 2011, 12th cast, 2 years old From: ohyearightsorry <to_fire@...> infantile scoliosis treatment Sent: Sunday, March 4, 2012 12:00 AM Subject: Re: New...welcoming input especially from Toronto, Ontario, & Canada

Update...March 3, 2012.

Well, 2 weeks went by and we didn't hear from the Orthopaedic Clinic @ Toronto's Sick Children's Hospital, so we called Aidan's doc. and they got back to us on Feb. 28th, stating that we would be seen...get this...sometime in late May or early June..(sigh). That's 4 months from initial xrays....(insert fav. expletive here).

Here's what we heard from an Ortho. surgeon @ Sick Kids;

"Scoliosis usually does not progress over days or even weeks. It takes months. As long as the neurologic exam is normal, May should be okay. Sick Kids likely reviewed the consult and thought that it was okay."

I've read so many posts in this forum about how parents can visually see a worsening of the curve over 3 or 4 months...I can't believe a surgeon @ Sick Kid's would have this view of "waiting is okay".

So...we've got the ball rolling on our application to the Erie,PA Shriner's Hospital, and we've also contacted our local Shriner's Temple for assistance. We know of a Dr. C. who casts @ Erie. Does anyone have experience with casting from a different Doctor @ Erie?

We also had a friend tell us that if you submit a medical note that you're seeking treatment in the U.S. along with your Canadian passport application, you can get your passport in a few days instead of weeks. Is that true?

And a final question to the forum. In Aidan's first X-rays, we never got an RVAD calculated. We got the COBB, but I'm afraid it might be way off because I was holding Aidan down, supine, on the table when they shot the pics (I've read that he should have been standing up). My question is, is an RVAD really necessary to cast? Do the Docs really use it, or do they (can they) cast without the RVAD? My thinking is, if you can see a rib hump, then you have to cast regardless...Your thoughts are appreciated.

Regards,

Curtis

> >>

> >> Hello to all the CAST members.

> >> My name is Curtis Okazaki, and my 20 month old son, Aidan, has IS. I

> >> have been reading posts in this Forum for about one week now, and I

> >> would like to thank all of the parents in this group who have posted and

> >> shared their experiences. Your comments and tips have been very

> >> helpful for my wife, , and myself in understanding IS and its

> >> treatment. I have had the pleasure of emailing, and talking with Mr.

> >> Graham Hill, who has provided me with a wealth of information for

> >> treatment options, including his experience with Shriners Hospital in

> >> Erie, PA. Mr. Hill is a pillar of support, and I'd like to publicly

> >> thank him for his assistance with our situation.

> >> We live just outside of Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Pickering), and we are

> >> in the early diagnostic stage of treatment, with X-rays and Pediatrician

> >> appointments. As our Canadian medical system differs somewhat from the

> >> American version, I would appreciate any helpful tips from those of you

> >> who have had experiences with IS treatment in Toronto or in the

> >> Shriner's Hospital in Erie, PA.

> >> Again, thank you to all of you for allowing my family to learn from

> >> yours, and we wish all of you continued success in your IS treatment.

> >> Best Regards

> >> Curtis Okazaki

> >> (Aidan, 20 months, still diagnostic)

> >>

> >

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Same for us. My daughter is treated by Dr

C in Philly (same Dr C sees patients at Erie). They gave us an RVAD in the beginning, but none since. She had

a rib hump but it’s gone after the second cast or so. She’s in cast #8 now.

Sherry

Re:

New...welcoming input especially from Toronto, Ontario, & Canada

Update...March

3, 2012.

Well, 2 weeks went by and we didn't hear from the Orthopaedic Clinic @

Toronto's Sick Children's Hospital, so we called Aidan's doc. and they got back

to us on Feb. 28th, stating that we would be seen...get this...sometime in late

May or early June..(sigh). That's 4 months from initial xrays....(insert fav.

expletive here).

Here's what we heard from an Ortho. surgeon @ Sick Kids;

" Scoliosis usually does not progress over days or even weeks. It takes

months. As long as the neurologic exam is normal, May should be okay. Sick Kids

likely reviewed the consult and thought that it was okay. "

I've read so many posts in this forum about how parents can visually see a

worsening of the curve over 3 or 4 months...I can't believe a surgeon @ Sick

Kid's would have this view of " waiting is okay " .

So...we've got the ball rolling on our application to the Erie,PA Shriner's

Hospital, and we've also contacted our local Shriner's Temple for assistance.

We know of a Dr. C. who casts @ Erie. Does anyone have experience with casting

from a different Doctor @ Erie?

We also had a friend tell us that if you submit a medical note that you're

seeking treatment in the U.S. along with your Canadian passport application, you

can get your passport in a few days instead of weeks. Is that true?

And a final question to the forum. In Aidan's first X-rays, we never got an

RVAD calculated. We got the COBB, but I'm afraid it might be way off because I

was holding Aidan down, supine, on the table when they shot the pics (I've read

that he should have been standing up). My question is, is an RVAD really

necessary to cast? Do the Docs really use it, or do they (can they) cast

without the RVAD? My thinking is, if you can see a rib hump, then you have to

cast regardless...Your thoughts are appreciated.

Regards,

Curtis

> >>

> >> Hello to all the CAST members.

> >> My name is Curtis Okazaki, and my 20 month old son, Aidan, has

IS. I

> >> have been reading posts in this Forum for about one week now, and

I

> >> would like to thank all of the parents in this group who have

posted and

> >> shared their experiences. Your comments and tips have been very

> >> helpful for my wife, , and myself in understanding IS and its

> >> treatment. I have had the pleasure of emailing, and talking with

Mr.

