Re: today

[Guest guest]

Well the nurse usually made soup out of it getting it off, but at home we were

able to make a tidy cut that allowed us to keep the cast.

s.

Re: today

> >

> >

> >

> > They used the saw on anyone and everyone it seems. Apparently it

>only

> > vibrates and she put it on her hand to prove this.

> > r.

[Guest guest]

The way we would knead the legs as they soaked would soften up the plaster, but

the plaster would not turn in to " mush " as it was prior to being applied in the

first place. It held the shape plenty good for hour or so until it was removed

and replaced.

s.

Re: today

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > They used the saw on anyone and everyone it seems. Apparently it

> >only

> > > vibrates and she put it on her hand to prove this.

> > > r.

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

The way we would knead the legs as they soaked would soften up the plaster, but

the plaster would not turn in to " mush " as it was prior to being applied in the

first place. It held the shape plenty good for hour or so until it was removed

and replaced.

s.

Re: today

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > They used the saw on anyone and everyone it seems. Apparently it

> >only

> > > vibrates and she put it on her hand to prove this.

> > > r.

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

The way we would knead the legs as they soaked would soften up the plaster, but

the plaster would not turn in to " mush " as it was prior to being applied in the

first place. It held the shape plenty good for hour or so until it was removed

and replaced.

s.

Re: today

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > They used the saw on anyone and everyone it seems. Apparently it

> >only

> > > vibrates and she put it on her hand to prove this.

> > > r.

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I notice the blood stain has faded a great deal in the past months. I took out

the batting and just saved the shell.

s.

Re: today

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > They used the saw on anyone and everyone it seems. Apparently it

> >only

> > > vibrates and she put it on her hand to prove this.

> > > r.

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I notice the blood stain has faded a great deal in the past months. I took out

the batting and just saved the shell.

s.

Re: today

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > They used the saw on anyone and everyone it seems. Apparently it

> >only

> > > vibrates and she put it on her hand to prove this.

> > > r.

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I notice the blood stain has faded a great deal in the past months. I took out

the batting and just saved the shell.

s.

Re: today

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > They used the saw on anyone and everyone it seems. Apparently it

> >only

> > > vibrates and she put it on her hand to prove this.

> > > r.

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

It’s funny you said that, we wanted to take the cast home but we felt weird

asking for it but we couldn’t anyway because the cast was so thick that by

the time they were done taking it off it was completely destroyed. I am

hoping this one which is a little less thick will come off in one piece and

we can take it home.

Dr. Herzenberg cannot believe how strong Christian is. He said a lot of the

babies don’t put up as much of a fight as he does….lol.

Mommy to 12/17/98

and Christian 1/30/04

_____

From: Consider

Sent: Saturday, August 28, 2004 3:45 PM

To: nosurgery4clubfoot

Subject: Re: Re: today

Kori,

I just reread your message and noticed that you said sawing as opposed to

soaking allows you to take the cast home with you. I find that interesting

since our experience was completely opposite. Every cast that Livie ever

had sawed was completely destroyed in trying to lever it off her leg. All

the ones that were soaked came off pretty much in one piece.

Interesting!

Jen & Livie (10-81-01 severe left clubfoot)

Re: today

> >

> >

> >

> > They used the saw on anyone and everyone it seems. Apparently it

>only

> > vibrates and she put it on her hand to prove this.

> > r.

[Guest guest]

It’s funny you said that, we wanted to take the cast home but we felt weird

asking for it but we couldn’t anyway because the cast was so thick that by

the time they were done taking it off it was completely destroyed. I am

hoping this one which is a little less thick will come off in one piece and

we can take it home.

Dr. Herzenberg cannot believe how strong Christian is. He said a lot of the

babies don’t put up as much of a fight as he does….lol.

