carring for a 5 year old that was cast for the first time

[Guest guest]

Our son Jaylin is almost 5 years old and was diagnosed with progressive

infantile scoliosis in August 2011. He was placed in an EDF (Mehta) type cast

for the first time on December 23, 2011 at Riley Hospital for Children in

Indianapolis, IN. We were not given any specific information about caring for

him after the cast, other than it would have no affect on his quality of life

other than he would not be allowed to go swimming. Now Jaylin is experiencing

very bad itching under the cast, which we are trying to control with Benadryl.

He also cannot reach his private areas to be able to use the bathroom by

himself. When the orthopedic resident on duty was contacted, he suggested

putting him in a diaper. Is this typical? Surely this is not what they meant

when they said it would not affect his quality of life? If anyone has advice,

please respond. Should the cast be that far under his arm pits so that he

cannot care for himself using the bathroom? It also appears to go up so far

under his chin that he cannot look down at his feet. Also, how do we keep his

pants from falling down constantly? His original curve was 33 degrees; in the

cast he is 13 degrees.