> >> Graham Hill, who has provided me with a wealth of information for

> >> treatment options, including his experience with Shriners

Hospital in

> >> Erie, PA. Mr. Hill is a pillar of support, and I'd like to

publicly

> >> thank him for his assistance with our situation.

> >> We live just outside of Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Pickering), and

we are

> >> in the early diagnostic stage of treatment, with X-rays and

Pediatrician

> >> appointments. As our Canadian medical system differs somewhat

from the

> >> American version, I would appreciate any helpful tips from those

of you

> >> who have had experiences with IS treatment in Toronto or in the

> >> Shriner's Hospital in Erie, PA.

> >> Again, thank you to all of you for allowing my family to learn

from

> >> yours, and we wish all of you continued success in your IS treatment.

> >> Best Regards

> >> Curtis Okazaki

> >> (Aidan, 20 months, still diagnostic)

> >>

> >

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Update...March 5, 2012.

I called the Ortho Clinic @ Toronto's Sick Children's Hospital today.

The coordinator told me that they don't have a cancellation list. They look at

the urgency of the referral, and base the consult date on that, and there's no

changing the date to an earlier one. The only way I can think of to get an

earlier date is to go back to Aidan's Paediatrician and see if he can resubmit

the referral with something more urgent on it. So I'll be calling Aidan's doc

tomorrow. I also found out that Sick Kids only books 1 month in advance, so I

won't even hear from them until the end of April, at the earliest! (sigh). As

for a sedated MRI, the Ortho Surgeon orders the scan for a certain date range

eg. 1 month, 2 months, etc. so I suppose we'll really have to get on him about

shooting the MRI and casting asap after the initial consult. Finding all this

out has me and my wife leaning to the SHC system even more now....

So I've contacted our local Shriner's Temple in Toronto, and submitted the SHC

online application to them as well. They're going to arrange to have 2 Shriner's

meet with us to discuss and finalize the SHC application so they can forward it

to Erie, PA. That was just last Friday, so I'll let you know how things go...

Wishing everyone all the best with their treatment situation,

Curtis Okazaki

> > >>

> > >> Hello to all the CAST members.

> > >> My name is Curtis Okazaki, and my 20 month old son, Aidan, has IS. I

> > >> have been reading posts in this Forum for about one week now, and I

> > >> would like to thank all of the parents in this group who have posted and

> > >> shared their experiences. Your comments and tips have been very

> > >> helpful for my wife, , and myself in understanding IS and its

> > >> treatment. I have had the pleasure of emailing, and talking with Mr.

> > >> Graham Hill, who has provided me with a wealth of information for

> > >> treatment options, including his experience with Shriners Hospital in

> > >> Erie, PA. Mr. Hill is a pillar of support, and I'd like to publicly

> > >> thank him for his assistance with our situation.

> > >> We live just outside of Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Pickering), and we are

> > >> in the early diagnostic stage of treatment, with X-rays and Pediatrician

> > >> appointments. As our Canadian medical system differs somewhat from the

> > >> American version, I would appreciate any helpful tips from those of you

> > >> who have had experiences with IS treatment in Toronto or in the

> > >> Shriner's Hospital in Erie, PA.

> > >> Again, thank you to all of you for allowing my family to learn from

> > >> yours, and we wish all of you continued success in your IS treatment.

> > >> Best Regards

> > >> Curtis Okazaki

> > >> (Aidan, 20 months, still diagnostic)

> > >>

> > >

> > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Most ET docs measure an RVAD just to confirm its a progressive case and

that they arent casting a child who would have resolved on their own...Im

with you 100% on this. If you see a rib hump, why wait...I think you're

making a sound decision. Please keep us posted on progress.

HRH

> Update...March 3, 2012.

> Well, 2 weeks went by and we didn't hear from the Orthopaedic Clinic @

> Toronto's Sick Children's Hospital, so we called Aidan's doc. and they got

> back to us on Feb. 28th, stating that we would be seen...get

> this...sometime in late May or early June..(sigh). That's 4 months from

> initial xrays....(insert fav. expletive here).

> Here's what we heard from an Ortho. surgeon @ Sick Kids;

> " Scoliosis usually does not progress over days or even weeks. It takes

> months. As long as the neurologic exam is normal, May should be okay. Sick

> Kids likely reviewed the consult and thought that it was okay. "

> I've read so many posts in this forum about how parents can visually see a

> worsening of the curve over 3 or 4 months...I can't believe a surgeon @

> Sick Kid's would have this view of " waiting is okay " .

> So...we've got the ball rolling on our application to the Erie,PA

> Shriner's Hospital, and we've also contacted our local Shriner's Temple

> for assistance. We know of a Dr. C. who casts @ Erie. Does anyone have

> experience with casting from a different Doctor @ Erie?

> We also had a friend tell us that if you submit a medical note that you're

> seeking treatment in the U.S. along with your Canadian passport

> application, you can get your passport in a few days instead of weeks. Is

> that true?

> And a final question to the forum. In Aidan's first X-rays, we never got

> an RVAD calculated. We got the COBB, but I'm afraid it might be way off

> because I was holding Aidan down, supine, on the table when they shot the

> pics (I've read that he should have been standing up). My question is, is

> an RVAD really necessary to cast? Do the Docs really use it, or do they

> (can they) cast without the RVAD? My thinking is, if you can see a rib

> hump, then you have to cast regardless...Your thoughts are appreciated.

> Regards,

> Curtis

>

>

>> >>

>> >> Hello to all the CAST members.