Mommy to 12/17/98

and Christian 1/30/04

_____

From: Consider

Sent: Saturday, August 28, 2004 3:45 PM

To: nosurgery4clubfoot

Subject: Re: Re: today

Kori,

I just reread your message and noticed that you said sawing as opposed to

soaking allows you to take the cast home with you. I find that interesting

since our experience was completely opposite. Every cast that Livie ever

had sawed was completely destroyed in trying to lever it off her leg. All

the ones that were soaked came off pretty much in one piece.

Interesting!

Jen & Livie (10-81-01 severe left clubfoot)

Re: today

> >

> >

> >

> > They used the saw on anyone and everyone it seems. Apparently it

>only

> > vibrates and she put it on her hand to prove this.

> > r.

[Guest guest]

It’s funny you said that, we wanted to take the cast home but we felt weird

asking for it but we couldn’t anyway because the cast was so thick that by

the time they were done taking it off it was completely destroyed. I am

hoping this one which is a little less thick will come off in one piece and

we can take it home.

Dr. Herzenberg cannot believe how strong Christian is. He said a lot of the

babies don’t put up as much of a fight as he does….lol.

Mommy to 12/17/98

and Christian 1/30/04

_____

From: Consider

Sent: Saturday, August 28, 2004 3:45 PM

To: nosurgery4clubfoot

Subject: Re: Re: today

Kori,

I just reread your message and noticed that you said sawing as opposed to

soaking allows you to take the cast home with you. I find that interesting

since our experience was completely opposite. Every cast that Livie ever

had sawed was completely destroyed in trying to lever it off her leg. All

the ones that were soaked came off pretty much in one piece.

Interesting!

Jen & Livie (10-81-01 severe left clubfoot)

Re: today

> >

> >

> >

> > They used the saw on anyone and everyone it seems. Apparently it

>only

> > vibrates and she put it on her hand to prove this.

> > r.

[Guest guest]

No reason to feel sorry! Everyone's talking about saving casts. I

wish I would have saved a cast. At the time I was tired of all that

plaster here and there and I thought, well I have pictures. Oh well,

if that's the only thing I end up regretting about this process it'll

be okay!

Pam and (8-12-01)

> > > We will be there again tomorrow. Just thought I would find out

if

> > anyone

> > > else was going this week too.

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > Mommy to 12/17/98

> > >

> > > and Christian 1/30/04

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

If it's proving to be such a traumatic experience for both your baby

and yourself - I would highly recommend soaking, even if you're doc

prefers sawing, it's no big deal to soak it yourself (the same day

of the appointment - not the night before). When soaking Zach's, we

had the perfect plastic container (I think it held some old toys or

something) that we added warm water, and a little bit of vinegar

(this helps break down the plaster more quickly) - his leg fit in

nicely while we held him (usually sleeping or feeding) on our lap.

On our way to Dr. Ponseti's office, we would keep a warm wash cloth

on the cast to keep it damp. Once at the office, the nurse there

used a simple tool to cut down the middle of the cast and would

literally pull it apart in a matter of seconds. Not one tear was

shed during this process...

Holly

Zachary 7/27/02

Right C/F

DBB Nights Only

Baby Boy Due: 1/8

> > > When we started treatment with the non-Ponseti doctor, they

also

> >used the saw to remove infant casts. It was terrible and on two

> >occasion my son suffered a saw-burn on his skin where the blade

was

> >pushed through too deep.

> > >

> > > If these are plaster casts you probably know you could soak

them at

> >home prior to the visit so they would come off rather easily at

the

> >dr.'s office. Just a suggestion if the saw frightens your baby

too

> >much.

> > > s.

> > >

> > > Re: today

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > They used the saw on anyone and everyone it seems. Apparently

it

> >only

> > > vibrates and she put it on her hand to prove this.

> > > r.

[Guest guest]

If it's proving to be such a traumatic experience for both your baby

and yourself - I would highly recommend soaking, even if you're doc

prefers sawing, it's no big deal to soak it yourself (the same day

of the appointment - not the night before). When soaking Zach's, we

had the perfect plastic container (I think it held some old toys or

something) that we added warm water, and a little bit of vinegar

(this helps break down the plaster more quickly) - his leg fit in

nicely while we held him (usually sleeping or feeding) on our lap.

