Re: New Diagnosis and Lots of Questions

[Guest guest]

Hi

There are a lot of moms and parents on this group that have a wealth of

experience with all the questions and concerns you brought up.

My son, Evan, had torticollis and plagiocephaly as well, as did a lot of our

kids.

Evan's improved greatly through PT and once he was placed in his POP jacket.

You can read Evan's story on the ISOP website if you wish.

There are some parents who have had success w/bracing alone or w/a combination

of bracing/casting.

Evan was in a cast for just a year and is now in a brace for maintenance of

the correction.

It sounds like you're on the right track, you've gathered a lot of information

on your baby and seen many specialists.

Despite what " the doctors " say, just remember that your " Mommy " instinct goes

a long way.

We visited numerous docs before we found one we felt comfortable with treating

Evan. There isn't a set number of xrays you need to determine if he is

progressive. You may wish to wait 4-6 weeks for another xray to see if it indeed

progresses since his RVAD is so low it does indicate it won't progress, but like

you stated, it already has! Thats really a tough call.

If it were me, I may make an appointment w/ another doc and discuss your

concerns w/all that your son has going on.

The key to early treatment is ealry detection.

THere may well be a missing piece to the puzzle for your son.

I'm sure there will be many more posts that will help answer your questions.

Take care and feel free to email me if you want to chat.

and Evan

Dolley wrote:

Hi. I am new to this group. My son, Dylan, is 11 months old. He was

born 3 months prematurely so his adjusted age is 8 months. He was diagnosed

about 3 months ago with idiopathic infantile scoliosis. His curve at that time

was 16 degrees with a RVAD of 5 degrees. The doctor also mentioned he had some

slight kyphosis. We had a MRI, echocardiogram, and kidney ultrasound done to

rule out any congenital reasons for the scoliosis. Those all came back normal.

However, the MRI indicated his curve had increased to 20 degrees, so the doctor

ordered another x-ray which confirmed his curve did increase to 20 degrees. The

doctor said that is right at the cusp of whether he braces or not and it was up

to me. I told him I wanted to go ahead and do something and not just wait and

see. So, he recommended a ton Bending Brace to be worn at night and when

he naps. I'm worried about whether this is an aggressive enough treatment or not

and we are going

to see another ortho for a second opinion at the beginning of October. I guess

in the meantime we will go forward with the ton Bending Brace. My

question is at what point should we start pushing for a more aggressive

treatment like casting? His RVAD indicates it is unlikely he has a progressive

curve, yet it did progress. So, how do we know when it is definitely

progressing? Do we wait for a certain number of x-rays to show progression? Has

anybody had any success with a brace actually correcting a curvature or does it

do nothing more than keep it from progressing?

He also has torticollis, benign extra axial fluid of infancy (cerebral spinal

fluid external to the brain which causes him to have a very large head),

plagiocephaly (mishapen head due to the torticollis), and some mild to moderate

low muscle tone in his upper body. He has been wearing a helmet for the

plagiocephaly and the doctor says we can remove it whenever we want as his head

is shaping up nicely. He sees a physical therapist for the low tone and

torticollis. We saw a neurologist 2 months ago to have him evaluated to see if

anything neurological could be contributing to his problems (i.e. cerebral

palsy). He said nothing " jumped out " at him at that point, so to come back in 6

months unless he started getting very delayed. We are also going to have him

evaluated by a developmental pediatrician. He can sit up unassisted pretty well

now, but doesn't do so great on his tummy since he's not able to lift his upper

body very far due to the low muscle

tone and large head. So, all of these issues combined make us worry about

whether there is some underlying reason like cerebral palsy, or something else.

We also wonder if the torticollis combined with the low muscle tone could have

caused this. The doctor feels that the low muscle tone might be a contributing

factor, but he said the torticollis has nothing to do with it. I have read a

couple articles on the internet though that mention torticollis being associated

with scoliosis. Does anybody have a similar experience?

__________________________________________________________

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[Guest guest]

Hi

There are a lot of moms and parents on this group that have a wealth of

experience with all the questions and concerns you brought up.

My son, Evan, had torticollis and plagiocephaly as well, as did a lot of our

kids.

Evan's improved greatly through PT and once he was placed in his POP jacket.

You can read Evan's story on the ISOP website if you wish.

There are some parents who have had success w/bracing alone or w/a combination

of bracing/casting.

Evan was in a cast for just a year and is now in a brace for maintenance of

the correction.

It sounds like you're on the right track, you've gathered a lot of information

on your baby and seen many specialists.

Despite what " the doctors " say, just remember that your " Mommy " instinct goes

a long way.

We visited numerous docs before we found one we felt comfortable with treating

Evan. There isn't a set number of xrays you need to determine if he is

progressive. You may wish to wait 4-6 weeks for another xray to see if it indeed

progresses since his RVAD is so low it does indicate it won't progress, but like

you stated, it already has! Thats really a tough call.

If it were me, I may make an appointment w/ another doc and discuss your

concerns w/all that your son has going on.

The key to early treatment is ealry detection.

THere may well be a missing piece to the puzzle for your son.

I'm sure there will be many more posts that will help answer your questions.

Take care and feel free to email me if you want to chat.

and Evan

Dolley wrote:

Hi. I am new to this group. My son, Dylan, is 11 months old. He was

born 3 months prematurely so his adjusted age is 8 months. He was diagnosed

about 3 months ago with idiopathic infantile scoliosis. His curve at that time

was 16 degrees with a RVAD of 5 degrees. The doctor also mentioned he had some

slight kyphosis. We had a MRI, echocardiogram, and kidney ultrasound done to

rule out any congenital reasons for the scoliosis. Those all came back normal.

However, the MRI indicated his curve had increased to 20 degrees, so the doctor

ordered another x-ray which confirmed his curve did increase to 20 degrees. The

doctor said that is right at the cusp of whether he braces or not and it was up

to me. I told him I wanted to go ahead and do something and not just wait and

see. So, he recommended a ton Bending Brace to be worn at night and when

he naps. I'm worried about whether this is an aggressive enough treatment or not

and we are going

to see another ortho for a second opinion at the beginning of October. I guess

in the meantime we will go forward with the ton Bending Brace. My

question is at what point should we start pushing for a more aggressive

treatment like casting? His RVAD indicates it is unlikely he has a progressive

curve, yet it did progress. So, how do we know when it is definitely

progressing? Do we wait for a certain number of x-rays to show progression? Has

anybody had any success with a brace actually correcting a curvature or does it

do nothing more than keep it from progressing?