>> >> My name is Curtis Okazaki, and my 20 month old son, Aidan, has IS. I

>> >> have been reading posts in this Forum for about one week now, and I

>> >> would like to thank all of the parents in this group who have posted

>> and

>> >> shared their experiences. Your comments and tips have been very

>> >> helpful for my wife, , and myself in understanding IS and its

>> >> treatment. I have had the pleasure of emailing, and talking with Mr.

>> >> Graham Hill, who has provided me with a wealth of information for

>> >> treatment options, including his experience with Shriners Hospital in

>> >> Erie, PA. Mr. Hill is a pillar of support, and I'd like to publicly

>> >> thank him for his assistance with our situation.

>> >> We live just outside of Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Pickering), and we

>> are

>> >> in the early diagnostic stage of treatment, with X-rays and

>> Pediatrician

>> >> appointments. As our Canadian medical system differs somewhat from

>> the

>> >> American version, I would appreciate any helpful tips from those of

>> you

>> >> who have had experiences with IS treatment in Toronto or in the

>> >> Shriner's Hospital in Erie, PA.

>> >> Again, thank you to all of you for allowing my family to learn from

>> >> yours, and we wish all of you continued success in your IS treatment.

>> >> Best Regards

>> >> Curtis Okazaki

>> >> (Aidan, 20 months, still diagnostic)

>> >>

>> >

>> >

>> >

>>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Sorry, you're having to deal w/ these delays Curtis. Sounds like you're

on the right track though. Please let us know how the meeting goes.

HRH

> Update...March 5, 2012.

> I called the Ortho Clinic @ Toronto's Sick Children's Hospital today.

> The coordinator told me that they don't have a cancellation list. They

> look at the urgency of the referral, and base the consult date on that,

> and there's no changing the date to an earlier one. The only way I can

> think of to get an earlier date is to go back to Aidan's Paediatrician and

> see if he can resubmit the referral with something more urgent on it. So

> I'll be calling Aidan's doc tomorrow. I also found out that Sick Kids only

> books 1 month in advance, so I won't even hear from them until the end of

> April, at the earliest! (sigh). As for a sedated MRI, the Ortho Surgeon

> orders the scan for a certain date range eg. 1 month, 2 months, etc. so I

> suppose we'll really have to get on him about shooting the MRI and casting

> asap after the initial consult. Finding all this out has me and my wife

> leaning to the SHC system even more now....

> So I've contacted our local Shriner's Temple in Toronto, and submitted the

> SHC online application to them as well. They're going to arrange to have 2

> Shriner's meet with us to discuss and finalize the SHC application so they

> can forward it to Erie, PA. That was just last Friday, so I'll let you

> know how things go...

> Wishing everyone all the best with their treatment situation,

> Curtis Okazaki

>

>

>> > >>

>> > >> Hello to all the CAST members.

>> > >> My name is Curtis Okazaki, and my 20 month old son, Aidan, has IS.

>> I

>> > >> have been reading posts in this Forum for about one week now, and I

>> > >> would like to thank all of the parents in this group who have

>> posted and

>> > >> shared their experiences. Your comments and tips have been very

>> > >> helpful for my wife, , and myself in understanding IS and its

>> > >> treatment. I have had the pleasure of emailing, and talking with

>> Mr.

>> > >> Graham Hill, who has provided me with a wealth of information for

>> > >> treatment options, including his experience with Shriners Hospital

>> in

>> > >> Erie, PA. Mr. Hill is a pillar of support, and I'd like to publicly

>> > >> thank him for his assistance with our situation.

>> > >> We live just outside of Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Pickering), and

>> we are

>> > >> in the early diagnostic stage of treatment, with X-rays and

>> Pediatrician

>> > >> appointments. As our Canadian medical system differs somewhat from

>> the

>> > >> American version, I would appreciate any helpful tips from those of

>> you

>> > >> who have had experiences with IS treatment in Toronto or in the

>> > >> Shriner's Hospital in Erie, PA.

>> > >> Again, thank you to all of you for allowing my family to learn from

>> > >> yours, and we wish all of you continued success in your IS

>> treatment.

>> > >> Best Regards

>> > >> Curtis Okazaki

>> > >> (Aidan, 20 months, still diagnostic)

>> > >>

>> > >

>> > >

>> > >

>> >

>>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Update...March 17,2012.

Looking for others who have casted @ Erie SHC because we're getting casting

there in April...YAY!!

While we were sitting on our butts waiting for the Canadian health care system

to see Aidan in late May or early June (that's 4 months of waiting...), we

decided to apply to the Erie Shriner's Hospital and see if they could see Aidan

sooner. I contacted our local Shriner's temple on March 9 and set-up a meeting

for March 15th. In the meantime, I started to fill-out the online SHC

application to have it ready for the meeting. I wasn't sure if the hospital

wanted Aidan's xrays on the cd or they wanted printed copies, so on March 14 I

called the Erie SHC and asked them what they wanted with the application. A very

nice lady named Bridget answered and said " let's get the ball rolling an

fill-out an application over the phone " ! She took our contact information, then

transferred me to another lady named Gail, who took Aidan's medical information.

Now here's the kicker...Then Gail offered to see Aidan on April 16, with casting

the next day on the 17th! We were in a state of happy disbelief, and we gladly

accepted the offer!

So I'm asking if other parents who have casted at Erie SHC would contact me and

let me know what their experience was like, what was involved, how long it took,

what went well, what didn't go well, things they wish they would have done, and

how their child was after they left the hospital...I'm finding that the closer

we get to casting, the more questions arise.

Thanx to all you parents who make this such a great forum to be a part of.

