Re: Mehta casting....yes!!

[Guest guest]

Hi there,

I guess the one thing I'm very worried about is bathing (or lack there of) Peyton with cast on. How do you keep your little clean if he can't go into a bathtub? I'm assuming a sponge bath???? When they take the cast of, do they bath him a bit in the hospital?

Lynn

From: Lynn Marsden <lynn_marsden@ yahoo.com>Subject: [infantile_scoliosi s] Mehta casting....yes! !To: infantile_scoliosis @yahoogroups. comDate: Thursday, June 4, 2009, 10:58 AM

Hi all

After an agonizing week I finally got an answer from the hospital where Peyton is to have his casting done. All of you on here stressed the importance of the Mehta casting technique and it turns out my Dr. is trained in this and this is what he is using. I am from Canada so I was not sure whether or not our Dr.'s were trained but to my relief he is!!! Thank you to all of you who informed me of this technique. 4 days until first cast .......YIKES! !!!

Lynn

Mommy of Peyton

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[Guest guest]

Hi Lynn,What hospital are you going to? The procedure depends on the facility. We go to SLC and they cut the cast off the day before. Other facilities cut it off a week before and some cut and change while the child is under anesthesia.We wash our child's hair in the kitchen sink, we have her lie down on her back on the counter and hang her head over the sink. We also use a plastic bag with head/arm cutouts just to reduce any chance of getting the cast wet. It helps if you have another person. We also sponge bath, but the casts can get smelly sometimes.Liz

From: Lynn Marsden <lynn_marsden@ yahoo.com>Subject: [infantile_scoliosi s] Mehta casting....yes! !To: infantile_scoliosis @yahoogroups. comDate: Thursday, June 4, 2009, 10:58 AM

Hi all

After an agonizing week I finally got an answer from the hospital where Peyton is to have his casting done. All of you on here stressed the importance of the Mehta casting technique and it turns out my Dr. is trained in this and this is what he is using. I am from Canada so I was not sure whether or not our Dr.'s were trained but to my relief he is!!! Thank you to all of you who informed me of this technique. 4 days until first cast .......YIKES! !!!

Lynn

Mommy of Peyton

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[Guest guest]

Hi Lynn,You say you are in Canada, are you being treated in a Canadian hospital? I didn't know there was a Mehta trained doctor in Canada. There was a Canadian gentleman whose son was being 'casted' in Canada, but he started coming to SLC after less than great success in a few casts. He is no longer active on this group.Does the doctor have the 3-dimensional frame/table for EDF? This is a very important component of Mehta's method, as well as the proper cut-outs.Have you spoken to Hyatt about this doctor? Perhaps he is trained, but just not on our list? I don't mean to alarm you, I just don't want you to waste valuable time in a cast that you might not see correction in. Time is a critical element in this journey. I know you are overwhelmed at this point, but I would want someone to bring this up if it were

Me.LizSubject: Mehta casting....yes!!To: infantile_scoliosis Date: Thursday, June 4, 2009, 10:58 AM

Hi all

After an agonizing week I finally got an answer from the hospital where Peyton is to have his casting done. All of you on here stressed the importance of the Mehta casting technique and it turns out my Dr. is trained in this and this is what he is using. I am from Canada so I was not sure whether or not our Dr.'s were trained but to my relief he is!!! Thank you to all of you who informed me of this technique. 4 days until first cast .......YIKES! !!!

Lynn

Mommy of Peyton

[Guest guest]

Hi Lynn,

Take heart in knowing that what we hear across the boards is that the kids are incredibly resilient. Much more so than us adults!

The first casting day can be emotional, especially for the parents. Our experience was that the hardest part was when our little boy woke up from anesthesia in the cast, and was crying and looking at us like "what did you just do to me?". I think that was the hardest moment of all.

Within 4-5 hours he was walking in the cast, then running and playing in the playroom of the hospital. We did use distractions until then, like his favorite books, toys, and videos and a portable DVD player, if you allow that. That helped a lot. Also, when we were allowed to give food, we gave him treats, like vanilla pudding from the hospital, along with milk and other healthy stuff. At first I think he was sore- maybe sore muscles from the casting. Infant tylenol helped, and later infant motrin, both made a huge difference. A favorite blanket couldn't hurt.

The next day he needed no pain medication at all. He did need an adjustment on the cast the first day, it was too tight by his tailbone. The nurse noticed and then the doc's assistant adjusted it with big, rounded pliers. It helped a lot, but my baby was not pleased while it was being adjusted, it was just a minute or 2 of crying.

I recommend bibs that are water resistant, like Bumpkins from Babies R Us, and Calendula cream by Weleda Baby for any skin irritation near the cast bottom edge. It's available at target or target.com.