He also has torticollis, benign extra axial fluid of infancy (cerebral spinal

fluid external to the brain which causes him to have a very large head),

plagiocephaly (mishapen head due to the torticollis), and some mild to moderate

low muscle tone in his upper body. He has been wearing a helmet for the

plagiocephaly and the doctor says we can remove it whenever we want as his head

is shaping up nicely. He sees a physical therapist for the low tone and

torticollis. We saw a neurologist 2 months ago to have him evaluated to see if

anything neurological could be contributing to his problems (i.e. cerebral

palsy). He said nothing " jumped out " at him at that point, so to come back in 6

months unless he started getting very delayed. We are also going to have him

evaluated by a developmental pediatrician. He can sit up unassisted pretty well

now, but doesn't do so great on his tummy since he's not able to lift his upper

body very far due to the low muscle

tone and large head. So, all of these issues combined make us worry about

whether there is some underlying reason like cerebral palsy, or something else.

We also wonder if the torticollis combined with the low muscle tone could have

caused this. The doctor feels that the low muscle tone might be a contributing

factor, but he said the torticollis has nothing to do with it. I have read a

couple articles on the internet though that mention torticollis being associated

with scoliosis. Does anybody have a similar experience?

__________________________________________________________

Shape Yahoo! in your own image. Join our Network Research Panel today!

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[Guest guest]

When it comes to medical issues, the more opinions you get the better! I saw

three orthos before settling on Shriners in Erie to treat my son. I've even got

the one ortho here now recommending her infantile scoliosis patients go to Erie

for treatment now that she's learned about early treatment and casting. So,

like said, the more opinions you get the better/more informed decision you

can make. You might want to get an opinion from a doc familiar with early

treatment through casting...my experience has been that most do not even know

about it.

There is a margin of error + or - 5 degrees when measuring a curve, so it is

possible that he may not be progressing. BUT, I do think you are doing the

right thing in getting treatment now rather than the old standard of waiting.

Ian never had the torticollis, but I know there are quite a few parents here

whose children have had that and can answer your questions about that better

than me.

It sounds like you are really well informed and that is the key to helping you

make your decisions regarding treatment.

Noelle (12-2-01)

Ian (8-15-04)

New Diagnosis and Lots of Questions

Hi. I am new to this group. My son, Dylan, is 11 months old. He was born 3

months prematurely so his adjusted age is 8 months. He was diagnosed about 3

months ago with idiopathic infantile scoliosis. His curve at that time was 16

degrees with a RVAD of 5 degrees. The doctor also mentioned he had some slight

kyphosis. We had a MRI, echocardiogram, and kidney ultrasound done to rule out

any congenital reasons for the scoliosis. Those all came back normal. However,

the MRI indicated his curve had increased to 20 degrees, so the doctor ordered

another x-ray which confirmed his curve did increase to 20 degrees. The doctor

said that is right at the cusp of whether he braces or not and it was up to me.

I told him I wanted to go ahead and do something and not just wait and see. So,

he recommended a ton Bending Brace to be worn at night and when he naps.

I'm worried about whether this is an aggressive enough treatment or not and we

are going

to see another ortho for a second opinion at the beginning of October. I guess

in the meantime we will go forward with the ton Bending Brace. My

question is at what point should we start pushing for a more aggressive

treatment like casting? His RVAD indicates it is unlikely he has a progressive

curve, yet it did progress. So, how do we know when it is definitely

progressing? Do we wait for a certain number of x-rays to show progression? Has

anybody had any success with a brace actually correcting a curvature or does it

do nothing more than keep it from progressing?

He also has torticollis, benign extra axial fluid of infancy (cerebral spinal

fluid external to the brain which causes him to have a very large head),

plagiocephaly (mishapen head due to the torticollis), and some mild to moderate

low muscle tone in his upper body. He has been wearing a helmet for the

plagiocephaly and the doctor says we can remove it whenever we want as his head

is shaping up nicely. He sees a physical therapist for the low tone and

torticollis. We saw a neurologist 2 months ago to have him evaluated to see if

anything neurological could be contributing to his problems (i.e. cerebral

palsy). He said nothing " jumped out " at him at that point, so to come back in 6

months unless he started getting very delayed. We are also going to have him

evaluated by a developmental pediatrician. He can sit up unassisted pretty well

now, but doesn't do so great on his tummy since he's not able to lift his upper

body very far due to the low muscle

tone and large head. So, all of these issues combined make us worry about

whether there is some underlying reason like cerebral palsy, or something else.

We also wonder if the torticollis combined with the low muscle tone could have

caused this. The doctor feels that the low muscle tone might be a contributing

factor, but he said the torticollis has nothing to do with it. I have read a

couple articles on the internet though that mention torticollis being associated

with scoliosis. Does anybody have a similar experience?

__________________________________________________________

Shape Yahoo! in your own image. Join our Network Research Panel today!

http://surveylink.yahoo.com/gmrs/yahoo_panel_invite.asp?a=7

[Guest guest]

When it comes to medical issues, the more opinions you get the better! I saw

three orthos before settling on Shriners in Erie to treat my son. I've even got

the one ortho here now recommending her infantile scoliosis patients go to Erie

for treatment now that she's learned about early treatment and casting. So,

like said, the more opinions you get the better/more informed decision you

can make. You might want to get an opinion from a doc familiar with early

treatment through casting...my experience has been that most do not even know

about it.

There is a margin of error + or - 5 degrees when measuring a curve, so it is

possible that he may not be progressing. BUT, I do think you are doing the

right thing in getting treatment now rather than the old standard of waiting.

Ian never had the torticollis, but I know there are quite a few parents here

whose children have had that and can answer your questions about that better

than me.

It sounds like you are really well informed and that is the key to helping you

make your decisions regarding treatment.

Noelle (12-2-01)

Ian (8-15-04)

New Diagnosis and Lots of Questions

Hi. I am new to this group. My son, Dylan, is 11 months old. He was born 3

months prematurely so his adjusted age is 8 months. He was diagnosed about 3

months ago with idiopathic infantile scoliosis. His curve at that time was 16

degrees with a RVAD of 5 degrees. The doctor also mentioned he had some slight

kyphosis. We had a MRI, echocardiogram, and kidney ultrasound done to rule out

any congenital reasons for the scoliosis. Those all came back normal. However,

the MRI indicated his curve had increased to 20 degrees, so the doctor ordered

another x-ray which confirmed his curve did increase to 20 degrees. The doctor

said that is right at the cusp of whether he braces or not and it was up to me.

