Re: Back from Chicago post-casting with questions

[Guest guest]

Hi Sandi,

My daughter Sophia was cast Thursday morning in Chicago. She too has had a lot

of gas, but they said it was normal. She was last time too, but not this much.

Her cast is also very high over the shoulders. I insisted that they trim it a

great deal- it was almost cutting into her neck on all four sides, the armholes

were so tight her arms were turning purple, and the front went down too low (she

could not sit up!). Dr./Ms. Mehta came over between the other castings (Sophia

was the first of four they did Thursday) and oversaw most of these trims. The

Chicago folks were trying to put the moleskin on it like it was all done before

I pitched a fit (they all said they had never seen a cast like this, so they

didn't know). Dr./Ms. Mehta said, " Oh no, it isn't done. It needs trimmed

still. " She marked with a sharpie all the areas that I had noticed and a few

others, then supervised someone else who used the cast saw. She kept telling

them to smooth the edges better with the scissors/knife before putting the mole

skin and tape on, but they kind of ignored her instructions on that part. Also,

I had them find the orange waterproof tape that they used in Erie. They didn't

want to use it, but I took it home and placed it over the edges of the moleskin

to keep them from peeling off. Not sure if duct tape would serve the same

purpose. I would suggest you have them trim down the area so that he can turn

his head normal. Dr./Ms. Mehta told me that they should have " normal range of

motion in the jacket " . I was asking specifically about the arms and head. Also,

test drive the cast in his car seat before leaving, as we found additional areas

that needed trimmed (they were digging into her hip or rubbing) with her first

cast. Good luck and please let me know how he does!

Tina and Sophia

Back from Chicago post-casting with questions

was casted this morning in Chicago and I have a few questions.

First, he's very congested in his chest now - I assume this is from

the breathing tube? Is there anything I need to do for that? Will it

just take time for that to clear up?

The shoulders on the cast are super high and he can't turn his face

from side to side - will he adjust or will that eventually change or

something?

Is the cast breathable? The casting person at Shriner's who helped us

recommended duct tape over the outside (it is now covered in satin

tape and the shirt underneath has been modified to cushion the edges).

However, before I do that I'm wondering if the duct tape would allow

less air to circulate and if we should make just try to make do with

what is on there already.

Is it normal for him to be gassy/burpy after general? He seems to be

very gurgly. Again, anything I can/should do for him or will this

subside?

Lastly, he is just miserable - he has been so grumpy and crying or

sleeping most of the day. This is not at all how he reacted to the

general for his MRI, so I'm just wondering if any of you have had

similar experiences.

Thanks,

Sandi

[Guest guest]

Hi Sandi,

My daughter Sophia was cast Thursday morning in Chicago. She too has had a lot

of gas, but they said it was normal. She was last time too, but not this much.

Her cast is also very high over the shoulders. I insisted that they trim it a

great deal- it was almost cutting into her neck on all four sides, the armholes

were so tight her arms were turning purple, and the front went down too low (she

could not sit up!). Dr./Ms. Mehta came over between the other castings (Sophia

was the first of four they did Thursday) and oversaw most of these trims. The

Chicago folks were trying to put the moleskin on it like it was all done before

I pitched a fit (they all said they had never seen a cast like this, so they

didn't know). Dr./Ms. Mehta said, " Oh no, it isn't done. It needs trimmed

still. " She marked with a sharpie all the areas that I had noticed and a few

others, then supervised someone else who used the cast saw. She kept telling

them to smooth the edges better with the scissors/knife before putting the mole

skin and tape on, but they kind of ignored her instructions on that part. Also,

I had them find the orange waterproof tape that they used in Erie. They didn't

want to use it, but I took it home and placed it over the edges of the moleskin

to keep them from peeling off. Not sure if duct tape would serve the same

purpose. I would suggest you have them trim down the area so that he can turn

his head normal. Dr./Ms. Mehta told me that they should have " normal range of

motion in the jacket " . I was asking specifically about the arms and head. Also,

test drive the cast in his car seat before leaving, as we found additional areas

that needed trimmed (they were digging into her hip or rubbing) with her first

cast. Good luck and please let me know how he does!

Tina and Sophia

Back from Chicago post-casting with questions

was casted this morning in Chicago and I have a few questions.

First, he's very congested in his chest now - I assume this is from

the breathing tube? Is there anything I need to do for that? Will it

just take time for that to clear up?

The shoulders on the cast are super high and he can't turn his face

from side to side - will he adjust or will that eventually change or

something?

Is the cast breathable? The casting person at Shriner's who helped us

recommended duct tape over the outside (it is now covered in satin

tape and the shirt underneath has been modified to cushion the edges).

However, before I do that I'm wondering if the duct tape would allow

less air to circulate and if we should make just try to make do with

what is on there already.

Is it normal for him to be gassy/burpy after general? He seems to be

very gurgly. Again, anything I can/should do for him or will this

subside?

Lastly, he is just miserable - he has been so grumpy and crying or

sleeping most of the day. This is not at all how he reacted to the

general for his MRI, so I'm just wondering if any of you have had

similar experiences.

Thanks,

Sandi

[Guest guest]

Sandi this all sounds pretty normal to what we have experienced. Our

son is in his second cast and has also had brain surgery. The

wheezing will go away on its own. Our son Devyn always gets really

gassy after anesthesia. Not sure why but he does. Devyn's first cast

was very high over the shoulders as well, You can look at pictures in

the photo section labeled Devyn's 1st cast. Give him about a week, he

will adjust and pretty soon it will just be part of him. Devyn

doesn't even notice his anymore. I would not use the duct tape. You

can get mole skin at a hobby store. Get enough that you can cut long

strips to make petals. Stick the mole skin under the edge of the cast

over the t-shirt material and wrap around the rough edge to the top

part of the cast where the fiberglass is. Also get Modge podge and a

small paint brush. You can paint it on the mole skin to keep it from

rolling up when you pick him up, it also makes that part a liitle

water proof. We use it all the way around the cast especially the

strip across the chest. We usually do just a little at a time so it

can dry, sometimes hard with little ones that like to move. Hope this

helps.

Rochelle

>

> was casted this morning in Chicago and I have a few

questions.

>

> First, he's very congested in his chest now - I assume this is from

> the breathing tube? Is there anything I need to do for that? Will

it

> just take time for that to clear up?

>

> The shoulders on the cast are super high and he can't turn his face

> from side to side - will he adjust or will that eventually change or

> something?

>

> Is the cast breathable? The casting person at Shriner's who helped

us

> recommended duct tape over the outside (it is now covered in satin

> tape and the shirt underneath has been modified to cushion the

edges).

> However, before I do that I'm wondering if the duct tape would

allow

> less air to circulate and if we should make just try to make do with

> what is on there already.

>

> Is it normal for him to be gassy/burpy after general? He seems to

be

> very gurgly. Again, anything I can/should do for him or will

this

> subside?

>

> Lastly, he is just miserable - he has been so grumpy and crying or

> sleeping most of the day. This is not at all how he reacted to the

> general for his MRI, so I'm just wondering if any of you have had

> similar experiences.

>

> Thanks,

> Sandi

>

[Guest guest]

Sandi this all sounds pretty normal to what we have experienced. Our

son is in his second cast and has also had brain surgery. The

wheezing will go away on its own. Our son Devyn always gets really

gassy after anesthesia. Not sure why but he does. Devyn's first cast

was very high over the shoulders as well, You can look at pictures in

the photo section labeled Devyn's 1st cast. Give him about a week, he

will adjust and pretty soon it will just be part of him. Devyn

doesn't even notice his anymore. I would not use the duct tape. You

can get mole skin at a hobby store. Get enough that you can cut long

strips to make petals. Stick the mole skin under the edge of the cast

over the t-shirt material and wrap around the rough edge to the top

part of the cast where the fiberglass is. Also get Modge podge and a

small paint brush. You can paint it on the mole skin to keep it from

rolling up when you pick him up, it also makes that part a liitle

water proof. We use it all the way around the cast especially the

strip across the chest. We usually do just a little at a time so it

can dry, sometimes hard with little ones that like to move. Hope this

helps.