On our way to Dr. Ponseti's office, we would keep a warm wash cloth

on the cast to keep it damp. Once at the office, the nurse there

used a simple tool to cut down the middle of the cast and would

literally pull it apart in a matter of seconds. Not one tear was

shed during this process...

Holly

Zachary 7/27/02

Right C/F

DBB Nights Only

Baby Boy Due: 1/8

> > > When we started treatment with the non-Ponseti doctor, they

also

> >used the saw to remove infant casts. It was terrible and on two

> >occasion my son suffered a saw-burn on his skin where the blade

was

> >pushed through too deep.

> > >

> > > If these are plaster casts you probably know you could soak

them at

> >home prior to the visit so they would come off rather easily at

the

> >dr.'s office. Just a suggestion if the saw frightens your baby

too

> >much.

> > > s.

> > >

> > > Re: today

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > They used the saw on anyone and everyone it seems. Apparently

it

> >only

> > > vibrates and she put it on her hand to prove this.

> > > r.

[Guest guest]

How long does it take to soak them? I remember hearing here last year

sometime about it taking a couple of hours. If it only takes a half an

hour that's not so bad though. I was always under the impression it took

hours. There was a fairly comprehensive discussion last summer (I think)

about the different ways to soak them off and how long it took. The way

you describe it though, doesn't sound nearly as bad!

It is true though, for us the sawing wasn't a big deal and she only had the

once incidence of abrasion. Actually now that I think about it, one or two

of her casts didn't come off as easy, and while they weren't destroyed,

they weren't in as good of shape as the ones that came off easier. If I

had to do it all over again, I'd still go with the saw. I could hardly get

myself out of the door for the 8:00am casting appointments after my 3rd

section with two older children when I couldn't drive because of pain

meds... no thank you... or rather thank you for sawing them off for me :~}

Kori

At 05:20 PM 8/28/2004, you wrote:

>If it's proving to be such a traumatic experience for both your baby

>and yourself - I would highly recommend soaking, even if you're doc

>prefers sawing, it's no big deal to soak it yourself (the same day

>of the appointment - not the night before). When soaking Zach's, we

>had the perfect plastic container (I think it held some old toys or

>something) that we added warm water, and a little bit of vinegar

>(this helps break down the plaster more quickly) - his leg fit in

>nicely while we held him (usually sleeping or feeding) on our lap.

>On our way to Dr. Ponseti's office, we would keep a warm wash cloth

>on the cast to keep it damp. Once at the office, the nurse there

>used a simple tool to cut down the middle of the cast and would

>literally pull it apart in a matter of seconds. Not one tear was

>shed during this process...

>

>Holly

>Zachary 7/27/02

>Right C/F

>DBB Nights Only

>Baby Boy Due: 1/8

>

>

> > > > When we started treatment with the non-Ponseti doctor, they

>also

> > >used the saw to remove infant casts. It was terrible and on two

> > >occasion my son suffered a saw-burn on his skin where the blade

>was

> > >pushed through too deep.

> > > >

> > > > If these are plaster casts you probably know you could soak

>them at

> > >home prior to the visit so they would come off rather easily at

>the

> > >dr.'s office. Just a suggestion if the saw frightens your baby

>too

> > >much.

> > > > s.

> > > >

> > > > Re: today

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > They used the saw on anyone and everyone it seems. Apparently

>it

> > >only

> > > > vibrates and she put it on her hand to prove this.

> > > > r.

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

For us it took about 30-40 minutes to soak the cast - at least

that's my memory of it. The washcloth was probably on after the

soaking for another 15-20 minutes on the way there, and waiting for

our appointment.

Holly

I say go with whatever works for you!