I told him I wanted to go ahead and do something and not just wait and see. So,

he recommended a ton Bending Brace to be worn at night and when he naps.

I'm worried about whether this is an aggressive enough treatment or not and we

are going

to see another ortho for a second opinion at the beginning of October. I guess

in the meantime we will go forward with the ton Bending Brace. My

question is at what point should we start pushing for a more aggressive

treatment like casting? His RVAD indicates it is unlikely he has a progressive

curve, yet it did progress. So, how do we know when it is definitely

progressing? Do we wait for a certain number of x-rays to show progression? Has

anybody had any success with a brace actually correcting a curvature or does it

do nothing more than keep it from progressing?

He also has torticollis, benign extra axial fluid of infancy (cerebral spinal

fluid external to the brain which causes him to have a very large head),

plagiocephaly (mishapen head due to the torticollis), and some mild to moderate

low muscle tone in his upper body. He has been wearing a helmet for the

plagiocephaly and the doctor says we can remove it whenever we want as his head

is shaping up nicely. He sees a physical therapist for the low tone and

torticollis. We saw a neurologist 2 months ago to have him evaluated to see if

anything neurological could be contributing to his problems (i.e. cerebral

palsy). He said nothing " jumped out " at him at that point, so to come back in 6

months unless he started getting very delayed. We are also going to have him

evaluated by a developmental pediatrician. He can sit up unassisted pretty well

now, but doesn't do so great on his tummy since he's not able to lift his upper

body very far due to the low muscle

tone and large head. So, all of these issues combined make us worry about

whether there is some underlying reason like cerebral palsy, or something else.

We also wonder if the torticollis combined with the low muscle tone could have

caused this. The doctor feels that the low muscle tone might be a contributing

factor, but he said the torticollis has nothing to do with it. I have read a

couple articles on the internet though that mention torticollis being associated

with scoliosis. Does anybody have a similar experience?

__________________________________________________________

Shape Yahoo! in your own image. Join our Network Research Panel today!

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[Guest guest]

Hi, .

Can I ask what state you live in?

Dylan's RVAD is low enough that it may correct on its own, but I would

want him evaluated by a casting doctor, myself. My son has a far more

severe curve, but some progress so quickly that you may be losing

precious time for casting correction.

Jack was prescribed a brace and was supposed to wear it 16 hours a day

by his first orthopaedic evaluation. (It was a brace made from a

plaster mold of him.) The second we saw said he NEVER braces before

two because the bones have not calcified and it causes more rib

deformity (meaning it doesn't stabilize the spine because the bones

are still soft - so it just presses the ribs down further, making the

rib angle even worse). This was confirmed by a second x-ray and now

Jack's RVAD is 45*.

The third doctor was a casting doctor and Miss (Dr.) Mehta - they

confirmed no brace and a cast. It's crucial that if Dylan needs to be

casted that he be first evaluated by a doctor trained by Miss Mehta

(she developed this procedure and has trained maybe six hospitals to

do the proper procedure) and on the proper equipment.

If you let us know where you are, we can help you get in touch with

the physician nearest you. It may just be a wait and see approach

with a curve that small, but since it has progressed so rapidly, you

may be better off just having it taken care of while he's still

growing quickly.

Welcome to the group

Sandi & Jack (13m, 70* right thoracic with a 45* RVAD at diagnosis,

38* in his first cast)

[Guest guest]

We live in Florida. We are currently scheduled to see Dr. Price in Orlando in

October and yesterday morning I sent off an

application to Shriners in Tampa, FL.

Re: New Diagnosis and Lots of Questions

Hi, .

Can I ask what state you live in?

Dylan's RVAD is low enough that it may correct on its own, but I would

want him evaluated by a casting doctor, myself. My son has a far more

severe curve, but some progress so quickly that you may be losing

precious time for casting correction.

Jack was prescribed a brace and was supposed to wear it 16 hours a day

by his first orthopaedic evaluation. (It was a brace made from a

plaster mold of him.) The second we saw said he NEVER braces before

two because the bones have not calcified and it causes more rib

deformity (meaning it doesn't stabilize the spine because the bones

are still soft - so it just presses the ribs down further, making the

rib angle even worse). This was confirmed by a second x-ray and now

Jack's RVAD is 45*.

The third doctor was a casting doctor and Miss (Dr.) Mehta - they

confirmed no brace and a cast. It's crucial that if Dylan needs to be

casted that he be first evaluated by a doctor trained by Miss Mehta

(she developed this procedure and has trained maybe six hospitals to

do the proper procedure) and on the proper equipment.

If you let us know where you are, we can help you get in touch with

the physician nearest you. It may just be a wait and see approach

with a curve that small, but since it has progressed so rapidly, you

may be better off just having it taken care of while he's still

growing quickly.

Welcome to the group

Sandi & Jack (13m, 70* right thoracic with a 45* RVAD at diagnosis,

38* in his first cast)

________________________________________________________________________________\

____

Park yourself in front of a world of choices in alternative vehicles. Visit the

Yahoo! Auto Green Center.

http://autos.yahoo.com/green_center/

[Guest guest]

We live in Florida. We are currently scheduled to see Dr. Price in Orlando in

October and yesterday morning I sent off an

application to Shriners in Tampa, FL.

Re: New Diagnosis and Lots of Questions

Hi, .

Can I ask what state you live in?

Dylan's RVAD is low enough that it may correct on its own, but I would

want him evaluated by a casting doctor, myself. My son has a far more

severe curve, but some progress so quickly that you may be losing

precious time for casting correction.

Jack was prescribed a brace and was supposed to wear it 16 hours a day

by his first orthopaedic evaluation. (It was a brace made from a

plaster mold of him.) The second we saw said he NEVER braces before

two because the bones have not calcified and it causes more rib

deformity (meaning it doesn't stabilize the spine because the bones

are still soft - so it just presses the ribs down further, making the

rib angle even worse). This was confirmed by a second x-ray and now

Jack's RVAD is 45*.

The third doctor was a casting doctor and Miss (Dr.) Mehta - they

confirmed no brace and a cast. It's crucial that if Dylan needs to be

casted that he be first evaluated by a doctor trained by Miss Mehta

(she developed this procedure and has trained maybe six hospitals to

do the proper procedure) and on the proper equipment.

If you let us know where you are, we can help you get in touch with

the physician nearest you. It may just be a wait and see approach

with a curve that small, but since it has progressed so rapidly, you

may be better off just having it taken care of while he's still

growing quickly.