Best regards

Curtis Okazaki

(Aidan, 21 months 33COBB to be casted at Erie SHC!!!)

> >> >>

> >> >> Hello to all the CAST members.

> >> >> My name is Curtis Okazaki, and my 20 month old son, Aidan, has IS. I

> >> >> have been reading posts in this Forum for about one week now, and I

> >> >> would like to thank all of the parents in this group who have posted

> >> and

> >> >> shared their experiences. Your comments and tips have been very

> >> >> helpful for my wife, , and myself in understanding IS and its

> >> >> treatment. I have had the pleasure of emailing, and talking with Mr.

> >> >> Graham Hill, who has provided me with a wealth of information for

> >> >> treatment options, including his experience with Shriners Hospital in

> >> >> Erie, PA. Mr. Hill is a pillar of support, and I'd like to publicly

> >> >> thank him for his assistance with our situation.

> >> >> We live just outside of Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Pickering), and we

> >> are

> >> >> in the early diagnostic stage of treatment, with X-rays and

> >> Pediatrician

> >> >> appointments. As our Canadian medical system differs somewhat from

> >> the

> >> >> American version, I would appreciate any helpful tips from those of

> >> you

> >> >> who have had experiences with IS treatment in Toronto or in the

> >> >> Shriner's Hospital in Erie, PA.

> >> >> Again, thank you to all of you for allowing my family to learn from

> >> >> yours, and we wish all of you continued success in your IS treatment.

> >> >> Best Regards

> >> >> Curtis Okazaki

> >> >> (Aidan, 20 months, still diagnostic)

> >> >>

> >> >

> >> >

> >> >

> >>

> >

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Yay! Way to advocate for Aiden! You will love it there Curtis. No worries. Amazing staff!HRH From: infantile scoliosis treatment [mailto:infantile scoliosis treatment ] On Behalf Of ohyearightsorrySent: Saturday, March 17, 2012 12:28 PMinfantile scoliosis treatment Subject: Re: New...welcoming input especially from Toronto, Ontario, & Canada Update...March 17,2012.Looking for others who have casted @ Erie SHC because we're getting casting there in April...YAY!!While we were sitting on our butts waiting for the Canadian health care system to see Aidan in late May or early June (that's 4 months of waiting...), we decided to apply to the Erie Shriner's Hospital and see if they could see Aidan sooner. I contacted our local Shriner's temple on March 9 and set-up a meeting for March 15th. In the meantime, I started to fill-out the online SHC application to have it ready for the meeting. I wasn't sure if the hospital wanted Aidan's xrays on the cd or they wanted printed copies, so on March 14 I called the Erie SHC and asked them what they wanted with the application. A very nice lady named Bridget answered and said " let's get the ball rolling an fill-out an application over the phone " ! She took our contact information, then transferred me to another lady named Gail, who took Aidan's medical information.Now here's the kicker...Then Gail offered to see Aidan on April 16, with casting the next day on the 17th! We were in a state of happy disbelief, and we gladly accepted the offer!So I'm asking if other parents who have casted at Erie SHC would contact me and let me know what their experience was like, what was involved, how long it took, what went well, what didn't go well, things they wish they would have done, and how their child was after they left the hospital...I'm finding that the closer we get to casting, the more questions arise.Thanx to all you parents who make this such a great forum to be a part of.Best regardsCurtis Okazaki(Aidan, 21 months 33COBB to be casted at Erie SHC!!!)> >> >>> >> >> Hello to all the CAST members.> >> >> My name is Curtis Okazaki, and my 20 month old son, Aidan, has IS. I> >> >> have been reading posts in this Forum for about one week now, and I> >> >> would like to thank all of the parents in this group who have posted> >> and> >> >> shared their experiences. Your comments and tips have been very> >> >> helpful for my wife, , and myself in understanding IS and its> >> >> treatment. I have had the pleasure of emailing, and talking with Mr.> >> >> Graham Hill, who has provided me with a wealth of information for> >> >> treatment options, including his experience with Shriners Hospital in> >> >> Erie, PA. Mr. Hill is a pillar of support, and I'd like to publicly> >> >> thank him for his assistance with our situation.> >> >> We live just outside of Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Pickering), and we> >> are> >> >> in the early diagnostic stage of treatment, with X-rays and> >> Pediatrician> >> >> appointments. As our Canadian medical system differs somewhat from> >> the> >> >> American version, I would appreciate any helpful tips from those of> >> you> >> >> who have had experiences with IS treatment in Toronto or in the> >> >> Shriner's Hospital in Erie, PA.> >> >> Again, thank you to all of you for allowing my family to learn from> >> >> yours, and we wish all of you continued success in your IS treatment.> >> >> Best Regards> >> >> Curtis Okazaki> >> >> (Aidan, 20 months, still diagnostic)> >> >>> >> >> >> >> >> >> >>> >> >> >>

[Guest guest]

Update...April 14, 2012

Anyone else casting @ Erie Shriners on Tuesday April 17th?

I have a fair amount of trepidation as Aidan's first casting day draws closer.

My mind is filled with lists and double-checking this and that. I realize that,

in the long run, we'll be okay, and I have many of the parents in this forum to

thank. Directly, and indirectly, you have all contributed to my understanding of

I.S. and its treatment...But it's still the fear of the unknown...the " what

ifs " , that creep into the back of my mind and keep me awake on a Saturday

night...

> > >> >>

> > >> >> Hello to all the CAST members.