> > > > > When we started treatment with the non-Ponseti doctor, they

> >also

> > > >used the saw to remove infant casts. It was terrible and on

two

> > > >occasion my son suffered a saw-burn on his skin where the

blade

> >was

> > > >pushed through too deep.

> > > > >

> > > > > If these are plaster casts you probably know you could soak

> >them at

> > > >home prior to the visit so they would come off rather easily

at

> >the

> > > >dr.'s office. Just a suggestion if the saw frightens your

baby

> >too

> > > >much.

> > > > > s.

> > > > >

> > > > > Re: today

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > They used the saw on anyone and everyone it seems.

Apparently

> >it

> > > >only

> > > > > vibrates and she put it on her hand to prove this.

> > > > > r.

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Oh yes, is terrified of the cast saw!!! The first cast Dr H

applied was plaster and so it had to be sawed off. It was

HORRIBLE!! She was shaking and screaming and trying desparately to

climb up my chest during the whole thing and then kept screaming

when the new cast was applied. However, the 2nd cast they put on,

he used the semi-rigid casting material that peels off like duct

tape. He was visibly not thrilled with the idea of using it but the

casting tech (Carla) said she recommended it after the way

reacted to the saw. Every cast after that was the semi-rigid and

was okay with the whole thing by the 4th casting but I could

always tell that Dr H would have rather been using plaster. He

commented about it almost every time. I kept saying that if it

really made a difference then would just have to be

terrified of him and the whole procedure. I didn't want to

compromise her care after all the driving etc even if it meant huge

unpleasantries for both of us. But he went with the semi-rigid

anyway. I'm still not sure if the plaster would have meant less

castings but doesn't scream throught the whole thing

anymore -- well I take that back...If Tony is the casting tech, she

is fine. He is wonderful and he and have a mutual fondness

for each other. If it is Carla, still cries as soon as she

sees her. Hard to believe her memory is that great but

definitely doesn't react well to Carla (she's plenty nice, I just

think has a negative association with her).

I am actually not looking forward to getting this cast off because

it is plaster so it will need to be sawed off. Tony promised he'd

do it but I don't want to stop " trusting " him. I am

thinking about putting little soft earplugs in her ears to see if

maybe if the sound is muffled she'll be okay.

Marilouise

9/9/03, LCF, 3 week cast after tenotomy (17 more days)

Owen and 3/20/99

> > We will be there again tomorrow. Just thought I would find out

if

> anyone

> > else was going this week too.

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > Mommy to 12/17/98

> >

> > and Christian 1/30/04

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Hi again ,

With 's first doc we soaked her casts off completely

ourselves at home the night before her appointments. Dr H said this

is a BIG no no. I know that is not the suggestion from the other

moms, they just suggest soaking it to soften right before you appt

but I would DEFINITELY okay that with Dr H before you do it. I know

you have a bit of a drive as do I and I asked him about taking it

off before coming and he said absolutley not. He may be okay with

softening it though. I'd like to know his response if you check

with him!

Marilouise

9/9/03, LCF, 3 week cast after tenotomy (17 days left)

Owen and 3/20/99

> > > When we started treatment with the non-Ponseti doctor, they

also

> >used the saw to remove infant casts. It was terrible and on two

> >occasion my son suffered a saw-burn on his skin where the blade

was

> >pushed through too deep.

> > >

> > > If these are plaster casts you probably know you could soak

them at

> >home prior to the visit so they would come off rather easily at

the

> >dr.'s office. Just a suggestion if the saw frightens your baby

too

> >much.

> > > s.

> > >

> > > Re: today

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > They used the saw on anyone and everyone it seems.

Apparently it

> >only

> > > vibrates and she put it on her hand to prove this.

> > > r.

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi again ,

With 's first doc we soaked her casts off completely

ourselves at home the night before her appointments. Dr H said this

is a BIG no no. I know that is not the suggestion from the other

moms, they just suggest soaking it to soften right before you appt

but I would DEFINITELY okay that with Dr H before you do it. I know

you have a bit of a drive as do I and I asked him about taking it

off before coming and he said absolutley not. He may be okay with

softening it though. I'd like to know his response if you check

with him!

