Guest guest Posted January 9, 2008 Report Share Posted January 9, 2008 Dr. Kishan has done a great job with other kids in this group! I am sure it is a great cast that may just need a few adjustments. They won't sedate for the additional trimming. They will usually want to trim and then see him walk a bit so that way they will know if they have trimmed it enough. If they do it under sedation, they can't tell how the cast will sit on him when he is standing and gravity is pulling on him. Noelle (12-2-01) Ian (8-15-04) Help! First cast > > > I only have a minute because can't do anything himself. The > post-op today was VERY HARD for us. The staff was great and we were > able to get some great correction. I will post pictures later. > > I need your help regarding your experiences with these problems: The > cast below his tummmy around his hips IS very very tight (I can hardly > get my finger in there) and low. He cannot sit at all. We couldn't > get him in our car seat because it hurt to bend him, or it would cut > off his circulation. He cannot lower his arm because the cast is so > high under the arm....so he just holds it up all the time. He can't > crawl because he can't get him arm over the cast to the floor (because > the cast is so high under the arm). He can stand briefly but it's too > heavy for him and his knees buckle. So, all is left is for him to lay > down and watch TV or for me to hold him. > > He has one strap over one arm, but that seems to be doing okay. > > Help! > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 9, 2008 Report Share Posted January 9, 2008 , has CAST supply bags. She can send you one if you don't already have one. There are samples of calendula cream for skin issues, and supplies to decorate the cast if you want to. Glad is doing better! Shellie Grant McDowell wrote: Thanks for everyone for the advice - very very helpful! It was rough last night, but not as hard as I expected - we got some sleep. It was, I think the 'normal' difficult versus what might be 'abnormal' difficulty that we're having with sitting. We bought a beanbag chair yesterday so he can lay at a slant and watch TV or eat since I can't fit him in his highchair. I am able to sit him briefly in our exersaucer (standing), so that's where we had breakfast. Anyway, so, yes, thank you...and I have called the doctor's office twice this morning and hope that they can see us! Dr. Kishan is only in the office Monday and Thursday, and driving back in the carseat will be a challenge (maybe it will be easier today). Just to clarify about the carseat - we did get him in it, but not like it probably should fit - and we used pillows under his bottom because he would not bend for us. He's still holding up his arm - we'll see what the doctor says. I've tried sitting several times and he really cries...it just seems low to me, but then I'm new at this. If it does need more trimming, will they sedate for that? Please know that Loma hospital staff and Dr. Kishan were absolutely wonderful - and I think they did a great job with the cast, considering 's situation. His curve is very high (T4) with kyphosis, and it's secondary to neuroblasotoma (not idiopathic) - so Dr. Kishan has taken on quite a challenge with us, and I am most grateful! The BEST news is that 's scoliosis went from 55 to 38 degrees!! AND his kyphosis went from 52 to 25!! This was much better than expected!! We just need to figure out how to get him adjusted to it. Question: During the night, was sweating so much I actually changed his shirt. Does anyone have night/sleep-sweating problems? How do you address it? Thanks > > Aack! It needs to be trimmed. Hopefully you live close by. The armpit area is usually the area that needs additional trimming once they wake up. When they are laying down in the OR, they can't tell how high it will push up until he gets up and walks around. You need to get that fixed asap or he'll end up with sores under his arm. Also, if it is so tight in the hips that it is cutting off circulation then they may need to flare it out a bit. It needs to be tight down there because that is where they get most of the correction, but you can't have it cutting off his circulation. Hopefully you are still there or live close by. > > It took Ian about two weeks to be able sit in his first cast. It was so much heavier than the other casts (they refined their technique so that the casts got increasing lighter). He did better sitting in chairs with backs on them. We had one of those Fisher Price rockers and that helped him tremendously with sitting out in our living room. > > Shopping carts were tough the first few weeks too. I usually put a small pillow or I would use the diaper packages if we were buying diapers that day to stuff behind his back. > > Good luck. My advice is to go back to