> > >> >> My name is Curtis Okazaki, and my 20 month old son, Aidan, has IS. I

> > >> >> have been reading posts in this Forum for about one week now, and I

> > >> >> would like to thank all of the parents in this group who have posted

> > >> and

> > >> >> shared their experiences. Your comments and tips have been very

> > >> >> helpful for my wife, , and myself in understanding IS and its

> > >> >> treatment. I have had the pleasure of emailing, and talking with Mr.

> > >> >> Graham Hill, who has provided me with a wealth of information for

> > >> >> treatment options, including his experience with Shriners Hospital in

> > >> >> Erie, PA. Mr. Hill is a pillar of support, and I'd like to publicly

> > >> >> thank him for his assistance with our situation.

> > >> >> We live just outside of Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Pickering), and we

> > >> are

> > >> >> in the early diagnostic stage of treatment, with X-rays and

> > >> Pediatrician

> > >> >> appointments. As our Canadian medical system differs somewhat from

> > >> the

> > >> >> American version, I would appreciate any helpful tips from those of

> > >> you

> > >> >> who have had experiences with IS treatment in Toronto or in the

> > >> >> Shriner's Hospital in Erie, PA.

> > >> >> Again, thank you to all of you for allowing my family to learn from

> > >> >> yours, and we wish all of you continued success in your IS treatment.

> > >> >> Best Regards

> > >> >> Curtis Okazaki

> > >> >> (Aidan, 20 months, still diagnostic)

> > >> >>

> > >> >

> > >> >

> > >> >

> > >>

> > >

> > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Curtis,I am not going to Erie Shriners but will be at Riley in downtown Indianapolis Monday morning at 7:30 for Olivia's first cast and am a mess. It is five AM now and I have not slept either, wish I had known you were up!! I understand what you are feeling, the unknown, it keeps racing through your mind- the different scenarios. There is so much riding on this for my daughter. We really need this to work to buy us time (3 years). I also believe that everyone that shares on this site remembers the same feelings and thoughts we are going through now. It happened fast for us as well. We went in on March 29th and heard about casting for the first time. It is a lot to digest. Good luck to Aiden. I'm sending you good

thoughts. MeredithFrom: ohyearightsorry <to_fire@...>Subject: Re: New...welcoming input especially from Toronto, Ontario, & Canadainfantile scoliosis treatment Date: Saturday, April 14, 2012, 10:49 PM

Update...April 14, 2012

Anyone else casting @ Erie Shriners on Tuesday April 17th?

I have a fair amount of trepidation as Aidan's first casting day draws closer. My mind is filled with lists and double-checking this and that. I realize that, in the long run, we'll be okay, and I have many of the parents in this forum to thank. Directly, and indirectly, you have all contributed to my understanding of I.S. and its treatment...But it's still the fear of the unknown...the "what ifs", that creep into the back of my mind and keep me awake on a Saturday night...

> > >> >>

> > >> >> Hello to all the CAST members.

> > >> >> My name is Curtis Okazaki, and my 20 month old son, Aidan, has IS. I

> > >> >> have been reading posts in this Forum for about one week now, and I

> > >> >> would like to thank all of the parents in this group who have posted

> > >> and

> > >> >> shared their experiences. Your comments and tips have been very

> > >> >> helpful for my wife, , and myself in understanding IS and its

> > >> >> treatment. I have had the pleasure of emailing, and talking with Mr.

> > >> >> Graham Hill, who has provided me with a wealth of information for

> > >> >> treatment options, including his experience with Shriners Hospital in

> > >> >> Erie, PA. Mr. Hill is a pillar of support, and I'd like to publicly

> > >> >> thank him for his assistance with our situation.

> > >> >> We live just outside of Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Pickering), and we

> > >> are

> > >> >> in the early diagnostic stage of treatment, with X-rays and

> > >> Pediatrician

> > >> >> appointments. As our Canadian medical system differs somewhat from

> > >> the

> > >> >> American version, I would appreciate any helpful tips from those of

> > >> you

> > >> >> who have had experiences with IS treatment in Toronto or in the

> > >> >> Shriner's Hospital in Erie, PA.

> > >> >> Again, thank you to all of you for allowing my family to learn from

> > >> >> yours, and we wish all of you continued success in your IS treatment.

> > >> >> Best Regards

> > >> >> Curtis Okazaki

> > >> >> (Aidan, 20 months, still diagnostic)

> > >> >>

> > >> >

> > >> >

> > >> >

> > >>

> > >

> > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Update...April 18th, 201

On Monday, April 16th, we drove Aidan to Erie Shriners Hospital. Two countries,

1 border crossing, 3 toll plazas, and 5 hours later, we made it! Erie Shriners

is a wonderful hospital. Smaller in size than some of its cousins, and primarily

an outpatient treatment facility, it feels more like a country club than a

children's hospital. Inside, it has an aquatic theme, with fish in the floor

tiles, sea life on the walls, and even up on the ceiling! There's a volunteer

demonstrating crafts to kids in the waiting room, and there's even a

Train table for kids to play with. The staff are so caring and friendly, and go

out of their way to ensure that children feel welcome and secure. We met with

Dr. C. for about 45 minutes. He's one of those docs where we listened to him and

he listened to us...you know what I mean? He rolled out all the scenarios from

good to bad, and when he suggested Mehta casting, we were all smiles.

So casting was the next morning, on the 17th. We were admitted at 8am to pre-op,

but due to an unforseen delay from a surgery before Aidan, we didn't get our

little guy into the laughing gas until 10:45. But the staff were great at

keeping Aidan occupied with toys and dvds, so much so that he never complained

about his empty stomach! The pre-op area even has a separate room where kids

waiting for surgery can go in and pick out a new toy, to keep, absolutely free!