Rochelle

>

> was casted this morning in Chicago and I have a few

questions.

>

> First, he's very congested in his chest now - I assume this is from

> the breathing tube? Is there anything I need to do for that? Will

it

> just take time for that to clear up?

>

> The shoulders on the cast are super high and he can't turn his face

> from side to side - will he adjust or will that eventually change or

> something?

>

> Is the cast breathable? The casting person at Shriner's who helped

us

> recommended duct tape over the outside (it is now covered in satin

> tape and the shirt underneath has been modified to cushion the

edges).

> However, before I do that I'm wondering if the duct tape would

allow

> less air to circulate and if we should make just try to make do with

> what is on there already.

>

> Is it normal for him to be gassy/burpy after general? He seems to

be

> very gurgly. Again, anything I can/should do for him or will

this

> subside?

>

> Lastly, he is just miserable - he has been so grumpy and crying or

> sleeping most of the day. This is not at all how he reacted to the

> general for his MRI, so I'm just wondering if any of you have had

> similar experiences.

>

> Thanks,

> Sandi

>

[Guest guest]

Sandi,

It does all sound pretty normal. Matson has been congested after his

cast for the first day or two...if it lasts longer I would call dr.

Also, Matson had a hard time adjusting to his first cast, he threw up

on and off the first two weeks. We had to feed him small meals

several times a day, as he would be burpy and then vomit. So we feed

him every few hours and give him liquids on and off all day long, we

still do this now. The shoulders on Matson's cast are also high, but

they do adjust and I believe as they grow it allows for the growth.

The first cast for Matson was plain old miserable, I won't sugar coat

it, but his second cast has been a dream. He is back to his normal

happy self and doing all the things he was doing before plus

more...he even learned to walk in his cast (he wasn't walking prior

to casting).

We do use the duct tape. We put the moleskin petals all around the

edges of the cast and then we cover it in colored duct tape (got it

at Joann's Fabric). It helps make the cast more spill-proof (much

easier to clean up and not soak the cast), and it looks better. It

also has helped to prevent urine/poop from soaking into the cast, as

we still have a few times when the diaper doesn't keep everything in.

Hang in there, the first two weeks are definitely the toughest. He

will be back to himself in no time. Just remember it will all be

worth it! Keep us all posted on how he is doing...and you too!

Steph

Tyler 4

Matson 17 months

Lily 6 months

> >

> > was casted this morning in Chicago and I have a few

> questions.

> >

> > First, he's very congested in his chest now - I assume this is

from

> > the breathing tube? Is there anything I need to do for that?

Will

> it

> > just take time for that to clear up?

> >

> > The shoulders on the cast are super high and he can't turn his

face

> > from side to side - will he adjust or will that eventually change

or

> > something?

> >

> > Is the cast breathable? The casting person at Shriner's who

helped

> us

> > recommended duct tape over the outside (it is now covered in satin

> > tape and the shirt underneath has been modified to cushion the

> edges).

> > However, before I do that I'm wondering if the duct tape would

> allow

> > less air to circulate and if we should make just try to make do

with

> > what is on there already.

> >

> > Is it normal for him to be gassy/burpy after general? He seems

to

> be

> > very gurgly. Again, anything I can/should do for him or will

> this

> > subside?

> >

> > Lastly, he is just miserable - he has been so grumpy and crying or

> > sleeping most of the day. This is not at all how he reacted to

the

> > general for his MRI, so I'm just wondering if any of you have had

> > similar experiences.

> >

> > Thanks,

> > Sandi

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Sandi,

It does all sound pretty normal. Matson has been congested after his

cast for the first day or two...if it lasts longer I would call dr.

Also, Matson had a hard time adjusting to his first cast, he threw up

on and off the first two weeks. We had to feed him small meals

several times a day, as he would be burpy and then vomit. So we feed

him every few hours and give him liquids on and off all day long, we

still do this now. The shoulders on Matson's cast are also high, but

they do adjust and I believe as they grow it allows for the growth.

The first cast for Matson was plain old miserable, I won't sugar coat

it, but his second cast has been a dream. He is back to his normal

happy self and doing all the things he was doing before plus

more...he even learned to walk in his cast (he wasn't walking prior

to casting).

We do use the duct tape. We put the moleskin petals all around the

edges of the cast and then we cover it in colored duct tape (got it

at Joann's Fabric). It helps make the cast more spill-proof (much

easier to clean up and not soak the cast), and it looks better. It

also has helped to prevent urine/poop from soaking into the cast, as

we still have a few times when the diaper doesn't keep everything in.

Hang in there, the first two weeks are definitely the toughest. He

will be back to himself in no time. Just remember it will all be

worth it! Keep us all posted on how he is doing...and you too!

Steph

Tyler 4

Matson 17 months

Lily 6 months

> >

> > was casted this morning in Chicago and I have a few

> questions.

> >

> > First, he's very congested in his chest now - I assume this is

from

> > the breathing tube? Is there anything I need to do for that?

Will

> it

> > just take time for that to clear up?

> >

> > The shoulders on the cast are super high and he can't turn his

face

> > from side to side - will he adjust or will that eventually change

or

> > something?

> >

> > Is the cast breathable? The casting person at Shriner's who

helped

> us

> > recommended duct tape over the outside (it is now covered in satin

> > tape and the shirt underneath has been modified to cushion the

> edges).

> > However, before I do that I'm wondering if the duct tape would

> allow

> > less air to circulate and if we should make just try to make do

with

> > what is on there already.

> >

> > Is it normal for him to be gassy/burpy after general? He seems

to

> be

> > very gurgly. Again, anything I can/should do for him or will

> this

> > subside?

> >

> > Lastly, he is just miserable - he has been so grumpy and crying or

> > sleeping most of the day. This is not at all how he reacted to

the

> > general for his MRI, so I'm just wondering if any of you have had

> > similar experiences.

> >

> > Thanks,

> > Sandi

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Ian is always gassy from the anesthesia. He also gets diarrhea every time as

well although they say that generally does not happen with anesthesia. He gets

that congested/gurgly sound afterwards too. I do think it is from the breathing

tube.

I can't help you with the over the shoulder questions because Ian never had a

cast like that.

I would not think the taple on the outside of the cast would make any

difference. The cast really isn't breathable which is why some kiddos get some

skin breakdown (we never had that problem thankfully - just some dry skin). You

just need to make sure if the tape goes under the cast at all that it is

perfectly smooth or it can cause sores.

How much correction did you get in the cast?

Noelle (12-2-01)

Ian (8-15-04)

Back from Chicago post-casting with questions

was casted this morning in Chicago and I have a few questions.

First, he's very congested in his chest now - I assume this is from

the breathing tube? Is there anything I need to do for that? Will it

just take time for that to clear up?

The shoulders on the cast are super high and he can't turn his face

from side to side - will he adjust or will that eventually change or

something?

Is the cast breathable? The casting person at Shriner's who helped us

recommended duct tape over the outside (it is now covered in satin

tape and the shirt underneath has been modified to cushion the edges).

However, before I do that I'm wondering if the duct tape would allow

less air to circulate and if we should make just try to make do with

what is on there already.

Is it normal for him to be gassy/burpy after general? He seems to be

very gurgly. Again, anything I can/should do for him or will this

subside?

Lastly, he is just miserable - he has been so grumpy and crying or

sleeping most of the day. This is not at all how he reacted to the

general for his MRI, so I'm just wondering if any of you have had

similar experiences.

Thanks,

Sandi

[Guest guest]

Ian is always gassy from the anesthesia. He also gets diarrhea every time as

well although they say that generally does not happen with anesthesia. He gets

that congested/gurgly sound afterwards too. I do think it is from the breathing

tube.

I can't help you with the over the shoulder questions because Ian never had a

cast like that.

I would not think the taple on the outside of the cast would make any

difference. The cast really isn't breathable which is why some kiddos get some

skin breakdown (we never had that problem thankfully - just some dry skin). You

just need to make sure if the tape goes under the cast at all that it is

perfectly smooth or it can cause sores.

How much correction did you get in the cast?