Marilouise

9/9/03, LCF, 3 week cast after tenotomy (17 days left)

Owen and 3/20/99

> > > When we started treatment with the non-Ponseti doctor, they

also

> >used the saw to remove infant casts. It was terrible and on two

> >occasion my son suffered a saw-burn on his skin where the blade

was

> >pushed through too deep.

> > >

> > > If these are plaster casts you probably know you could soak

them at

> >home prior to the visit so they would come off rather easily at

the

> >dr.'s office. Just a suggestion if the saw frightens your baby

too

> >much.

> > > s.

> > >

> > > Re: today

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > They used the saw on anyone and everyone it seems.

Apparently it

> >only

> > > vibrates and she put it on her hand to prove this.

> > > r.

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks Holly, I was beginning to feel pretty out-numbered on here preferring

soaking over sawing! haha

s.

Re: today

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > They used the saw on anyone and everyone it seems. Apparently

it

> >only

> > > vibrates and she put it on her hand to prove this.

> > > r.

[Guest guest]

Thanks Holly, I was beginning to feel pretty out-numbered on here preferring

soaking over sawing! haha

s.

Re: today

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > They used the saw on anyone and everyone it seems. Apparently

it

> >only

> > > vibrates and she put it on her hand to prove this.

> > > r.

[Guest guest]

Thanks Holly, I was beginning to feel pretty out-numbered on here preferring

soaking over sawing! haha

s.

Re: today

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > They used the saw on anyone and everyone it seems. Apparently

it

> >only

> > > vibrates and she put it on her hand to prove this.

> > > r.

[Guest guest]

Marilouise,

I can well imagine being terrified of the saw at her age. Very

understandable. And when they can look at you and try to get away (as

opposed to an infant - Darbi was 5d-5-1/2w during her castings and not

mobile at all) you know they're scared and anything that can relive that is

welcome. I would absolutely connect the cast tech and the saw to her

screaming when she sees Carla. That's sad but they're not little blobs,

they remember and react in logical ways for their very few *months* of

life. Are you still nursing? If so, why not ask if you can nurse her

while they're sawing this last cast off? She'll be on one side anyway

:~} Do you have someone to go with you? If so, maybe try looking into her

face, holding her hands and having someone cover her ears with their

hands? Who knows, I sure don't because I haven't done this with a one year

old. Let us know if you learn anything from it will ya?

Kori

At 06:24 PM 8/28/2004, you wrote:

>Hi ,

>Oh yes, is terrified of the cast saw!!! The first cast Dr H

>applied was plaster and so it had to be sawed off. It was

>HORRIBLE!! She was shaking and screaming and trying desparately to

>climb up my chest during the whole thing and then kept screaming

>when the new cast was applied. However, the 2nd cast they put on,

>he used the semi-rigid casting material that peels off like duct

>tape. He was visibly not thrilled with the idea of using it but the

>casting tech (Carla) said she recommended it after the way

>reacted to the saw. Every cast after that was the semi-rigid and

> was okay with the whole thing by the 4th casting but I could

>always tell that Dr H would have rather been using plaster. He

>commented about it almost every time. I kept saying that if it

>really made a difference then would just have to be

>terrified of him and the whole procedure. I didn't want to

>compromise her care after all the driving etc even if it meant huge

>unpleasantries for both of us. But he went with the semi-rigid

>anyway. I'm still not sure if the plaster would have meant less

>castings but doesn't scream throught the whole thing

>anymore -- well I take that back...If Tony is the casting tech, she

>is fine. He is wonderful and he and have a mutual fondness w

>for each other. If it is Carla, still cries as soon as she

>sees her. Hard to believe her memory is that great but

>definitely doesn't react well to Carla (she's plenty nice, I just

>think has a negative association with her).