Welcome to the group

Sandi & Jack (13m, 70* right thoracic with a 45* RVAD at diagnosis,

38* in his first cast)

________________________________________________________________________________\

____

Park yourself in front of a world of choices in alternative vehicles. Visit the

Yahoo! Auto Green Center.

http://autos.yahoo.com/green_center/

[Guest guest]

I think the closest Mehta trained doc to Florida would be Dr. Khoury in

Birmingham, AL.

Noelle (12-2-01)

Ian (8-15-04)

Re: New Diagnosis and Lots of Questions

Hi, .

Can I ask what state you live in?

Dylan's RVAD is low enough that it may correct on its own, but I would

want him evaluated by a casting doctor, myself. My son has a far more

severe curve, but some progress so quickly that you may be losing

precious time for casting correction.

Jack was prescribed a brace and was supposed to wear it 16 hours a day

by his first orthopaedic evaluation. (It was a brace made from a

plaster mold of him.) The second we saw said he NEVER braces before

two because the bones have not calcified and it causes more rib

deformity (meaning it doesn't stabilize the spine because the bones

are still soft - so it just presses the ribs down further, making the

rib angle even worse). This was confirmed by a second x-ray and now

Jack's RVAD is 45*.

The third doctor was a casting doctor and Miss (Dr.) Mehta - they

confirmed no brace and a cast. It's crucial that if Dylan needs to be

casted that he be first evaluated by a doctor trained by Miss Mehta

(she developed this procedure and has trained maybe six hospitals to

do the proper procedure) and on the proper equipment.

If you let us know where you are, we can help you get in touch with

the physician nearest you. It may just be a wait and see approach

with a curve that small, but since it has progressed so rapidly, you

may be better off just having it taken care of while he's still

growing quickly.

Welcome to the group

Sandi & Jack (13m, 70* right thoracic with a 45* RVAD at diagnosis,

38* in his first cast)

__________________________________________________________

Park yourself in front of a world of choices in alternative vehicles. Visit

the Yahoo! Auto Green Center.

http://autos.yahoo.com/green_center/

[Guest guest]

I think the closest Mehta trained doc to Florida would be Dr. Khoury in

Birmingham, AL.

Noelle (12-2-01)

Ian (8-15-04)

Re: New Diagnosis and Lots of Questions

Hi, .

Can I ask what state you live in?

Dylan's RVAD is low enough that it may correct on its own, but I would

want him evaluated by a casting doctor, myself. My son has a far more

severe curve, but some progress so quickly that you may be losing

precious time for casting correction.

Jack was prescribed a brace and was supposed to wear it 16 hours a day

by his first orthopaedic evaluation. (It was a brace made from a

plaster mold of him.) The second we saw said he NEVER braces before

two because the bones have not calcified and it causes more rib

deformity (meaning it doesn't stabilize the spine because the bones

are still soft - so it just presses the ribs down further, making the

rib angle even worse). This was confirmed by a second x-ray and now

Jack's RVAD is 45*.

The third doctor was a casting doctor and Miss (Dr.) Mehta - they

confirmed no brace and a cast. It's crucial that if Dylan needs to be

casted that he be first evaluated by a doctor trained by Miss Mehta

(she developed this procedure and has trained maybe six hospitals to

do the proper procedure) and on the proper equipment.

If you let us know where you are, we can help you get in touch with

the physician nearest you. It may just be a wait and see approach

with a curve that small, but since it has progressed so rapidly, you

may be better off just having it taken care of while he's still

growing quickly.

Welcome to the group

Sandi & Jack (13m, 70* right thoracic with a 45* RVAD at diagnosis,

38* in his first cast)

__________________________________________________________

Park yourself in front of a world of choices in alternative vehicles. Visit

the Yahoo! Auto Green Center.

http://autos.yahoo.com/green_center/

[Guest guest]

I think the closest Mehta trained doc to Florida would be Dr. Khoury in

Birmingham, AL.

Noelle (12-2-01)

Ian (8-15-04)

Re: New Diagnosis and Lots of Questions

Hi, .

Can I ask what state you live in?

Dylan's RVAD is low enough that it may correct on its own, but I would

want him evaluated by a casting doctor, myself. My son has a far more

severe curve, but some progress so quickly that you may be losing

precious time for casting correction.

Jack was prescribed a brace and was supposed to wear it 16 hours a day

by his first orthopaedic evaluation. (It was a brace made from a

plaster mold of him.) The second we saw said he NEVER braces before

two because the bones have not calcified and it causes more rib

deformity (meaning it doesn't stabilize the spine because the bones

are still soft - so it just presses the ribs down further, making the

rib angle even worse). This was confirmed by a second x-ray and now

Jack's RVAD is 45*.

The third doctor was a casting doctor and Miss (Dr.) Mehta - they

confirmed no brace and a cast. It's crucial that if Dylan needs to be

casted that he be first evaluated by a doctor trained by Miss Mehta

(she developed this procedure and has trained maybe six hospitals to

do the proper procedure) and on the proper equipment.

If you let us know where you are, we can help you get in touch with

the physician nearest you. It may just be a wait and see approach

with a curve that small, but since it has progressed so rapidly, you

may be better off just having it taken care of while he's still

growing quickly.

Welcome to the group

Sandi & Jack (13m, 70* right thoracic with a 45* RVAD at diagnosis,

38* in his first cast)

__________________________________________________________

Park yourself in front of a world of choices in alternative vehicles. Visit

the Yahoo! Auto Green Center.

http://autos.yahoo.com/green_center/

[Guest guest]

What about Greenville, SC? I think that There is a doctor there that is now

trained. Dr. Stasikelas (sp?)

HTH,

Claflin wrote:

I think the closest Mehta trained doc to Florida would be Dr. Khoury

in Birmingham, AL.

Noelle (12-2-01)

Ian (8-15-04)

Re: New Diagnosis and Lots of Questions

Hi, .

Can I ask what state you live in?

Dylan's RVAD is low enough that it may correct on its own, but I would

want him evaluated by a casting doctor, myself. My son has a far more

severe curve, but some progress so quickly that you may be losing

precious time for casting correction.

Jack was prescribed a brace and was supposed to wear it 16 hours a day

by his first orthopaedic evaluation. (It was a brace made from a

plaster mold of him.) The second we saw said he NEVER braces before

two because the bones have not calcified and it causes more rib

deformity (meaning it doesn't stabilize the spine because the bones

are still soft - so it just presses the ribs down further, making the

rib angle even worse). This was confirmed by a second x-ray and now

Jack's RVAD is 45*.