For me, the first couple of weeks were hard, our baby got stuck on his back and tummy at first, so it was more "hands on" and that made me emotional to see. He loved to pick up leaves, and that was harder for a while, to get down on his knees and back up again.

Now he's FULLY MOBILE, believe me! It gets better every day, and it's SO worth everything, to know we are doing the BEST thing for our child and for his future.

Diapering- for a boy, we use huggies with a generic Poise pad stuck inside it, like a feminine pad for extra protection. During the day we put pull-ups over the diaper, at night we use Kushies water-resistant training pants from walmart.com over the diaper and poise pad. Sometimes we even stick 2 pantyliners, stuck back to back under the front of the cast, for insurance. The Kushies we end under the cast, that seems to sort of "seal off" pee leaks at night. Thanks for the Kushie idea, Darrell!

If that all sounds crazy, it's because we had a lot of leakage problems before we got the system down! We learned the hard way. Thanks also to Tasha! Wow, this is like the Academy Awards of cast diapering... ; )

We wash his hair by laying him on soft towels on the kitchen sink counter and lean his head over the sink, with a rolled up towel to support his neck. It's his "spa". We like Burt's Bees baby wash, and cover him with a bib and an extra towel to avoid splashes.

Bathtime- we just put a soft towel on the bed and do a sponge bath with Burts's Bees and a litlle water. He loves it.

If you get leaks- pull the sweater out as best you can and wash it without getting the cast wet, we use Cetaphil body wash and Burts Bees mixed together, rinse as best you can, wring and towel dry, than blow dry it without (hopefully) burning the baby's skin. You can use a towel to protect their legs and/or or use a cool setting. That part is stressful, but just do your best.

They never end up smelling as bad as you worry they will, if you just do the basics, I promise! I had a lot of fears about this and you really had to get your nose right up against his waist to even notice it, even after multiple leaks in our first cast. The 2nd one is going MUCH better! ; )

Sorry this was so long. Hope it helps!Heidi, Bexon's Mama, (23 months old, in 2nd cast from Salt Lake City Shriners, currently down from 61 degrees to 29)

From: Lynn Marsden <lynn_marsden@ yahoo.com>Subject: [infantile_scoliosi s] Mehta casting....yes! !To: infantile_scoliosis @yahoogroups. comDate: Thursday, June 4, 2009, 10:58 AM

Hi all

After an agonizing week I finally got an answer from the hospital where Peyton is to have his casting done. All of you on here stressed the importance of the Mehta casting technique and it turns out my Dr. is trained in this and this is what he is using. I am from Canada so I was not sure whether or not our Dr.'s were trained but to my relief he is!!! Thank you to all of you who informed me of this technique. 4 days until first cast .......YIKES! !!!

Lynn

Mommy of Peyton

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[Guest guest]

I agree with everything Liz has said about this. Great points, Liz.Heidi, Bexon's Mama, (23 months old, in 2nd cast from Salt Lake City Shriners, currently down from 61 degrees to 29)

From: Lynn Marsden <lynn_marsden@ yahoo.com>Subject: [infantile_scoliosi s] Mehta casting....yes! !To: infantile_scoliosis @yahoogroups. comDate: Thursday, June 4, 2009, 10:58 AM

Hi all

After an agonizing week I finally got an answer from the hospital where Peyton is to have his casting done. All of you on here stressed the importance of the Mehta casting technique and it turns out my Dr. is trained in this and this is what he is using. I am from Canada so I was not sure whether or not our Dr.'s were trained but to my relief he is!!! Thank you to all of you who informed me of this technique. 4 days until first cast .......YIKES! !!!

Lynn

Mommy of Peyton

[Guest guest]

Lynn,

I know this is a tough time, but please take everything that Liz has brought up, to heart. She has made some great points. There are MD's that say that they "cast" and yes, follow the "principles" behind the Mehta method...but they do not have the appropriate casting table. I ran into 2 doctors that said that they were "familiar" with the Mehta Method, and that they would cast my son, but they did not have the equipment...especially a Pediatric casting table. I would also encourage you to ask, "how many successful castings have you performed?" When I asked the MD that he said, "I have done a handful." We did not go with this doctor. Then I found the information about the Doctors in the Databse.

As I mentioned in an earlier email IF there was a doctor in Canada that was trained and had the equipment, I think Hyatt would know about it. Liz also mentioned a fellow CAST member that now takes his son to Salt Lake City Shriners Hospital in Utah for casting because of an experience in Canada. I would strongly encourage you to speak to about this situation. We have all been in the same boat. We have to look out for each other and as Liz mentioned, we don't want any family to lose valuable time with ineffective casting. Please keep us informed with what is going on. Hang in.~KristaJack's Mom, Jack is 22 months old in his 3rd cast from Shriners Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah

From: Lynn Marsden <lynn_marsden@ yahoo.com>Subject: [infantile_scoliosi s] Mehta casting....yes! !To: infantile_scoliosis @yahoogroups. comDate: Thursday, June 4, 2009, 10:58 AM

Hi all

After an agonizing week I finally got an answer from the hospital where Peyton is to have his casting done. All of you on here stressed the importance of the Mehta casting technique and it turns out my Dr. is trained in this and this is what he is using. I am from Canada so I was not sure whether or not our Dr.'s were trained but to my relief he is!!! Thank you to all of you who informed me of this technique. 4 days until first cast .......YIKES! !!!