>I am actually not looking forward to getting this cast off because

>it is plaster so it will need to be sawed off. Tony promised he'd

>do it but I don't want to stop " trusting " him. I am

>thinking about putting little soft earplugs in her ears to see if

>maybe if the sound is muffled she'll be okay.

>

>Marilouise

> 9/9/03, LCF, 3 week cast after tenotomy (17 more days)

>Owen and 3/20/99

>

>

> > > We will be there again tomorrow. Just thought I would find out

>if

> > anyone

> > > else was going this week too.

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > Mommy to 12/17/98

> > >

> > > and Christian 1/30/04

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

Marilouise,

I can well imagine being terrified of the saw at her age. Very

understandable. And when they can look at you and try to get away (as

opposed to an infant - Darbi was 5d-5-1/2w during her castings and not

mobile at all) you know they're scared and anything that can relive that is

welcome. I would absolutely connect the cast tech and the saw to her

screaming when she sees Carla. That's sad but they're not little blobs,

they remember and react in logical ways for their very few *months* of

life. Are you still nursing? If so, why not ask if you can nurse her

while they're sawing this last cast off? She'll be on one side anyway

:~} Do you have someone to go with you? If so, maybe try looking into her

face, holding her hands and having someone cover her ears with their

hands? Who knows, I sure don't because I haven't done this with a one year

old. Let us know if you learn anything from it will ya?

Kori

At 06:24 PM 8/28/2004, you wrote:

>Hi ,

>Oh yes, is terrified of the cast saw!!! The first cast Dr H

>applied was plaster and so it had to be sawed off. It was

>HORRIBLE!! She was shaking and screaming and trying desparately to

>climb up my chest during the whole thing and then kept screaming

>when the new cast was applied. However, the 2nd cast they put on,

>he used the semi-rigid casting material that peels off like duct

>tape. He was visibly not thrilled with the idea of using it but the

>casting tech (Carla) said she recommended it after the way

>reacted to the saw. Every cast after that was the semi-rigid and

> was okay with the whole thing by the 4th casting but I could

>always tell that Dr H would have rather been using plaster. He

>commented about it almost every time. I kept saying that if it

>really made a difference then would just have to be

>terrified of him and the whole procedure. I didn't want to

>compromise her care after all the driving etc even if it meant huge

>unpleasantries for both of us. But he went with the semi-rigid

>anyway. I'm still not sure if the plaster would have meant less

>castings but doesn't scream throught the whole thing

>anymore -- well I take that back...If Tony is the casting tech, she

>is fine. He is wonderful and he and have a mutual fondness w

>for each other. If it is Carla, still cries as soon as she

>sees her. Hard to believe her memory is that great but

>definitely doesn't react well to Carla (she's plenty nice, I just

>think has a negative association with her).

>I am actually not looking forward to getting this cast off because

>it is plaster so it will need to be sawed off. Tony promised he'd

>do it but I don't want to stop " trusting " him. I am

>thinking about putting little soft earplugs in her ears to see if

>maybe if the sound is muffled she'll be okay.

>

>Marilouise

> 9/9/03, LCF, 3 week cast after tenotomy (17 more days)

>Owen and 3/20/99

>

>

> > > We will be there again tomorrow. Just thought I would find out

>if

> > anyone

> > > else was going this week too.

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > Mommy to 12/17/98

> > >

> > > and Christian 1/30/04

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

Ya, the big NO NO of removing them the night before - but this is exactly what

our very first club foot doctor advised us to do, and being ignorant parents, we

did that.

s.

Re: today

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > They used the saw on anyone and everyone it seems.

Apparently it

> >only

> > > vibrates and she put it on her hand to prove this.

> > > r.

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Ya, the big NO NO of removing them the night before - but this is exactly what

our very first club foot doctor advised us to do, and being ignorant parents, we

did that.

s.

Re: today

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > They used the saw on anyone and everyone it seems.

Apparently it

> >only

> > > vibrates and she put it on her hand to prove this.

> > > r.

>

>

>

>