Noelle (12-2-01)

Ian (8-15-04)

Back from Chicago post-casting with questions

was casted this morning in Chicago and I have a few questions.

First, he's very congested in his chest now - I assume this is from

the breathing tube? Is there anything I need to do for that? Will it

just take time for that to clear up?

The shoulders on the cast are super high and he can't turn his face

from side to side - will he adjust or will that eventually change or

something?

Is the cast breathable? The casting person at Shriner's who helped us

recommended duct tape over the outside (it is now covered in satin

tape and the shirt underneath has been modified to cushion the edges).

However, before I do that I'm wondering if the duct tape would allow

less air to circulate and if we should make just try to make do with

what is on there already.

Is it normal for him to be gassy/burpy after general? He seems to be

very gurgly. Again, anything I can/should do for him or will this

subside?

Lastly, he is just miserable - he has been so grumpy and crying or

sleeping most of the day. This is not at all how he reacted to the

general for his MRI, so I'm just wondering if any of you have had

similar experiences.

Thanks,

Sandi

[Guest guest]

Ian is always gassy from the anesthesia. He also gets diarrhea every time as

well although they say that generally does not happen with anesthesia. He gets

that congested/gurgly sound afterwards too. I do think it is from the breathing

tube.

I can't help you with the over the shoulder questions because Ian never had a

cast like that.

I would not think the taple on the outside of the cast would make any

difference. The cast really isn't breathable which is why some kiddos get some

skin breakdown (we never had that problem thankfully - just some dry skin). You

just need to make sure if the tape goes under the cast at all that it is

perfectly smooth or it can cause sores.

How much correction did you get in the cast?

Noelle (12-2-01)

Ian (8-15-04)

Back from Chicago post-casting with questions

was casted this morning in Chicago and I have a few questions.

First, he's very congested in his chest now - I assume this is from

the breathing tube? Is there anything I need to do for that? Will it

just take time for that to clear up?

The shoulders on the cast are super high and he can't turn his face

from side to side - will he adjust or will that eventually change or

something?

Is the cast breathable? The casting person at Shriner's who helped us

recommended duct tape over the outside (it is now covered in satin

tape and the shirt underneath has been modified to cushion the edges).

However, before I do that I'm wondering if the duct tape would allow

less air to circulate and if we should make just try to make do with

what is on there already.

Is it normal for him to be gassy/burpy after general? He seems to be

very gurgly. Again, anything I can/should do for him or will this

subside?

Lastly, he is just miserable - he has been so grumpy and crying or

sleeping most of the day. This is not at all how he reacted to the

general for his MRI, so I'm just wondering if any of you have had

similar experiences.

Thanks,

Sandi

[Guest guest]

Thank you all so much. Tina - it was nice meeting you and Sophia (and

Aekta, too!!!) I'm sorry you guys had to be the learning group. I

think we were lucky being the first on Friday because it seems like

they all sort of had to figure out the methods on their own after

Thursday - they did mention to me that they had " some problems in

recovery " and that Dr. Sturm was " not happy " with the way one looked

(which must have been Sophia's).

- we got down to 38* in the cast (down from 64*). YAY!!!

He's still really, really grumpy and miserable today. We got some

calendula cream to address the burns/abrasions on his neck from the

over the shoulder parts. The edges are already handled (, who is

AWESOME, in casting pulled the t-shirt out of the openings and padded

the edges with cotton before rolling the edge over and taping it all

down with silk tape. There are not only no sharp edges, but the edges

are now soft and only natural fibers are touching his skin from the

shirt). But, the silk tape does not stick very long/well - so we keep

having to put it back down. They gave me an extra roll and I think

I'll use one length and mummy-wrap it to the best of my ability so

that it doesn't keep coming up at the edges. We'll see how that

works. I've been also giving him motrin for any muscle pain he may be

having or inflammation from the aggressive repositioning on the

table/traction. His neck seems very sore and I don't know if it's

just topical from the abrasions or if it's muscular (or both). The

motrin helps, and he seems much happier since we've put the calendula

on as well.

Miss Mehta also recommended arnica, so we'll try that. (It's a

homeopathic remedy - sold at Whole Foods and similar stores - that is

very helpful in healing).

Thank you all

Sandi and a new, improved who is not feeling quite back to himself.

[Guest guest]

Thank you all so much. Tina - it was nice meeting you and Sophia (and

Aekta, too!!!) I'm sorry you guys had to be the learning group. I

think we were lucky being the first on Friday because it seems like

they all sort of had to figure out the methods on their own after

Thursday - they did mention to me that they had " some problems in

recovery " and that Dr. Sturm was " not happy " with the way one looked

(which must have been Sophia's).

- we got down to 38* in the cast (down from 64*). YAY!!!

He's still really, really grumpy and miserable today. We got some

calendula cream to address the burns/abrasions on his neck from the

over the shoulder parts. The edges are already handled (, who is

AWESOME, in casting pulled the t-shirt out of the openings and padded

the edges with cotton before rolling the edge over and taping it all

down with silk tape. There are not only no sharp edges, but the edges

are now soft and only natural fibers are touching his skin from the

shirt). But, the silk tape does not stick very long/well - so we keep

having to put it back down. They gave me an extra roll and I think

I'll use one length and mummy-wrap it to the best of my ability so

that it doesn't keep coming up at the edges. We'll see how that

works. I've been also giving him motrin for any muscle pain he may be

having or inflammation from the aggressive repositioning on the

table/traction. His neck seems very sore and I don't know if it's

just topical from the abrasions or if it's muscular (or both). The

motrin helps, and he seems much happier since we've put the calendula

on as well.

Miss Mehta also recommended arnica, so we'll try that. (It's a

homeopathic remedy - sold at Whole Foods and similar stores - that is

very helpful in healing).

Thank you all

Sandi and a new, improved who is not feeling quite back to himself.

[Guest guest]

Hello,

We are finally home from Chicago. We drove home today. Max's

recovery these past 48 hours has been miserable. I feel so bad for

him. He din't wake up too bad (actually the best ever after

anesthesia). He, too, is very gassy. He spits out the motrin I've

been trying to give him. He's cast is trimmed way above his hips

(the first time ever). He is complainig about being itchy and he

tries hard to move his back is cast. I'm not sure how they trimmed

Max's cast, if they made sure nothing went down his back. His cast

was trimmed perfectly for the first time in 7 casts (no extra

trimmings around the arms, neck, and hips). I have noticed,

however, the bottom of his cast is just below his belly button. It

looks like there is so much pressure on his stomach. They tummy

hole is small and not as large as the previous 6 casts. He is eating

and drinking well so I think the cast may be okay. His abdomen looks

a bit puffy, so I may call our pediatrician to look at it and see

what she thinks.

Max was second to be casted on thursday and he was trimmed before he

woke up.

For Sophia, that is aweful she had to be trimmed awake. Dr. Sturm is

very particular. I am very surprised he allowed the entire cast to

be trimmed this way. I'll be very surprised if he ever allows that

to happen again without a major good reason.

Sandi-If you get a chance can you post or e-mail me a picture of

Jack's cast. I am curious to see how his cast edges were padded so

nice. I wouldn't recommend duct tape. The cast needs to breathe.

Use th extra white tape they gave you. After a day or 2 the tape

should continue to stick. We've rarely had to re-tape. A trick is

to wrap the tape around his entire cast (like a mummy) rather than

in bits and pieces, it sticks better and longer. The nurses who

pedaled Max with the mole skin were very slow. It wook 2 nurses and

1 hour with Dave cutting pieces and me unpealing them and trying to

hold Max down.Dr. Sturm came in and told them they were not doing

they way you are explaining how Jack's was done. Dr. Sturm did not

look pleased. He even told the nurses not to look at him as if he

had 7 seven heads. I will be telling someone ( Cree first)

that this can't continue to happen for everyone of Max's casts

(which will be many, unfortunately). That is awesome Jack got such

great correction. Max's improved by 50%.

Our next follow-up appointment is mid-September for an x-ray and

exam.

Glad to be home!