The third doctor was a casting doctor and Miss (Dr.) Mehta - they

confirmed no brace and a cast. It's crucial that if Dylan needs to be

casted that he be first evaluated by a doctor trained by Miss Mehta

(she developed this procedure and has trained maybe six hospitals to

do the proper procedure) and on the proper equipment.

If you let us know where you are, we can help you get in touch with

the physician nearest you. It may just be a wait and see approach

with a curve that small, but since it has progressed so rapidly, you

may be better off just having it taken care of while he's still

growing quickly.

Welcome to the group

Sandi & Jack (13m, 70* right thoracic with a 45* RVAD at diagnosis,

38* in his first cast)

__________________________________________________________

Park yourself in front of a world of choices in alternative vehicles. Visit the

Yahoo! Auto Green Center.

http://autos.yahoo.com/green_center/

[Guest guest]

What about Greenville, SC? I think that There is a doctor there that is now

trained. Dr. Stasikelas (sp?)

HTH,

Claflin wrote:

I think the closest Mehta trained doc to Florida would be Dr. Khoury

in Birmingham, AL.

Noelle (12-2-01)

Ian (8-15-04)

Re: New Diagnosis and Lots of Questions

Hi, .

Can I ask what state you live in?

Dylan's RVAD is low enough that it may correct on its own, but I would

want him evaluated by a casting doctor, myself. My son has a far more

severe curve, but some progress so quickly that you may be losing

precious time for casting correction.

Jack was prescribed a brace and was supposed to wear it 16 hours a day

by his first orthopaedic evaluation. (It was a brace made from a

plaster mold of him.) The second we saw said he NEVER braces before

two because the bones have not calcified and it causes more rib

deformity (meaning it doesn't stabilize the spine because the bones

are still soft - so it just presses the ribs down further, making the

rib angle even worse). This was confirmed by a second x-ray and now

Jack's RVAD is 45*.

The third doctor was a casting doctor and Miss (Dr.) Mehta - they

confirmed no brace and a cast. It's crucial that if Dylan needs to be

casted that he be first evaluated by a doctor trained by Miss Mehta

(she developed this procedure and has trained maybe six hospitals to

do the proper procedure) and on the proper equipment.

If you let us know where you are, we can help you get in touch with

the physician nearest you. It may just be a wait and see approach

with a curve that small, but since it has progressed so rapidly, you

may be better off just having it taken care of while he's still

growing quickly.

Welcome to the group

Sandi & Jack (13m, 70* right thoracic with a 45* RVAD at diagnosis,

38* in his first cast)

__________________________________________________________

Park yourself in front of a world of choices in alternative vehicles. Visit the

Yahoo! Auto Green Center.

http://autos.yahoo.com/green_center/

[Guest guest]

Do we have a list anywhere on the site of the docs who are Mehta trained?

Noelle (12-2-01)

Ian (8-15-04)

Re: New Diagnosis and Lots of Questions

Hi, .

Can I ask what state you live in?

Dylan's RVAD is low enough that it may correct on its own, but I would

want him evaluated by a casting doctor, myself. My son has a far more

severe curve, but some progress so quickly that you may be losing

precious time for casting correction.

Jack was prescribed a brace and was supposed to wear it 16 hours a day

by his first orthopaedic evaluation. (It was a brace made from a

plaster mold of him.) The second we saw said he NEVER braces before

two because the bones have not calcified and it causes more rib

deformity (meaning it doesn't stabilize the spine because the bones

are still soft - so it just presses the ribs down further, making the

rib angle even worse). This was confirmed by a second x-ray and now

Jack's RVAD is 45*.

The third doctor was a casting doctor and Miss (Dr.) Mehta - they

confirmed no brace and a cast. It's crucial that if Dylan needs to be

casted that he be first evaluated by a doctor trained by Miss Mehta

(she developed this procedure and has trained maybe six hospitals to

do the proper procedure) and on the proper equipment.

If you let us know where you are, we can help you get in touch with

the physician nearest you. It may just be a wait and see approach

with a curve that small, but since it has progressed so rapidly, you

may be better off just having it taken care of while he's still

growing quickly.

Welcome to the group

Sandi & Jack (13m, 70* right thoracic with a 45* RVAD at diagnosis,

38* in his first cast)

__________________________________________________________

Park yourself in front of a world of choices in alternative vehicles. Visit

the Yahoo! Auto Green Center.

http://autos.yahoo.com/green_center/

[Guest guest]

Do we have a list anywhere on the site of the docs who are Mehta trained?

Noelle (12-2-01)

Ian (8-15-04)

Re: New Diagnosis and Lots of Questions

Hi, .

Can I ask what state you live in?

Dylan's RVAD is low enough that it may correct on its own, but I would

want him evaluated by a casting doctor, myself. My son has a far more

severe curve, but some progress so quickly that you may be losing

precious time for casting correction.

Jack was prescribed a brace and was supposed to wear it 16 hours a day

by his first orthopaedic evaluation. (It was a brace made from a

plaster mold of him.) The second we saw said he NEVER braces before

two because the bones have not calcified and it causes more rib

deformity (meaning it doesn't stabilize the spine because the bones

are still soft - so it just presses the ribs down further, making the

rib angle even worse). This was confirmed by a second x-ray and now

Jack's RVAD is 45*.

The third doctor was a casting doctor and Miss (Dr.) Mehta - they

confirmed no brace and a cast. It's crucial that if Dylan needs to be

casted that he be first evaluated by a doctor trained by Miss Mehta

(she developed this procedure and has trained maybe six hospitals to

do the proper procedure) and on the proper equipment.

If you let us know where you are, we can help you get in touch with

the physician nearest you. It may just be a wait and see approach

with a curve that small, but since it has progressed so rapidly, you

may be better off just having it taken care of while he's still

growing quickly.

Welcome to the group

Sandi & Jack (13m, 70* right thoracic with a 45* RVAD at diagnosis,

38* in his first cast)

__________________________________________________________

Park yourself in front of a world of choices in alternative vehicles. Visit

the Yahoo! Auto Green Center.

http://autos.yahoo.com/green_center/

[Guest guest]

I can't find one, either.

I know Erie, Salt Lake, Philly, Birmingham, Rochester NY, and Chicago for

sure, right?

- it is *essential* that it be a Mehta-trained doc, to ensure that

they have the right technique and the proper equipment.