And parents are given a $15.00 food voucher for the cafeteria as well. We met

and talked with the anesthesiologist and the casting team and were informed

about a lot of background knowledge for the procedure. This was supposed to be a

busy treatment day at the hospital, but there couldn't have been more than a

dozen families in the waiting room, and the cafeteria and parking lot were

virtally empty. And it's quiet...everywhere. There's no hustle and bustle that

you normally see in other hospitals.

Aidan came out of surgery and went into post-op at about 11:30, and we got to

see him, and hold him as soon as he started waking up. He cried and cried. He

didn't stop crying. From post-op right through to cast trimming and then to

x-ray, he cried until about 1:30, but as soon as we told him he was finished, he

wanted to hi-5 all the nursing staff! lol

Aidan didn't sleep well that night, and he woke up at about 2am. But we were

expecting that. The good thing is that he slept all the way home! He's finally

asleep now, and I think it's time for me to wrap-up a whirlwind 3 day trip! I'm

tired, but I'm really glad that we travelled to Erie Shriners Hospital. It was

worth it for the 10 degree correction!

A note of thanx to Dr. C, the casting team, all the great staff at Erie

Shriners, and all the parents on this forum who have helped us to prepare for

this journey.

And so we move to another chapter in our lives...

> > > >> >>

> > > >> >> Hello to all the CAST members.

> > > >> >> My name is Curtis Okazaki, and my 20 month old son, Aidan, has IS. I

> > > >> >> have been reading posts in this Forum for about one week now, and I

> > > >> >> would like to thank all of the parents in this group who have posted

> > > >> and

> > > >> >> shared their experiences. Your comments and tips have been very

> > > >> >> helpful for my wife, , and myself in understanding IS and its

> > > >> >> treatment. I have had the pleasure of emailing, and talking with Mr.

> > > >> >> Graham Hill, who has provided me with a wealth of information for

> > > >> >> treatment options, including his experience with Shriners Hospital

in

> > > >> >> Erie, PA. Mr. Hill is a pillar of support, and I'd like to publicly

> > > >> >> thank him for his assistance with our situation.

> > > >> >> We live just outside of Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Pickering), and we

> > > >> are

> > > >> >> in the early diagnostic stage of treatment, with X-rays and

> > > >> Pediatrician

> > > >> >> appointments. As our Canadian medical system differs somewhat from

> > > >> the

> > > >> >> American version, I would appreciate any helpful tips from those of

> > > >> you

> > > >> >> who have had experiences with IS treatment in Toronto or in the

> > > >> >> Shriner's Hospital in Erie, PA.

> > > >> >> Again, thank you to all of you for allowing my family to learn from

> > > >> >> yours, and we wish all of you continued success in your IS

treatment.

> > > >> >> Best Regards

> > > >> >> Curtis Okazaki

> > > >> >> (Aidan, 20 months, still diagnostic)

> > > >> >>

> > > >> >

> > > >> >

> > > >> >

> > > >>

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

That is fabulous that you had such a positive experience!ErynMother to Brayden (2nd cast, 21* out of cast, 0* in cast) From: ohyearightsorry <to_fire@...> infantile scoliosis treatment Sent: Thursday, April 19, 2012 12:10 AM Subject: Re: New...welcoming input

especially from Toronto, Ontario, & Canada

Update...April 18th, 201

On Monday, April 16th, we drove Aidan to Erie Shriners Hospital. Two countries, 1 border crossing, 3 toll plazas, and 5 hours later, we made it! Erie Shriners is a wonderful hospital. Smaller in size than some of its cousins, and primarily an outpatient treatment facility, it feels more like a country club than a children's hospital. Inside, it has an aquatic theme, with fish in the floor tiles, sea life on the walls, and even up on the ceiling! There's a volunteer demonstrating crafts to kids in the waiting room, and there's even a Train table for kids to play with. The staff are so caring and friendly, and go out of their way to ensure that children feel welcome and secure. We met with Dr. C. for about 45 minutes. He's one of those docs where we listened to him and he listened to us...you know what I mean? He rolled out all the scenarios from good to bad, and when he suggested Mehta casting, we were all smiles.

So casting was the next morning, on the 17th. We were admitted at 8am to pre-op, but due to an unforseen delay from a surgery before Aidan, we didn't get our little guy into the laughing gas until 10:45. But the staff were great at keeping Aidan occupied with toys and dvds, so much so that he never complained about his empty stomach! The pre-op area even has a separate room where kids waiting for surgery can go in and pick out a new toy, to keep, absolutely free! And parents are given a $15.00 food voucher for the cafeteria as well. We met and talked with the anesthesiologist and the casting team and were informed about a lot of background knowledge for the procedure. This was supposed to be a busy treatment day at the hospital, but there couldn't have been more than a dozen families in the waiting room, and the cafeteria and parking lot were virtally empty. And it's quiet...everywhere. There's no hustle and bustle that you normally see in other

hospitals.

Aidan came out of surgery and went into post-op at about 11:30, and we got to see him, and hold him as soon as he started waking up. He cried and cried. He didn't stop crying. From post-op right through to cast trimming and then to x-ray, he cried until about 1:30, but as soon as we told him he was finished, he wanted to hi-5 all the nursing staff! lol

Aidan didn't sleep well that night, and he woke up at about 2am. But we were expecting that. The good thing is that he slept all the way home! He's finally asleep now, and I think it's time for me to wrap-up a whirlwind 3 day trip! I'm tired, but I'm really glad that we travelled to Erie Shriners Hospital. It was worth it for the 10 degree correction!

A note of thanx to Dr. C, the casting team, all the great staff at Erie Shriners, and all the parents on this forum who have helped us to prepare for this journey.