Aekta

>

> Thank you all so much. Tina - it was nice meeting you and Sophia

(and

> Aekta, too!!!) I'm sorry you guys had to be the learning group. I

> think we were lucky being the first on Friday because it seems like

> they all sort of had to figure out the methods on their own after

> Thursday - they did mention to me that they had " some problems in

> recovery " and that Dr. Sturm was " not happy " with the way one

looked

> (which must have been Sophia's).

>

> - we got down to 38* in the cast (down from 64*).

YAY!!!

>

> He's still really, really grumpy and miserable today. We got some

> calendula cream to address the burns/abrasions on his neck from the

> over the shoulder parts. The edges are already handled (, who

is

> AWESOME, in casting pulled the t-shirt out of the openings and

padded

> the edges with cotton before rolling the edge over and taping it

all

> down with silk tape. There are not only no sharp edges, but the

edges

> are now soft and only natural fibers are touching his skin from the

> shirt). But, the silk tape does not stick very long/well - so we

keep

> having to put it back down. They gave me an extra roll and I think

> I'll use one length and mummy-wrap it to the best of my ability so

> that it doesn't keep coming up at the edges. We'll see how that

> works. I've been also giving him motrin for any muscle pain he

may be

> having or inflammation from the aggressive repositioning on the

> table/traction. His neck seems very sore and I don't know if it's

> just topical from the abrasions or if it's muscular (or both). The

> motrin helps, and he seems much happier since we've put the

calendula

> on as well.

>

> Miss Mehta also recommended arnica, so we'll try that. (It's a

> homeopathic remedy - sold at Whole Foods and similar stores - that

is

> very helpful in healing).

>

> Thank you all

> Sandi and a new, improved who is not feeling quite back to

himself.

>

[Guest guest]

Hello,

We are finally home from Chicago. We drove home today. Max's

recovery these past 48 hours has been miserable. I feel so bad for

him. He din't wake up too bad (actually the best ever after

anesthesia). He, too, is very gassy. He spits out the motrin I've

been trying to give him. He's cast is trimmed way above his hips

(the first time ever). He is complainig about being itchy and he

tries hard to move his back is cast. I'm not sure how they trimmed

Max's cast, if they made sure nothing went down his back. His cast

was trimmed perfectly for the first time in 7 casts (no extra

trimmings around the arms, neck, and hips). I have noticed,

however, the bottom of his cast is just below his belly button. It

looks like there is so much pressure on his stomach. They tummy

hole is small and not as large as the previous 6 casts. He is eating

and drinking well so I think the cast may be okay. His abdomen looks

a bit puffy, so I may call our pediatrician to look at it and see

what she thinks.

Max was second to be casted on thursday and he was trimmed before he

woke up.

For Sophia, that is aweful she had to be trimmed awake. Dr. Sturm is

very particular. I am very surprised he allowed the entire cast to

be trimmed this way. I'll be very surprised if he ever allows that

to happen again without a major good reason.

Sandi-If you get a chance can you post or e-mail me a picture of

Jack's cast. I am curious to see how his cast edges were padded so

nice. I wouldn't recommend duct tape. The cast needs to breathe.

Use th extra white tape they gave you. After a day or 2 the tape

should continue to stick. We've rarely had to re-tape. A trick is

to wrap the tape around his entire cast (like a mummy) rather than

in bits and pieces, it sticks better and longer. The nurses who

pedaled Max with the mole skin were very slow. It wook 2 nurses and

1 hour with Dave cutting pieces and me unpealing them and trying to

hold Max down.Dr. Sturm came in and told them they were not doing

they way you are explaining how Jack's was done. Dr. Sturm did not

look pleased. He even told the nurses not to look at him as if he

had 7 seven heads. I will be telling someone ( Cree first)

that this can't continue to happen for everyone of Max's casts

(which will be many, unfortunately). That is awesome Jack got such

great correction. Max's improved by 50%.

Our next follow-up appointment is mid-September for an x-ray and

exam.

Glad to be home!

Aekta

>

> Thank you all so much. Tina - it was nice meeting you and Sophia

(and

> Aekta, too!!!) I'm sorry you guys had to be the learning group. I

> think we were lucky being the first on Friday because it seems like

> they all sort of had to figure out the methods on their own after

> Thursday - they did mention to me that they had " some problems in

> recovery " and that Dr. Sturm was " not happy " with the way one

looked

> (which must have been Sophia's).

>

> - we got down to 38* in the cast (down from 64*).

YAY!!!

>

> He's still really, really grumpy and miserable today. We got some

> calendula cream to address the burns/abrasions on his neck from the

> over the shoulder parts. The edges are already handled (, who

is

> AWESOME, in casting pulled the t-shirt out of the openings and

padded

> the edges with cotton before rolling the edge over and taping it

all

> down with silk tape. There are not only no sharp edges, but the

edges

> are now soft and only natural fibers are touching his skin from the

> shirt). But, the silk tape does not stick very long/well - so we

keep

> having to put it back down. They gave me an extra roll and I think

> I'll use one length and mummy-wrap it to the best of my ability so

> that it doesn't keep coming up at the edges. We'll see how that

> works. I've been also giving him motrin for any muscle pain he

may be

> having or inflammation from the aggressive repositioning on the

> table/traction. His neck seems very sore and I don't know if it's

> just topical from the abrasions or if it's muscular (or both). The

> motrin helps, and he seems much happier since we've put the

calendula

> on as well.

>

> Miss Mehta also recommended arnica, so we'll try that. (It's a

> homeopathic remedy - sold at Whole Foods and similar stores - that

is

> very helpful in healing).

>

> Thank you all

> Sandi and a new, improved who is not feeling quite back to

himself.

>

[Guest guest]

Hello,

We are finally home from Chicago. We drove home today. Max's

recovery these past 48 hours has been miserable. I feel so bad for

him. He din't wake up too bad (actually the best ever after

anesthesia). He, too, is very gassy. He spits out the motrin I've

been trying to give him. He's cast is trimmed way above his hips

(the first time ever). He is complainig about being itchy and he

tries hard to move his back is cast. I'm not sure how they trimmed

Max's cast, if they made sure nothing went down his back. His cast

was trimmed perfectly for the first time in 7 casts (no extra

trimmings around the arms, neck, and hips). I have noticed,

however, the bottom of his cast is just below his belly button. It

looks like there is so much pressure on his stomach. They tummy

hole is small and not as large as the previous 6 casts. He is eating

and drinking well so I think the cast may be okay. His abdomen looks

a bit puffy, so I may call our pediatrician to look at it and see

what she thinks.

Max was second to be casted on thursday and he was trimmed before he

woke up.

For Sophia, that is aweful she had to be trimmed awake. Dr. Sturm is

very particular. I am very surprised he allowed the entire cast to

be trimmed this way. I'll be very surprised if he ever allows that

to happen again without a major good reason.

Sandi-If you get a chance can you post or e-mail me a picture of

Jack's cast. I am curious to see how his cast edges were padded so

nice. I wouldn't recommend duct tape. The cast needs to breathe.

Use th extra white tape they gave you. After a day or 2 the tape

should continue to stick. We've rarely had to re-tape. A trick is

to wrap the tape around his entire cast (like a mummy) rather than

in bits and pieces, it sticks better and longer. The nurses who

pedaled Max with the mole skin were very slow. It wook 2 nurses and

1 hour with Dave cutting pieces and me unpealing them and trying to

hold Max down.Dr. Sturm came in and told them they were not doing

they way you are explaining how Jack's was done. Dr. Sturm did not

look pleased. He even told the nurses not to look at him as if he

had 7 seven heads. I will be telling someone ( Cree first)

that this can't continue to happen for everyone of Max's casts

(which will be many, unfortunately). That is awesome Jack got such

great correction. Max's improved by 50%.

Our next follow-up appointment is mid-September for an x-ray and

exam.

Glad to be home!

Aekta

>

> Thank you all so much. Tina - it was nice meeting you and Sophia

(and

> Aekta, too!!!) I'm sorry you guys had to be the learning group. I

> think we were lucky being the first on Friday because it seems like

> they all sort of had to figure out the methods on their own after

> Thursday - they did mention to me that they had " some problems in

> recovery " and that Dr. Sturm was " not happy " with the way one

looked

> (which must have been Sophia's).