I believe B'ham is closest to you for this.

S

[Guest guest]

I can't find one, either.

I know Erie, Salt Lake, Philly, Birmingham, Rochester NY, and Chicago for

sure, right?

- it is *essential* that it be a Mehta-trained doc, to ensure that

they have the right technique and the proper equipment.

I believe B'ham is closest to you for this.

S

[Guest guest]

---

Hi , I also live in Florida. We live in Naples. We took our

daughter up to Shriners in Chicago...because we have family there.

We saw Dr. Mehta there with also Dr.Sturm. However, this Doctor in

Tampa, St.Pete is not Mehta trained yet, but highly recommended by

Dr. Sturm his name is Dr. Nustavt. So if you just need a

good Dr. in the area...His number is . We haven't seen

him yet because Josie is in a waiting game...her curve is 27 and

Dr.Mehta told us to wait. We go back to Chicago in October. Josie is

4 mos now. Goodluck. Let me know if you have any other questions

concerning the Florida doctors. Reagan and Josie

In infantile_scoliosis , Dolley

wrote:

>

> We live in Florida. We are currently scheduled to see Dr. Price

in Orlando in October and yesterday morning I sent off an

> application to Shriners in Tampa, FL.

>

>

>

> Re: New Diagnosis and Lots of

Questions

>

> Hi, .

> Can I ask what state you live in?

>

> Dylan's RVAD is low enough that it may correct on its own, but I

would

> want him evaluated by a casting doctor, myself. My son has a far

more

> severe curve, but some progress so quickly that you may be losing

> precious time for casting correction.

>

> Jack was prescribed a brace and was supposed to wear it 16 hours a

day

> by his first orthopaedic evaluation. (It was a brace made from a

> plaster mold of him.) The second we saw said he NEVER braces before

> two because the bones have not calcified and it causes more rib

> deformity (meaning it doesn't stabilize the spine because the bones

> are still soft - so it just presses the ribs down further, making

the

> rib angle even worse). This was confirmed by a second x-ray and now

> Jack's RVAD is 45*.

>

> The third doctor was a casting doctor and Miss (Dr.) Mehta - they

> confirmed no brace and a cast. It's crucial that if Dylan needs to

be

> casted that he be first evaluated by a doctor trained by Miss Mehta

> (she developed this procedure and has trained maybe six hospitals to

> do the proper procedure) and on the proper equipment.

>

> If you let us know where you are, we can help you get in touch with

> the physician nearest you. It may just be a wait and see approach

> with a curve that small, but since it has progressed so rapidly, you

> may be better off just having it taken care of while he's still

> growing quickly.

>

> Welcome to the group

> Sandi & Jack (13m, 70* right thoracic with a 45* RVAD at diagnosis,

> 38* in his first cast)

>

>

>

>

>

______________________________________________________________________

______________

> Park yourself in front of a world of choices in alternative

vehicles. Visit the Yahoo! Auto Green Center.

> http://autos.yahoo.com/green_center/

>

>

[Guest guest]

brenda, my caps lock isn't working so please excuse this typing.

basically i called shriners in chicago for an application. i knew

nothing about applying to the nearest one...i don't think that

matters. the nice lady on the phone said that dr.mehta was visiting

and doing a training and i could see her, if i jumped on a plane in a

weeks time. my husband and i couldnt pass that opportunity up. we

saw dr. mehta, dr. sturm and about 5 other doctors...they were all so

nice. you could contact heather..she is the head of this website and

her number is on the main page. anyhow, maybe she can tell you if

dr.mehta will be back over and when. she lives in england. but all

the dr's that she trained are probably very capable and nice. if i

were you i would not wait and get into any of the shriners...as you

know the sooner the better. goodluck and let us know. reagan and

josie

> >

> > We live in Florida. We are currently scheduled to see Dr. Price

> in Orlando in October and yesterday morning I sent off an

> > application to Shriners in Tampa, FL.

> >

> >

> >

> > Re: [infantile_scoliosi s] New Diagnosis and Lots of

> Questions

> >

> > Hi, .

> > Can I ask what state you live in?

> >

> > Dylan's RVAD is low enough that it may correct on its own, but I

> would

> > want him evaluated by a casting doctor, myself. My son has a far

> more

> > severe curve, but some progress so quickly that you may be losing

> > precious time for casting correction.

> >

> > Jack was prescribed a brace and was supposed to wear it 16 hours

a

> day

> > by his first orthopaedic evaluation. (It was a brace made from a

> > plaster mold of him.) The second we saw said he NEVER braces

before

> > two because the bones have not calcified and it causes more rib

> > deformity (meaning it doesn't stabilize the spine because the

bones

> > are still soft - so it just presses the ribs down further, making

> the

> > rib angle even worse). This was confirmed by a second x-ray and

now

> > Jack's RVAD is 45*.

> >

> > The third doctor was a casting doctor and Miss (Dr.) Mehta - they

> > confirmed no brace and a cast. It's crucial that if Dylan needs

to

> be

> > casted that he be first evaluated by a doctor trained by Miss

Mehta

> > (she developed this procedure and has trained maybe six hospitals

to

> > do the proper procedure) and on the proper equipment.

> >

> > If you let us know where you are, we can help you get in touch

with

> > the physician nearest you. It may just be a wait and see approach

> > with a curve that small, but since it has progressed so rapidly,

you

> > may be better off just having it taken care of while he's still

> > growing quickly.

> >

> > Welcome to the group

> > Sandi & Jack (13m, 70* right thoracic with a 45* RVAD at

diagnosis,

> > 38* in his first cast)

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> ____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _

> ____________ __

> > Park yourself in front of a world of choices in alternative

> vehicles. Visit the Yahoo! Auto Green Center.

> > http://autos. yahoo.com/ green_center/

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

--- sorry brenda ...i wrote my response before reading others. sandi

is right ... but as i said too any of the doctors trained by her

would be great! reagan

In infantile_scoliosis , " reagangeschardt "

wrote:

>

>

>

> brenda, my caps lock isn't working so please excuse this typing.