Lynn

Mommy of Peyton

[Guest guest]

Thanks so much, soooo helpful!!!

From: Lynn Marsden <lynn_marsden@ yahoo.com>Subject: [infantile_scoliosi s] Mehta casting....yes! !To: infantile_scoliosis @yahoogroups. comDate: Thursday, June 4, 2009, 10:58 AM

Hi all

After an agonizing week I finally got an answer from the hospital where Peyton is to have his casting done. All of you on here stressed the importance of the Mehta casting technique and it turns out my Dr. is trained in this and this is what he is using. I am from Canada so I was not sure whether or not our Dr.'s were trained but to my relief he is!!! Thank you to all of you who informed me of this technique. 4 days until first cast .......YIKES! !!!

Lynn

Mommy of Peyton

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[Guest guest]

Hi Liz

Thanks I am totally going to check to make sure!!

From: Lynn Marsden <lynn_marsden@ yahoo.com>Subject: [infantile_scoliosi s] Mehta casting....yes! !To: infantile_scoliosis @yahoogroups. comDate: Thursday, June 4, 2009, 10:58 AM

Hi all

After an agonizing week I finally got an answer from the hospital where Peyton is to have his casting done. All of you on here stressed the importance of the Mehta casting technique and it turns out my Dr. is trained in this and this is what he is using. I am from Canada so I was not sure whether or not our Dr.'s were trained but to my relief he is!!! Thank you to all of you who informed me of this technique. 4 days until first cast .......YIKES! !!!

Lynn

Mommy of Peyton

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[Guest guest]

LynnI did not know if I should respond but since others with much more experience did I thought it would be ok. My daughter has her first appt later this month so as I said I am not that experienced. I too am new to all this. But with that said when I read your email I wondered to myself if your Dr actually was 100 percent Mehta trained. Including the pediatric casting table which seems to be key. I would contact I'm sure she can find out if she doesn't already know. We have all been in this stage of not knowing and it is a scary time for you and your family. I think the more info on your Dr you can get the better you will feel. Like others have stated we are not trying to discourage you but are trying to prevent you from something that might not be as it seems(hopefully we are wrong and you are correct).I wish you and your little one all the best and keep us updated.Many Blessings,Amy JMom to Allie(3) first appt scheduled at Shiners GreenvilleAnd toAshlynn and AlyssaSent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerryFrom: Krista Sloan Date: Thu, 04 Jun 2009 21:18:59 -0700 (PDT)To: <infantile_scoliosis >Subject: Re: Mehta casting....yes!! Lynn,I know this is a tough time, but please take everything that Liz has brought up, to heart. She has made some great points. There are MD's that say that they "cast" and yes, follow the "principles" behind the Mehta method...but they do not have the appropriate casting table. I ran into 2 doctors that said that they were "familiar" with the Mehta Method, and that they would cast my son, but they did not have the equipment...especially a Pediatric casting table. I would also encourage you to ask, "how many successful castings have you performed?" When I asked the MD that he said, "I have done a handful." We did not go with this doctor. Then I found the information about the Doctors in the Databse. As I mentioned in an earlier email IF there was a doctor in Canada that was trained and had the equipment, I think Hyatt would know about it. Liz also mentioned a fellow CAST member that now takes his son to Salt Lake City Shriners Hospital in Utah for casting because of an experience in Canada. I would strongly encourage you to speak to about this situation. We have all been in the same boat. We have to look out for each other and as Liz mentioned, we don't want any family to lose valuable time with ineffective casting. Please keep us informed with what is going on. Hang in.~KristaJack's Mom, Jack is 22 months old in his 3rd cast from Shriners Hospital in Salt Lake City, UtahFrom: Lynn Marsden <lynn_marsden@ yahoo.com>Subject: [infantile_scoliosi s] Mehta casting....yes! !To: infantile_scoliosis @yahoogroups. comDate: Thursday, June 4, 2009, 10:58 AMHi allAfter an agonizing week I finally got an answer from the hospital where Peyton is to have his casting done. All of you on here stressed the importance of the Mehta casting technique and it turns out my Dr. is trained in this and this is what he is using. I am from Canada so I was not sure whether or not our Dr.'s were trained but to my relief he is!!! Thank you to all of you who informed me of this technique. 4 days until first cast .......YIKES! !!!LynnMommy of Peyton