>

> - we got down to 38* in the cast (down from 64*).

YAY!!!

>

> He's still really, really grumpy and miserable today. We got some

> calendula cream to address the burns/abrasions on his neck from the

> over the shoulder parts. The edges are already handled (, who

is

> AWESOME, in casting pulled the t-shirt out of the openings and

padded

> the edges with cotton before rolling the edge over and taping it

all

> down with silk tape. There are not only no sharp edges, but the

edges

> are now soft and only natural fibers are touching his skin from the

> shirt). But, the silk tape does not stick very long/well - so we

keep

> having to put it back down. They gave me an extra roll and I think

> I'll use one length and mummy-wrap it to the best of my ability so

> that it doesn't keep coming up at the edges. We'll see how that

> works. I've been also giving him motrin for any muscle pain he

may be

> having or inflammation from the aggressive repositioning on the

> table/traction. His neck seems very sore and I don't know if it's

> just topical from the abrasions or if it's muscular (or both). The

> motrin helps, and he seems much happier since we've put the

calendula

> on as well.

>

> Miss Mehta also recommended arnica, so we'll try that. (It's a

> homeopathic remedy - sold at Whole Foods and similar stores - that

is

> very helpful in healing).

>

> Thank you all

> Sandi and a new, improved who is not feeling quite back to

himself.

>

[Guest guest]

Tina,

I felt so bad when I heard Sophia wasn't trimmed when she woke from

anesthesia. I find it hard to believe the nurse said they never saw

a cast like this before! Do remember there names (for my future

reference)? Can you post or e-mail me a picture of Sophia's new

cast? I am curious to see if Max's tummy hole could be bigger. The

chest hole is larger enough. The tummy is a narrow opening. Also,

Max's cast is cut very short above his hips, just below his belly

button. If sophia's cast has a larger opening, I'm calling to

see if I can get Max's trimmed more here in town.

I feel so bad...I hope you didn't have too bad of an experience.

Everything that happened to Sophia is really hard for me to

believe. This was Max's 7th cast (5th in Chicago) and we never had

anything like Sophia's experience occur. Please know it is rare! Our

experiences in Erie were pretty miserable. Do you still plan to

continue care with Dr. Sturm or will you go back to Erie? What type

of correction did Sophia achieve?

It was great to meet you!

Aekta

>

> Hi Sandi,

> My daughter Sophia was cast Thursday morning in Chicago. She too

has had a lot of gas, but they said it was normal. She was last time

too, but not this much. Her cast is also very high over the

shoulders. I insisted that they trim it a great deal- it was almost

cutting into her neck on all four sides, the armholes were so tight

her arms were turning purple, and the front went down too low (she

could not sit up!). Dr./Ms. Mehta came over between the other

castings (Sophia was the first of four they did Thursday) and

oversaw most of these trims. The Chicago folks were trying to put

the moleskin on it like it was all done before I pitched a fit (they

all said they had never seen a cast like this, so they didn't know).

Dr./Ms. Mehta said, " Oh no, it isn't done. It needs trimmed still. "

She marked with a sharpie all the areas that I had noticed and a few

others, then supervised someone else who used the cast saw. She kept

telling them to smooth the edges better with the scissors/knife

before putting the mole skin and tape on, but they kind of ignored

her instructions on that part. Also, I had them find the orange

waterproof tape that they used in Erie. They didn't want to use it,

but I took it home and placed it over the edges of the moleskin to

keep them from peeling off. Not sure if duct tape would serve the

same purpose. I would suggest you have them trim down the area so

that he can turn his head normal. Dr./Ms. Mehta told me that they

should have " normal range of motion in the jacket " . I was asking

specifically about the arms and head. Also, test drive the cast in

his car seat before leaving, as we found additional areas that

needed trimmed (they were digging into her hip or rubbing) with her

first cast. Good luck and please let me know how he does!

> Tina and Sophia

>

>

> Back from Chicago post-casting

with questions

>

>

> was casted this morning in Chicago and I have a few

questions.

>

> First, he's very congested in his chest now - I assume this is

from

> the breathing tube? Is there anything I need to do for that?

Will it

> just take time for that to clear up?

>

> The shoulders on the cast are super high and he can't turn his

face

> from side to side - will he adjust or will that eventually

change or

> something?

>

> Is the cast breathable? The casting person at Shriner's who

helped us

> recommended duct tape over the outside (it is now covered in

satin

> tape and the shirt underneath has been modified to cushion the

edges).

> However, before I do that I'm wondering if the duct tape would

allow

> less air to circulate and if we should make just try to make do

with

> what is on there already.

>

> Is it normal for him to be gassy/burpy after general? He seems

to be

> very gurgly. Again, anything I can/should do for him or will

this

> subside?

>

> Lastly, he is just miserable - he has been so grumpy and crying

or

> sleeping most of the day. This is not at all how he reacted to

the

> general for his MRI, so I'm just wondering if any of you have had

> similar experiences.

>

> Thanks,

> Sandi

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Tina,

I felt so bad when I heard Sophia wasn't trimmed when she woke from

anesthesia. I find it hard to believe the nurse said they never saw

a cast like this before! Do remember there names (for my future

reference)? Can you post or e-mail me a picture of Sophia's new

cast? I am curious to see if Max's tummy hole could be bigger. The

chest hole is larger enough. The tummy is a narrow opening. Also,

Max's cast is cut very short above his hips, just below his belly

button. If sophia's cast has a larger opening, I'm calling to

see if I can get Max's trimmed more here in town.

I feel so bad...I hope you didn't have too bad of an experience.

Everything that happened to Sophia is really hard for me to

believe. This was Max's 7th cast (5th in Chicago) and we never had

anything like Sophia's experience occur. Please know it is rare! Our

experiences in Erie were pretty miserable. Do you still plan to

continue care with Dr. Sturm or will you go back to Erie? What type

of correction did Sophia achieve?

It was great to meet you!

Aekta

>

> Hi Sandi,

> My daughter Sophia was cast Thursday morning in Chicago. She too

has had a lot of gas, but they said it was normal. She was last time

too, but not this much. Her cast is also very high over the

shoulders. I insisted that they trim it a great deal- it was almost

cutting into her neck on all four sides, the armholes were so tight

her arms were turning purple, and the front went down too low (she

could not sit up!). Dr./Ms. Mehta came over between the other

castings (Sophia was the first of four they did Thursday) and

oversaw most of these trims. The Chicago folks were trying to put

the moleskin on it like it was all done before I pitched a fit (they

all said they had never seen a cast like this, so they didn't know).

Dr./Ms. Mehta said, " Oh no, it isn't done. It needs trimmed still. "

She marked with a sharpie all the areas that I had noticed and a few

others, then supervised someone else who used the cast saw. She kept

telling them to smooth the edges better with the scissors/knife

before putting the mole skin and tape on, but they kind of ignored

her instructions on that part. Also, I had them find the orange

waterproof tape that they used in Erie. They didn't want to use it,

but I took it home and placed it over the edges of the moleskin to

keep them from peeling off. Not sure if duct tape would serve the

same purpose. I would suggest you have them trim down the area so

that he can turn his head normal. Dr./Ms. Mehta told me that they

should have " normal range of motion in the jacket " . I was asking

specifically about the arms and head. Also, test drive the cast in

his car seat before leaving, as we found additional areas that

needed trimmed (they were digging into her hip or rubbing) with her

first cast. Good luck and please let me know how he does!

> Tina and Sophia

>

>

> Back from Chicago post-casting

with questions

>

>

> was casted this morning in Chicago and I have a few

questions.

>

> First, he's very congested in his chest now - I assume this is

from

> the breathing tube? Is there anything I need to do for that?

Will it

> just take time for that to clear up?

>

> The shoulders on the cast are super high and he can't turn his

face

> from side to side - will he adjust or will that eventually

change or

> something?

>

> Is the cast breathable? The casting person at Shriner's who

helped us

> recommended duct tape over the outside (it is now covered in

satin

> tape and the shirt underneath has been modified to cushion the

edges).

> However, before I do that I'm wondering if the duct tape would

allow

> less air to circulate and if we should make just try to make do

with

> what is on there already.