> basically i called shriners in chicago for an application. i knew

> nothing about applying to the nearest one...i don't think that

> matters. the nice lady on the phone said that dr.mehta was

visiting

> and doing a training and i could see her, if i jumped on a plane in

a

> weeks time. my husband and i couldnt pass that opportunity up. we

> saw dr. mehta, dr. sturm and about 5 other doctors...they were all

so

> nice. you could contact heather..she is the head of this website

and

> her number is on the main page. anyhow, maybe she can tell you if

> dr.mehta will be back over and when. she lives in england. but

all

> the dr's that she trained are probably very capable and nice. if i

> were you i would not wait and get into any of the shriners...as you

> know the sooner the better. goodluck and let us know. reagan and

> josie

>

>

>

>

> > >

> > > We live in Florida. We are currently scheduled to see Dr. Price

> > in Orlando in October and yesterday morning I sent off an

> > > application to Shriners in Tampa, FL.

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > Re: [infantile_scoliosi s] New Diagnosis and Lots of

> > Questions

> > >

> > > Hi, .

> > > Can I ask what state you live in?

> > >

> > > Dylan's RVAD is low enough that it may correct on its own, but

I

> > would

> > > want him evaluated by a casting doctor, myself. My son has a

far

> > more

> > > severe curve, but some progress so quickly that you may be

losing

> > > precious time for casting correction.

> > >

> > > Jack was prescribed a brace and was supposed to wear it 16

hours

> a

> > day

> > > by his first orthopaedic evaluation. (It was a brace made from a

> > > plaster mold of him.) The second we saw said he NEVER braces

> before

> > > two because the bones have not calcified and it causes more rib

> > > deformity (meaning it doesn't stabilize the spine because the

> bones

> > > are still soft - so it just presses the ribs down further,

making

> > the

> > > rib angle even worse). This was confirmed by a second x-ray and

> now

> > > Jack's RVAD is 45*.

> > >

> > > The third doctor was a casting doctor and Miss (Dr.) Mehta -

they

> > > confirmed no brace and a cast. It's crucial that if Dylan needs

> to

> > be

> > > casted that he be first evaluated by a doctor trained by Miss

> Mehta

> > > (she developed this procedure and has trained maybe six

hospitals

> to

> > > do the proper procedure) and on the proper equipment.

> > >

> > > If you let us know where you are, we can help you get in touch

> with

> > > the physician nearest you. It may just be a wait and see

approach

> > > with a curve that small, but since it has progressed so

rapidly,

> you

> > > may be better off just having it taken care of while he's still

> > > growing quickly.

> > >

> > > Welcome to the group

> > > Sandi & Jack (13m, 70* right thoracic with a 45* RVAD at

> diagnosis,

> > > 38* in his first cast)

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > ____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _

> > ____________ __

> > > Park yourself in front of a world of choices in alternative

> > vehicles. Visit the Yahoo! Auto Green Center.

> > > http://autos. yahoo.com/ green_center/

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

I saw the posting about Mehta trained physicians in the Shriners

network, and am happy to confirm that Dr. Pete Staskelis (or just Dr.

Pete, as he is affectionately known) in Greenville attended the EPT

and has setup his casting program in SC. We were told our son Jaydon

didn't even have scoliosis, that he was just leaning in that

direction, until last week when his curve jumped from 11 to 35*. We

are going back to see Dr. Pete this week or next, when they can get

him in, and he is going to retake the xrays. If his RVAD has

progressed to 28* from last measurement of 5*, as his last xray

indicated, we will be scheduling casting there in the next two

weeks. I would highly recommend him to anyone in the SE area.

>

> Does Dr. Nustavt do casting? I am calling up to Chicago to see if

we can be seen, but if we can't get up there right away, I might give

this Dr. Nustavt a try.

>

> Thanks,

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I saw the posting about Mehta trained physicians in the Shriners

network, and am happy to confirm that Dr. Pete Staskelis (or just Dr.

Pete, as he is affectionately known) in Greenville attended the EPT

and has setup his casting program in SC. We were told our son Jaydon

didn't even have scoliosis, that he was just leaning in that

direction, until last week when his curve jumped from 11 to 35*. We

are going back to see Dr. Pete this week or next, when they can get

him in, and he is going to retake the xrays. If his RVAD has

progressed to 28* from last measurement of 5*, as his last xray

indicated, we will be scheduling casting there in the next two

weeks. I would highly recommend him to anyone in the SE area.

>

> Does Dr. Nustavt do casting? I am calling up to Chicago to see if

we can be seen, but if we can't get up there right away, I might give

this Dr. Nustavt a try.

>

> Thanks,

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I saw the posting about Mehta trained physicians in the Shriners

network, and am happy to confirm that Dr. Pete Staskelis (or just Dr.

Pete, as he is affectionately known) in Greenville attended the EPT

and has setup his casting program in SC. We were told our son Jaydon

didn't even have scoliosis, that he was just leaning in that

direction, until last week when his curve jumped from 11 to 35*. We

are going back to see Dr. Pete this week or next, when they can get

him in, and he is going to retake the xrays. If his RVAD has

progressed to 28* from last measurement of 5*, as his last xray

indicated, we will be scheduling casting there in the next two

weeks. I would highly recommend him to anyone in the SE area.

>

> Does Dr. Nustavt do casting? I am calling up to Chicago to see if

we can be seen, but if we can't get up there right away, I might give

this Dr. Nustavt a try.

>

> Thanks,

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Max has been casted by Dr. Sturm for 13 months at Shriners Chicago.

The quickest way to get a response would be to ask to speak with

Cree, Dr. Sturm's nurse.

Dr. Sturm is cheif of staff and reviews all the applicants. If he

feels Shriners Chicago can meet the needs of your child they'll let

you know. But I do suggest tryigng to get a hold of .

I'm sure other parents can chime in to other contact peopel at the

other Shriner Hosptials that do the castings by Miss Mehta to help

expedite your process.

My biggest regret was waitign too long to get Max in a cast. His

curve rapidly progress (double 3 months in a brace worn 20

hours/day).

Good Luck and keep us posted.

Aekta

> >

> > We live in Florida. We are currently scheduled to see Dr. Price

> in Orlando in October and yesterday morning I sent off an

> > application to Shriners in Tampa, FL.

> >

> >

> >

> > Re: [infantile_scoliosi s] New Diagnosis and Lots of

> Questions

> >

> > Hi, .

> > Can I ask what state you live in?

> >

> > Dylan's RVAD is low enough that it may correct on its own, but I

> would

> > want him evaluated by a casting doctor, myself. My son has a far

> more

> > severe curve, but some progress so quickly that you may be losing

> > precious time for casting correction.

> >

> > Jack was prescribed a brace and was supposed to wear it 16 hours

a

> day

> > by his first orthopaedic evaluation. (It was a brace made from a

> > plaster mold of him.) The second we saw said he NEVER braces

before

> > two because the bones have not calcified and it causes more rib

> > deformity (meaning it doesn't stabilize the spine because the

bones

> > are still soft - so it just presses the ribs down further,

making

> the

> > rib angle even worse). This was confirmed by a second x-ray and

now

> > Jack's RVAD is 45*.