And so we move to another chapter in our lives...

> > > >> >>

> > > >> >> Hello to all the CAST members.

> > > >> >> My name is Curtis Okazaki, and my 20 month old son, Aidan, has IS. I

> > > >> >> have been reading posts in this Forum for about one week now, and I

> > > >> >> would like to thank all of the parents in this group who have posted

> > > >> and

> > > >> >> shared their experiences. Your comments and tips have been very

> > > >> >> helpful for my wife, , and myself in understanding IS and its

> > > >> >> treatment. I have had the pleasure of emailing, and talking with Mr.

> > > >> >> Graham Hill, who has provided me with a wealth of information for

> > > >> >> treatment options, including his experience with Shriners Hospital in

> > > >> >> Erie, PA. Mr. Hill is a pillar of support, and I'd like to publicly

> > > >> >> thank him for his assistance with our situation.

> > > >> >> We live just outside of Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Pickering), and we

> > > >> are

> > > >> >> in the early diagnostic stage of treatment, with X-rays and

> > > >> Pediatrician

> > > >> >> appointments. As our Canadian medical system differs somewhat from

> > > >> the

> > > >> >> American version, I would appreciate any helpful tips from those of

> > > >> you

> > > >> >> who have had experiences with IS treatment in Toronto or in the

> > > >> >> Shriner's Hospital in Erie, PA.

> > > >> >> Again, thank you to all of you for allowing my family to learn from

> > > >> >> yours, and we wish all of you continued success in your IS treatment.

> > > >> >> Best Regards

> > > >> >> Curtis Okazaki

> > > >> >> (Aidan, 20 months, still diagnostic)

> > > >> >>

> > > >> >

> > > >> >

> > > >> >

> > > >>

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Curtis – This is great to hear,

especially the 10 degree correction. I’m glad it went well!

We see the same Dr. C, but in Philly, and have the same good feeling about

him. LOL but we don’t get $15 food coupon vouchers. And after

8 or 9 casts, you’ll start thinking you really don’t need anymore gifts

of pillow cases, blankets, stuffed animals, etc! But no one listens to

the momma!

Sherry

Re:

New...welcoming input especially from Toronto, Ontario, & Canada

Update...April 18th, 201

On Monday, April 16th, we drove Aidan to Erie Shriners Hospital. Two countries,

1 border crossing, 3 toll plazas, and 5 hours later, we made it! Erie Shriners

is a wonderful hospital. Smaller in size than some of its cousins, and

primarily an outpatient treatment facility, it feels more like a country club

than a children's hospital. Inside, it has an aquatic theme, with fish in the

floor tiles, sea life on the walls, and even up on the ceiling! There's a

volunteer demonstrating crafts to kids in the waiting room, and there's even a

Train table for kids to play with. The staff are so caring and friendly,

and go out of their way to ensure that children feel welcome and secure. We met

with Dr. C. for about 45 minutes. He's one of those docs where we listened to

him and he listened to us...you know what I mean? He rolled out all the

scenarios from good to bad, and when he suggested Mehta casting, we were all

smiles.

So casting was the next morning, on the 17th. We were admitted at 8am to

pre-op, but due to an unforseen delay from a surgery before Aidan, we didn't

get our little guy into the laughing gas until 10:45. But the staff were great

at keeping Aidan occupied with toys and dvds, so much so that he never

complained about his empty stomach! The pre-op area even has a separate room

where kids waiting for surgery can go in and pick out a new toy, to keep,

absolutely free! And parents are given a $15.00 food voucher for the cafeteria

as well. We met and talked with the anesthesiologist and the casting team and

were informed about a lot of background knowledge for the procedure. This was

supposed to be a busy treatment day at the hospital, but there couldn't have

been more than a dozen families in the waiting room, and the cafeteria and

parking lot were virtally empty. And it's quiet...everywhere. There's no hustle

and bustle that you normally see in other hospitals.

Aidan came out of surgery and went into post-op at about 11:30, and we got to

see him, and hold him as soon as he started waking up. He cried and cried. He

didn't stop crying. From post-op right through to cast trimming and then to

x-ray, he cried until about 1:30, but as soon as we told him he was finished,

he wanted to hi-5 all the nursing staff! lol

Aidan didn't sleep well that night, and he woke up at about 2am. But we were

expecting that. The good thing is that he slept all the way home! He's finally

asleep now, and I think it's time for me to wrap-up a whirlwind 3 day trip! I'm

tired, but I'm really glad that we travelled to Erie Shriners Hospital. It was

worth it for the 10 degree correction!

A note of thanx to Dr. C, the casting team, all the great staff at Erie

Shriners, and all the parents on this forum who have helped us to prepare for

this journey.

And so we move to another chapter in our lives...

> > > >> >>

> > > >> >> Hello to all the CAST members.

> > > >> >> My name is Curtis Okazaki, and my 20 month old

son, Aidan, has IS. I

> > > >> >> have been reading posts in this Forum for

about one week now, and I

> > > >> >> would like to thank all of the parents in this

group who have posted

> > > >> and

> > > >> >> shared their experiences. Your comments and

tips have been very

> > > >> >> helpful for my wife, , and myself in

understanding IS and its

> > > >> >> treatment. I have had the pleasure of

emailing, and talking with Mr.

> > > >> >> Graham Hill, who has provided me with a wealth

of information for

> > > >> >> treatment options, including his experience

with Shriners Hospital in

> > > >> >> Erie, PA. Mr. Hill is a pillar of support, and

I'd like to publicly

> > > >> >> thank him for his assistance with our

situation.