>

> Is it normal for him to be gassy/burpy after general? He seems

to be

> very gurgly. Again, anything I can/should do for him or will

this

> subside?

>

> Lastly, he is just miserable - he has been so grumpy and crying

or

> sleeping most of the day. This is not at all how he reacted to

the

> general for his MRI, so I'm just wondering if any of you have had

> similar experiences.

>

> Thanks,

> Sandi

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Tina,

I felt so bad when I heard Sophia wasn't trimmed when she woke from

anesthesia. I find it hard to believe the nurse said they never saw

a cast like this before! Do remember there names (for my future

reference)? Can you post or e-mail me a picture of Sophia's new

cast? I am curious to see if Max's tummy hole could be bigger. The

chest hole is larger enough. The tummy is a narrow opening. Also,

Max's cast is cut very short above his hips, just below his belly

button. If sophia's cast has a larger opening, I'm calling to

see if I can get Max's trimmed more here in town.

I feel so bad...I hope you didn't have too bad of an experience.

Everything that happened to Sophia is really hard for me to

believe. This was Max's 7th cast (5th in Chicago) and we never had

anything like Sophia's experience occur. Please know it is rare! Our

experiences in Erie were pretty miserable. Do you still plan to

continue care with Dr. Sturm or will you go back to Erie? What type

of correction did Sophia achieve?

It was great to meet you!

Aekta

>

> Hi Sandi,

> My daughter Sophia was cast Thursday morning in Chicago. She too

has had a lot of gas, but they said it was normal. She was last time

too, but not this much. Her cast is also very high over the

shoulders. I insisted that they trim it a great deal- it was almost

cutting into her neck on all four sides, the armholes were so tight

her arms were turning purple, and the front went down too low (she

could not sit up!). Dr./Ms. Mehta came over between the other

castings (Sophia was the first of four they did Thursday) and

oversaw most of these trims. The Chicago folks were trying to put

the moleskin on it like it was all done before I pitched a fit (they

all said they had never seen a cast like this, so they didn't know).

Dr./Ms. Mehta said, " Oh no, it isn't done. It needs trimmed still. "

She marked with a sharpie all the areas that I had noticed and a few

others, then supervised someone else who used the cast saw. She kept

telling them to smooth the edges better with the scissors/knife

before putting the mole skin and tape on, but they kind of ignored

her instructions on that part. Also, I had them find the orange

waterproof tape that they used in Erie. They didn't want to use it,

but I took it home and placed it over the edges of the moleskin to

keep them from peeling off. Not sure if duct tape would serve the

same purpose. I would suggest you have them trim down the area so

that he can turn his head normal. Dr./Ms. Mehta told me that they

should have " normal range of motion in the jacket " . I was asking

specifically about the arms and head. Also, test drive the cast in

his car seat before leaving, as we found additional areas that

needed trimmed (they were digging into her hip or rubbing) with her

first cast. Good luck and please let me know how he does!

> Tina and Sophia

>

>

> Back from Chicago post-casting

with questions

>

>

> was casted this morning in Chicago and I have a few

questions.

>

> First, he's very congested in his chest now - I assume this is

from

> the breathing tube? Is there anything I need to do for that?

Will it

> just take time for that to clear up?

>

> The shoulders on the cast are super high and he can't turn his

face

> from side to side - will he adjust or will that eventually

change or

> something?

>

> Is the cast breathable? The casting person at Shriner's who

helped us

> recommended duct tape over the outside (it is now covered in

satin

> tape and the shirt underneath has been modified to cushion the

edges).

> However, before I do that I'm wondering if the duct tape would

allow

> less air to circulate and if we should make just try to make do

with

> what is on there already.

>

> Is it normal for him to be gassy/burpy after general? He seems

to be

> very gurgly. Again, anything I can/should do for him or will

this

> subside?

>

> Lastly, he is just miserable - he has been so grumpy and crying

or

> sleeping most of the day. This is not at all how he reacted to

the

> general for his MRI, so I'm just wondering if any of you have had

> similar experiences.

>

> Thanks,

> Sandi

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Aekta,

Ian's stomach is always extremely distended after the casting procedure. I've

been told that is very common because of the extra IV fluids. That should go

away.

Noelle (12-2-01)

Ian (8-15-04)

Re: Back from Chicago post-casting with

questions

Hello,

We are finally home from Chicago. We drove home today. Max's

recovery these past 48 hours has been miserable. I feel so bad for

him. He din't wake up too bad (actually the best ever after

anesthesia). He, too, is very gassy. He spits out the motrin I've

been trying to give him. He's cast is trimmed way above his hips

(the first time ever). He is complainig about being itchy and he

tries hard to move his back is cast. I'm not sure how they trimmed

Max's cast, if they made sure nothing went down his back. His cast

was trimmed perfectly for the first time in 7 casts (no extra

trimmings around the arms, neck, and hips). I have noticed,

however, the bottom of his cast is just below his belly button. It

looks like there is so much pressure on his stomach. They tummy

hole is small and not as large as the previous 6 casts. He is eating

and drinking well so I think the cast may be okay. His abdomen looks

a bit puffy, so I may call our pediatrician to look at it and see

what she thinks.

Max was second to be casted on thursday and he was trimmed before he

woke up.

For Sophia, that is aweful she had to be trimmed awake. Dr. Sturm is

very particular. I am very surprised he allowed the entire cast to

be trimmed this way. I'll be very surprised if he ever allows that

to happen again without a major good reason.

Sandi-If you get a chance can you post or e-mail me a picture of

Jack's cast. I am curious to see how his cast edges were padded so

nice. I wouldn't recommend duct tape. The cast needs to breathe.

Use th extra white tape they gave you. After a day or 2 the tape

should continue to stick. We've rarely had to re-tape. A trick is

to wrap the tape around his entire cast (like a mummy) rather than

in bits and pieces, it sticks better and longer. The nurses who

pedaled Max with the mole skin were very slow. It wook 2 nurses and

1 hour with Dave cutting pieces and me unpealing them and trying to

hold Max down.Dr. Sturm came in and told them they were not doing

they way you are explaining how Jack's was done. Dr. Sturm did not

look pleased. He even told the nurses not to look at him as if he

had 7 seven heads. I will be telling someone ( Cree first)

that this can't continue to happen for everyone of Max's casts

(which will be many, unfortunately). That is awesome Jack got such

great correction. Max's improved by 50%.

Our next follow-up appointment is mid-September for an x-ray and

exam.

Glad to be home!

Aekta

>

> Thank you all so much. Tina - it was nice meeting you and Sophia

(and

> Aekta, too!!!) I'm sorry you guys had to be the learning group. I

> think we were lucky being the first on Friday because it seems like

> they all sort of had to figure out the methods on their own after

> Thursday - they did mention to me that they had " some problems in

> recovery " and that Dr. Sturm was " not happy " with the way one

looked

> (which must have been Sophia's).

>

> - we got down to 38* in the cast (down from 64*).

YAY!!!

>

> He's still really, really grumpy and miserable today. We got some

> calendula cream to address the burns/abrasions on his neck from the

> over the shoulder parts. The edges are already handled (, who

is

> AWESOME, in casting pulled the t-shirt out of the openings and

padded

> the edges with cotton before rolling the edge over and taping it

all

> down with silk tape. There are not only no sharp edges, but the

edges

> are now soft and only natural fibers are touching his skin from the

> shirt). But, the silk tape does not stick very long/well - so we

keep

> having to put it back down. They gave me an extra roll and I think

> I'll use one length and mummy-wrap it to the best of my ability so

> that it doesn't keep coming up at the edges. We'll see how that

> works. I've been also giving him motrin for any muscle pain he

may be

> having or inflammation from the aggressive repositioning on the

> table/traction. His neck seems very sore and I don't know if it's

> just topical from the abrasions or if it's muscular (or both). The

> motrin helps, and he seems much happier since we've put the

calendula

> on as well.

>

> Miss Mehta also recommended arnica, so we'll try that. (It's a

> homeopathic remedy - sold at Whole Foods and similar stores - that

is

> very helpful in healing).