> >

> > The third doctor was a casting doctor and Miss (Dr.) Mehta - they

> > confirmed no brace and a cast. It's crucial that if Dylan needs

to

> be

> > casted that he be first evaluated by a doctor trained by Miss

Mehta

> > (she developed this procedure and has trained maybe six

hospitals to

> > do the proper procedure) and on the proper equipment.

> >

> > If you let us know where you are, we can help you get in touch

with

> > the physician nearest you. It may just be a wait and see approach

> > with a curve that small, but since it has progressed so rapidly,

you

> > may be better off just having it taken care of while he's still

> > growing quickly.

> >

> > Welcome to the group

> > Sandi & Jack (13m, 70* right thoracic with a 45* RVAD at

diagnosis,

> > 38* in his first cast)

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> ____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _

> ____________ __

> > Park yourself in front of a world of choices in alternative

> vehicles. Visit the Yahoo! Auto Green Center.

> > http://autos. yahoo.com/ green_center/

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Max has been casted by Dr. Sturm for 13 months at Shriners Chicago.

The quickest way to get a response would be to ask to speak with

Cree, Dr. Sturm's nurse.

Dr. Sturm is cheif of staff and reviews all the applicants. If he

feels Shriners Chicago can meet the needs of your child they'll let

you know. But I do suggest tryigng to get a hold of .

I'm sure other parents can chime in to other contact peopel at the

other Shriner Hosptials that do the castings by Miss Mehta to help

expedite your process.

My biggest regret was waitign too long to get Max in a cast. His

curve rapidly progress (double 3 months in a brace worn 20

hours/day).

Good Luck and keep us posted.

Aekta

> >

> > We live in Florida. We are currently scheduled to see Dr. Price

> in Orlando in October and yesterday morning I sent off an

> > application to Shriners in Tampa, FL.

> >

> >

> >

> > Re: [infantile_scoliosi s] New Diagnosis and Lots of

> Questions

> >

> > Hi, .

> > Can I ask what state you live in?

> >

> > Dylan's RVAD is low enough that it may correct on its own, but I

> would

> > want him evaluated by a casting doctor, myself. My son has a far

> more

> > severe curve, but some progress so quickly that you may be losing

> > precious time for casting correction.

> >

> > Jack was prescribed a brace and was supposed to wear it 16 hours

a

> day

> > by his first orthopaedic evaluation. (It was a brace made from a

> > plaster mold of him.) The second we saw said he NEVER braces

before

> > two because the bones have not calcified and it causes more rib

> > deformity (meaning it doesn't stabilize the spine because the

bones

> > are still soft - so it just presses the ribs down further,

making

> the

> > rib angle even worse). This was confirmed by a second x-ray and

now

> > Jack's RVAD is 45*.

> >

> > The third doctor was a casting doctor and Miss (Dr.) Mehta - they

> > confirmed no brace and a cast. It's crucial that if Dylan needs

to

> be

> > casted that he be first evaluated by a doctor trained by Miss

Mehta

> > (she developed this procedure and has trained maybe six

hospitals to

> > do the proper procedure) and on the proper equipment.

> >

> > If you let us know where you are, we can help you get in touch

with

> > the physician nearest you. It may just be a wait and see approach

> > with a curve that small, but since it has progressed so rapidly,

you

> > may be better off just having it taken care of while he's still

> > growing quickly.

> >

> > Welcome to the group

> > Sandi & Jack (13m, 70* right thoracic with a 45* RVAD at

diagnosis,

> > 38* in his first cast)

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> ____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _

> ____________ __

> > Park yourself in front of a world of choices in alternative

> vehicles. Visit the Yahoo! Auto Green Center.

> > http://autos. yahoo.com/ green_center/

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the info, Sandi. You said that you have to make appts.

months ahead of time for the OR. So, how does that work if he goes

up there and needed a cast right away?

>

> ,

> We are under treatment in Chicago as well, and we live in Southern

> Illinois. We had his first cast applied in early August and will

> return in two weeks for a follow-up check. This appointment should

be

> a fairly quick one - just to check on his progress. His cast will

be

> removed then a new one will be applied the following day some time

in

> November. Dr. Sturm says 12 weeks is the average, but since they do

> the casting in the operating room under anesthesia, they have to

> schedule the OR months ahead of time. It fills up so quickly (the

> schedule). They projected that Jack will need to be casted for a

> year, so we are assuming we'll have another 11 visits (half of which

> are follow-ups to casting). Plus, whatever happens beyond that -

> bracing or what have you - beyond two years old. Again, it's very

> much up in the air and we won't know each step until we come to it,

> really, but we know we'll be going up to Chicago, on average, once a

> month.

>

> Luckily for us it's just a four hour drive, so one overnight for

> check-ups and a couple overnights for castings. However, I know

there

> are several agencies that help with flights for medical

appointments -

> Angel Flights, Miracle Flights, and a program through Northwest, I

> believe. www.infantilescoliosis.org has some info there. Another

> option, with repeat trips, may be Birmingham for you - but flight

time

> and drive time may be the same between Chicago and Birmingham, and I

> think you metioned having family in Chicago.

>

> This is Dr. Sturm's contact info, from the scoliosis.org forums

(where

> I found it initially).

> F. Sturm, MD

>

> Shriner's Hospital

>

>

>

> 2211 N. Oak Park Ave

>

> Chicago IL 60707-3392

>

> Adolescent, Juvenile/Infantile

>

> http://www.shrinershq.org/Hospitals/Chicago/

>

>

> As the others explained, there is a difference between the

positioning

> and the manipulation, from what I understand. The Mehta method

> involves correcting the rotation of the spine and the curve of the

> spine, as well as allows for lung expansion and correction of the

> hollowing from the rib movement. These are key because Jack was

> braced in a rigid under the arm brace made from a plaster mold and

it

> caused his ribs to be compressed and deformed. This is likely what

a

> Risser cast would have done as well. Another important note to make

> is that Miss (dr) Mehta devoted her entire orthopaedic career to

> nonsurgical methods of treatment with early intervention. She knows

> her stuff. It was a blessing to meet her in Chicago and we are

> honored that she was able to evaluated and take part in what

> we believe will be a cure.

>

> I hope that helps a bit

>

> Sandi

>