> > > >> >> We live just outside of Toronto, Ontario,

Canada (Pickering), and we

> > > >> are

> > > >> >> in the early diagnostic stage of treatment,

with X-rays and

> > > >> Pediatrician

> > > >> >> appointments. As our Canadian medical system

differs somewhat from

> > > >> the

> > > >> >> American version, I would appreciate any

helpful tips from those of

> > > >> you

> > > >> >> who have had experiences with IS treatment in

Toronto or in the

> > > >> >> Shriner's Hospital in Erie, PA.

> > > >> >> Again, thank you to all of you for allowing my

family to learn from

> > > >> >> yours, and we wish all of you continued

success in your IS treatment.

> > > >> >> Best Regards

> > > >> >> Curtis Okazaki

> > > >> >> (Aidan, 20 months, still diagnostic)

> > > >> >>

> > > >> >

> > > >> >

> > > >> >

> > > >>

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Fabulous update! Thank you and congrats!

HRH

> Update...April 18th, 201

> On Monday, April 16th, we drove Aidan to Erie Shriners Hospital. Two

> countries, 1 border crossing, 3 toll plazas, and 5 hours later, we made

> it! Erie Shriners is a wonderful hospital. Smaller in size than some of

> its cousins, and primarily an outpatient treatment facility, it feels more

> like a country club than a children's hospital. Inside, it has an aquatic

> theme, with fish in the floor tiles, sea life on the walls, and even up on

> the ceiling! There's a volunteer demonstrating crafts to kids in the

> waiting room, and there's even a Train table for kids to play with.

> The staff are so caring and friendly, and go out of their way to ensure

> that children feel welcome and secure. We met with Dr. C. for about 45

> minutes. He's one of those docs where we listened to him and he listened

> to us...you know what I mean? He rolled out all the scenarios from good to

> bad, and when he suggested Mehta casting, we were all smiles.

> So casting was the next morning, on the 17th. We were admitted at 8am to

> pre-op, but due to an unforseen delay from a surgery before Aidan, we

> didn't get our little guy into the laughing gas until 10:45. But the staff

> were great at keeping Aidan occupied with toys and dvds, so much so that

> he never complained about his empty stomach! The pre-op area even has a

> separate room where kids waiting for surgery can go in and pick out a new

> toy, to keep, absolutely free! And parents are given a $15.00 food voucher

> for the cafeteria as well. We met and talked with the anesthesiologist and

> the casting team and were informed about a lot of background knowledge for

> the procedure. This was supposed to be a busy treatment day at the

> hospital, but there couldn't have been more than a dozen families in the

> waiting room, and the cafeteria and parking lot were virtally empty. And

> it's quiet...everywhere. There's no hustle and bustle that you normally

> see in other hospitals.

> Aidan came out of surgery and went into post-op at about 11:30, and we got

> to see him, and hold him as soon as he started waking up. He cried and

> cried. He didn't stop crying. From post-op right through to cast trimming

> and then to x-ray, he cried until about 1:30, but as soon as we told him

> he was finished, he wanted to hi-5 all the nursing staff! lol

> Aidan didn't sleep well that night, and he woke up at about 2am. But we

> were expecting that. The good thing is that he slept all the way home!

> He's finally asleep now, and I think it's time for me to wrap-up a

> whirlwind 3 day trip! I'm tired, but I'm really glad that we travelled to

> Erie Shriners Hospital. It was worth it for the 10 degree correction!

> A note of thanx to Dr. C, the casting team, all the great staff at Erie

> Shriners, and all the parents on this forum who have helped us to prepare

> for this journey.

> And so we move to another chapter in our lives...

>

>

>> > > >> >>

>> > > >> >> Hello to all the CAST members.

>> > > >> >> My name is Curtis Okazaki, and my 20 month old son, Aidan, has

>> IS. I

>> > > >> >> have been reading posts in this Forum for about one week now,

>> and I

>> > > >> >> would like to thank all of the parents in this group who have

>> posted

>> > > >> and

>> > > >> >> shared their experiences. Your comments and tips have been

>> very

>> > > >> >> helpful for my wife, , and myself in understanding IS and

>> its

>> > > >> >> treatment. I have had the pleasure of emailing, and talking

>> with Mr.

>> > > >> >> Graham Hill, who has provided me with a wealth of information

>> for

>> > > >> >> treatment options, including his experience with Shriners

>> Hospital in

>> > > >> >> Erie, PA. Mr. Hill is a pillar of support, and I'd like to

>> publicly

>> > > >> >> thank him for his assistance with our situation.

>> > > >> >> We live just outside of Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Pickering),

>> and we

>> > > >> are

>> > > >> >> in the early diagnostic stage of treatment, with X-rays and

>> > > >> Pediatrician

>> > > >> >> appointments. As our Canadian medical system differs somewhat

>> from

>> > > >> the

>> > > >> >> American version, I would appreciate any helpful tips from

>> those of

>> > > >> you

>> > > >> >> who have had experiences with IS treatment in Toronto or in

>> the

>> > > >> >> Shriner's Hospital in Erie, PA.

>> > > >> >> Again, thank you to all of you for allowing my family to learn

>> from

>> > > >> >> yours, and we wish all of you continued success in your IS

>> treatment.

>> > > >> >> Best Regards

>> > > >> >> Curtis Okazaki

>> > > >> >> (Aidan, 20 months, still diagnostic)

>> > > >> >>

>> > > >> >

>> > > >> >

>> > > >> >

>> > > >>

>> > > >

>> > > >

>> > > >

>> > >

>> >

>>

>

>

>