>

> Thank you all

> Sandi and a new, improved who is not feeling quite back to

himself.

>

[Guest guest]

Aekta,

Ian's stomach is always extremely distended after the casting procedure. I've

been told that is very common because of the extra IV fluids. That should go

away.

Noelle (12-2-01)

Ian (8-15-04)

Re: Back from Chicago post-casting with

questions

Hello,

We are finally home from Chicago. We drove home today. Max's

recovery these past 48 hours has been miserable. I feel so bad for

him. He din't wake up too bad (actually the best ever after

anesthesia). He, too, is very gassy. He spits out the motrin I've

been trying to give him. He's cast is trimmed way above his hips

(the first time ever). He is complainig about being itchy and he

tries hard to move his back is cast. I'm not sure how they trimmed

Max's cast, if they made sure nothing went down his back. His cast

was trimmed perfectly for the first time in 7 casts (no extra

trimmings around the arms, neck, and hips). I have noticed,

however, the bottom of his cast is just below his belly button. It

looks like there is so much pressure on his stomach. They tummy

hole is small and not as large as the previous 6 casts. He is eating

and drinking well so I think the cast may be okay. His abdomen looks

a bit puffy, so I may call our pediatrician to look at it and see

what she thinks.

Max was second to be casted on thursday and he was trimmed before he

woke up.

For Sophia, that is aweful she had to be trimmed awake. Dr. Sturm is

very particular. I am very surprised he allowed the entire cast to

be trimmed this way. I'll be very surprised if he ever allows that

to happen again without a major good reason.

Sandi-If you get a chance can you post or e-mail me a picture of

Jack's cast. I am curious to see how his cast edges were padded so

nice. I wouldn't recommend duct tape. The cast needs to breathe.

Use th extra white tape they gave you. After a day or 2 the tape

should continue to stick. We've rarely had to re-tape. A trick is

to wrap the tape around his entire cast (like a mummy) rather than

in bits and pieces, it sticks better and longer. The nurses who

pedaled Max with the mole skin were very slow. It wook 2 nurses and

1 hour with Dave cutting pieces and me unpealing them and trying to

hold Max down.Dr. Sturm came in and told them they were not doing

they way you are explaining how Jack's was done. Dr. Sturm did not

look pleased. He even told the nurses not to look at him as if he

had 7 seven heads. I will be telling someone ( Cree first)

that this can't continue to happen for everyone of Max's casts

(which will be many, unfortunately). That is awesome Jack got such

great correction. Max's improved by 50%.

Our next follow-up appointment is mid-September for an x-ray and

exam.

Glad to be home!

Aekta

>

> Thank you all so much. Tina - it was nice meeting you and Sophia

(and

> Aekta, too!!!) I'm sorry you guys had to be the learning group. I

> think we were lucky being the first on Friday because it seems like

> they all sort of had to figure out the methods on their own after

> Thursday - they did mention to me that they had " some problems in

> recovery " and that Dr. Sturm was " not happy " with the way one

looked

> (which must have been Sophia's).

>

> - we got down to 38* in the cast (down from 64*).

YAY!!!

>

> He's still really, really grumpy and miserable today. We got some

> calendula cream to address the burns/abrasions on his neck from the

> over the shoulder parts. The edges are already handled (, who

is

> AWESOME, in casting pulled the t-shirt out of the openings and

padded

> the edges with cotton before rolling the edge over and taping it

all

> down with silk tape. There are not only no sharp edges, but the

edges

> are now soft and only natural fibers are touching his skin from the

> shirt). But, the silk tape does not stick very long/well - so we

keep

> having to put it back down. They gave me an extra roll and I think

> I'll use one length and mummy-wrap it to the best of my ability so

> that it doesn't keep coming up at the edges. We'll see how that

> works. I've been also giving him motrin for any muscle pain he

may be

> having or inflammation from the aggressive repositioning on the

> table/traction. His neck seems very sore and I don't know if it's

> just topical from the abrasions or if it's muscular (or both). The

> motrin helps, and he seems much happier since we've put the

calendula

> on as well.

>

> Miss Mehta also recommended arnica, so we'll try that. (It's a

> homeopathic remedy - sold at Whole Foods and similar stores - that

is

> very helpful in healing).

>

> Thank you all

> Sandi and a new, improved who is not feeling quite back to

himself.

>

[Guest guest]

Aekta,

Ian's stomach is always extremely distended after the casting procedure. I've

been told that is very common because of the extra IV fluids. That should go

away.

Noelle (12-2-01)

Ian (8-15-04)

Re: Back from Chicago post-casting with

questions

Hello,

We are finally home from Chicago. We drove home today. Max's

recovery these past 48 hours has been miserable. I feel so bad for

him. He din't wake up too bad (actually the best ever after

anesthesia). He, too, is very gassy. He spits out the motrin I've

been trying to give him. He's cast is trimmed way above his hips

(the first time ever). He is complainig about being itchy and he

tries hard to move his back is cast. I'm not sure how they trimmed

Max's cast, if they made sure nothing went down his back. His cast

was trimmed perfectly for the first time in 7 casts (no extra

trimmings around the arms, neck, and hips). I have noticed,

however, the bottom of his cast is just below his belly button. It

looks like there is so much pressure on his stomach. They tummy

hole is small and not as large as the previous 6 casts. He is eating

and drinking well so I think the cast may be okay. His abdomen looks

a bit puffy, so I may call our pediatrician to look at it and see

what she thinks.

Max was second to be casted on thursday and he was trimmed before he

woke up.

For Sophia, that is aweful she had to be trimmed awake. Dr. Sturm is

very particular. I am very surprised he allowed the entire cast to

be trimmed this way. I'll be very surprised if he ever allows that

to happen again without a major good reason.

Sandi-If you get a chance can you post or e-mail me a picture of

Jack's cast. I am curious to see how his cast edges were padded so

nice. I wouldn't recommend duct tape. The cast needs to breathe.

Use th extra white tape they gave you. After a day or 2 the tape

should continue to stick. We've rarely had to re-tape. A trick is

to wrap the tape around his entire cast (like a mummy) rather than

in bits and pieces, it sticks better and longer. The nurses who

pedaled Max with the mole skin were very slow. It wook 2 nurses and

1 hour with Dave cutting pieces and me unpealing them and trying to

hold Max down.Dr. Sturm came in and told them they were not doing

they way you are explaining how Jack's was done. Dr. Sturm did not

look pleased. He even told the nurses not to look at him as if he

had 7 seven heads. I will be telling someone ( Cree first)

that this can't continue to happen for everyone of Max's casts

(which will be many, unfortunately). That is awesome Jack got such

great correction. Max's improved by 50%.

Our next follow-up appointment is mid-September for an x-ray and

exam.

Glad to be home!

Aekta

>

> Thank you all so much. Tina - it was nice meeting you and Sophia

(and

> Aekta, too!!!) I'm sorry you guys had to be the learning group. I

> think we were lucky being the first on Friday because it seems like

> they all sort of had to figure out the methods on their own after

> Thursday - they did mention to me that they had " some problems in

> recovery " and that Dr. Sturm was " not happy " with the way one

looked

> (which must have been Sophia's).

>

> - we got down to 38* in the cast (down from 64*).

YAY!!!

>

> He's still really, really grumpy and miserable today. We got some

> calendula cream to address the burns/abrasions on his neck from the

> over the shoulder parts. The edges are already handled (, who

is

> AWESOME, in casting pulled the t-shirt out of the openings and

padded

> the edges with cotton before rolling the edge over and taping it

all

> down with silk tape. There are not only no sharp edges, but the

edges

> are now soft and only natural fibers are touching his skin from the

> shirt). But, the silk tape does not stick very long/well - so we

keep

> having to put it back down. They gave me an extra roll and I think

> I'll use one length and mummy-wrap it to the best of my ability so

> that it doesn't keep coming up at the edges. We'll see how that

> works. I've been also giving him motrin for any muscle pain he

may be

> having or inflammation from the aggressive repositioning on the

> table/traction. His neck seems very sore and I don't know if it's

> just topical from the abrasions or if it's muscular (or both). The

> motrin helps, and he seems much happier since we've put the

calendula

> on as well.

>

> Miss Mehta also recommended arnica, so we'll try that. (It's a

> homeopathic remedy - sold at Whole Foods and similar stores - that

is

> very helpful in healing).

>

> Thank you all

> Sandi and a new, improved who is not feeling quite back to

himself.

>

[Guest guest]

,

Thank you for the information. He seems to be doing okay with his

stomach, however he keeps complaining about his back being itchy. I

just came back from the grocery store today and he was crying in the

cart with 2 cookies in his hand screaming itchy and leaning forward.

He never soes this especially with TWO cookies. He tries to reach

for his back and obviously can't. He kept saying " home " . After some

distraction he did better. I am very concerned that when they

trimmed the cast some fibers may have gone down his back. I tried

the low dryer on cool, but it still doesn't seem to help.

Fortunately he sleeps on his stomach and sleeps well. It's when he

has to sit up against something like a car seat or his booster seat

at the dining table when he complains the most.

A good thing I did notice is he has no rubbing of the cast

anywhere. If it wasn't the itching, this would've been the best

cast ever!

Does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions on this? This has

never happened to him in the previous 6 casts.

Thanks for everyones help,

Aekta

> >

> > Thank you all so much. Tina - it was nice meeting you and

Sophia

> (and

> > Aekta, too!!!) I'm sorry you guys had to be the learning

group. I

> > think we were lucky being the first on Friday because it seems

like

> > they all sort of had to figure out the methods on their own

after

> > Thursday - they did mention to me that they had " some problems

in

> > recovery " and that Dr. Sturm was " not happy " with the way one

> looked

> > (which must have been Sophia's).

> >

> > - we got down to 38* in the cast (down from 64*).

> YAY!!!

> >

> > He's still really, really grumpy and miserable today. We got

some

> > calendula cream to address the burns/abrasions on his neck

from the

> > over the shoulder parts. The edges are already handled (,

who

> is

> > AWESOME, in casting pulled the t-shirt out of the openings and

> padded

> > the edges with cotton before rolling the edge over and taping

it

> all

> > down with silk tape. There are not only no sharp edges, but

the

> edges

> > are now soft and only natural fibers are touching his skin

from the

> > shirt). But, the silk tape does not stick very long/well - so

we

> keep

> > having to put it back down. They gave me an extra roll and I

think

> > I'll use one length and mummy-wrap it to the best of my

ability so

> > that it doesn't keep coming up at the edges. We'll see how that

> > works. I've been also giving him motrin for any muscle pain he

> may be

> > having or inflammation from the aggressive repositioning on the

> > table/traction. His neck seems very sore and I don't know if

it's

> > just topical from the abrasions or if it's muscular (or both).

The

> > motrin helps, and he seems much happier since we've put the

> calendula

> > on as well.

> >

> > Miss Mehta also recommended arnica, so we'll try that. (It's a

> > homeopathic remedy - sold at Whole Foods and similar stores -

that

> is

> > very helpful in healing).

> >

> > Thank you all

> > Sandi and a new, improved who is not feeling quite

back to

> himself.

> >

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Oh, Aekta!!! My heart aches for little Max.

One thing mentioned (She's the casting specialist who actually

went to school for casting and trimming techniques that did Jack's

trimming and padding) is that you can slip a baby wipe in there. She

said to start at the opening in the back and just try to slide as much

as you can, pulling it out from the other end. She said it's so

effective in cleaning underneath and doesn't leave moisture behind.

She even brought a pack of wipes down with her. I know we're not

supposed to do lotions or powders, but she said in body casts and the

like it is okay to do that.

I would at least try this in the very back by the opening down to the

tailbone/waist area and see if it gives him some relief. Poor little

guy

I'll upload some pictures of his cast now.

[Guest guest]

Hi Sandi-

Thank you so much for the info. We will have to try it! You got

some awesome advise in Chicago. I'll check out the pictures!

Max is doing better. Only a few times a day he says itchy

(primarily sitting when his back is up against something).

Thank you. I'll let you know how it goes.

Aekta

>

> Oh, Aekta!!! My heart aches for little Max.

>

> One thing mentioned (She's the casting specialist who actually

> went to school for casting and trimming techniques that did Jack's

> trimming and padding) is that you can slip a baby wipe in there.

She

> said to start at the opening in the back and just try to slide as

much

> as you can, pulling it out from the other end. She said it's so

> effective in cleaning underneath and doesn't leave moisture behind.

> She even brought a pack of wipes down with her. I know we're not

> supposed to do lotions or powders, but she said in body casts and

the

> like it is okay to do that.

>

> I would at least try this in the very back by the opening down to

the

> tailbone/waist area and see if it gives him some relief. Poor

little

> guy

>

> I'll upload some pictures of his cast now.

>

[Guest guest]

Sandi,

I can't locate the web address you have Jack photo's. Can you e-

mail it to me so I can look at his cast. All of the holes that are

cut out on Max's cast still have the shirt underneath, no exposed

skin. The first one like this from Chicago.

Thank you,

Aekta

>

> Oh, Aekta!!! My heart aches for little Max.

>

> One thing mentioned (She's the casting specialist who actually

> went to school for casting and trimming techniques that did Jack's

> trimming and padding) is that you can slip a baby wipe in there.

She

> said to start at the opening in the back and just try to slide as

much

> as you can, pulling it out from the other end. She said it's so

> effective in cleaning underneath and doesn't leave moisture behind.

> She even brought a pack of wipes down with her. I know we're not

> supposed to do lotions or powders, but she said in body casts and

the

> like it is okay to do that.

>

> I would at least try this in the very back by the opening down to

the

> tailbone/waist area and see if it gives him some relief. Poor

little

> guy

>

> I'll upload some pictures of his cast now.

>

[Guest guest]

Aekta,

It was great meeting you (and Sandi & the rest of the Moms & their amazing

kidos)!

I'm sorry to hear Max is so uncomfortable. Sophia definitely had debris go down

into her cast, as they did four separate trimmings throughout the day without

putting anything under the neck opening to prevent it. I did use a wet wipe to

clean up as best I could, but have the same concerns with her sensitive skin.

She doesn't seem to be bothered by it though.

I just posted a new album of Sophia's 2nd casting experience. Our first cast in

Erie we had COBB 36 out of cast/29 in cast and RVAD 32 out of cast/27 in cast.

This time in Chicago we had COBB 35 out of cast/30 in cast (so basically the

same as last time with no big improvement in the curve, but not any worse) and

RVAD 29 out of cast/19 in cast (so really encouraging improvement there). We

are cautiously optimistic and will continue to follow up with Dr. Strum in

Chicago monthly until her next cast in 2-3 months. If all goes well, we will try

to do that one in Chicago. If we are not feeling good about it, we can always go

back to Dr. in Erie where we had a very positive experience.

Have you posted any new pics of Max in his cast? I really hope that he is

feeling better soon and adjusting to this new cast. He is such a cutie and

sweetest little guy!

Thanks,

Tina & Sophia

Back from Chicago post-casting

with questions

>

>

> was casted this morning in Chicago and I have a few

questions.

>

> First, he's very congested in his chest now - I assume this is

from

> the breathing tube? Is there anything I need to do for that?

Will it

> just take time for that to clear up?

>

> The shoulders on the cast are super high and he can't turn his

face

> from side to side - will he adjust or will that eventually

change or

> something?

>

> Is the cast breathable? The casting person at Shriner's who

helped us

> recommended duct tape over the outside (it is now covered in

satin

> tape and the shirt underneath has been modified to cushion the

edges).

> However, before I do that I'm wondering if the duct tape would

allow

> less air to circulate and if we should make just try to make do

with

> what is on there already.

>

> Is it normal for him to be gassy/burpy after general? He seems

to be

> very gurgly. Again, anything I can/should do for him or will

this

> subside?

>

> Lastly, he is just miserable - he has been so grumpy and crying

or

> sleeping most of the day. This is not at all how he reacted to

the

> general for his MRI, so I'm just wondering if any of you have had

> similar experiences.

>

> Thanks,

> Sandi

>

>

>

>

>