whichever hospital did the casting and get them to trim it. > > > Noelle (12-2-01) > Ian (8-15-04) > Help! First cast > > > I only have a minute because can't do anything himself. The > post-op today was VERY HARD for us. The staff was great and we were > able to get some great correction. I will post pictures later. > > I need your help regarding your experiences with these problems: The > cast below his tummmy around his hips IS very very tight (I can hardly > get my finger in there) and low. He cannot sit at all. We couldn't > get him in our car seat because it hurt to bend him, or it would cut > off his circulation. He cannot lower his arm because the cast is so > high under the arm....so he just holds it up all the time. He can't > crawl because he can't get him arm over the cast to the floor (because > the cast is so high under the arm). He can stand briefly but it's too > heavy for him and his knees buckle. So, all is left is for him to lay > down and watch TV or for me to hold him. > > He has one strap over one arm, but that seems to be doing okay. > > Help! > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 9, 2008 Report Share Posted January 9, 2008 Dr Kishan also did my son's casting. He was 11 months when he went into his 1st cast and had trouble sitting the 1st day or so. He seemed uncomfortable, but not in pain. After the 3rd day he was back to normal and even took his 1st steps a month later. Landon's cast is also very low. There are pics of his 1st cast in the photos section. I can't remember if I have put up his 2nd casting pics. Good luck. Dr Kishan and the staff at Loma are great and we are lucky to have them. Tammy From: McDowell To: infantile_scoliosis Sent: Wednesday, January 09, 2008 10:06 AM Subject: Re: Help! First cast Thanks for everyone for the advice - very very helpful! It was rough last night, but not as hard as I expected - we got some sleep. It was, I think the 'normal' difficult versus what might be 'abnormal' difficulty that we're having with sitting. We bought a beanbag chair yesterday so he can lay at a slant and watch TV or eat since I can't fit him in his highchair. I am able to sit him briefly in our exersaucer (standing), so that's where we had breakfast. Anyway, so, yes, thank you...and I have called the doctor's office twice this morning and hope that they can see us! Dr. Kishan is only in the office Monday and Thursday, and driving back in the carseat will be a challenge (maybe it will be easier today). Just to clarify about the carseat - we did get him in it, but not like it probably should fit - and we used pillows under his bottom because he would not bend for us. He's still holding up his arm - we'll see what the doctor says. I've tried sitting several times and he really cries...it just seems low to me, but then I'm new at this. If it does need more trimming, will they sedate for that? Please know that Loma hospital staff and Dr. Kishan were absolutely wonderful - and I think they did a great job with the cast, considering 's situation. His curve is very high (T4) with kyphosis, and it's secondary to neuroblasotoma (not idiopathic) - so Dr. Kishan has taken on quite a challenge with us, and I am most grateful! The BEST news is that 's scoliosis went from 55 to 38 degrees!! AND his kyphosis went from 52 to 25!! This was much better than expected!! We just need to figure out how to get him adjusted to it. Question: During the night, was sweating so much I actually changed his shirt. Does anyone have night/sleep-sweating problems? How do you address it? Thanks > > Aack! It needs to be trimmed. Hopefully you live close by. The armpit area is usually the area that needs additional trimming once they wake up. When they are laying down in the OR, they can't tell how high it will push up until he gets up and walks around. You need to get that fixed asap or he'll end up with sores under his arm. Also, if it is so tight in the hips that it is cutting off circulation then they may need to flare it out a bit. It needs to be tight down there because that is where they get most of the correction, but you can't have it cutting off his circulation. Hopefully you are still there or live close by. > > It took Ian about two weeks to be able sit in his first cast. It was so much heavier than the other casts (they refined their technique so that the casts got increasing lighter). He did better sitting in chairs with backs on them. We had one of those Fisher Price rockers and that helped him tremendously with sitting out in our living room. > > Shopping carts were tough the first few weeks too. I usually put a small pillow or I would use the diaper packages if we were buying diapers that day to stuff behind his back. > > Good luck. My advice is to go back to whichever hospital did the casting and get them to trim it. > > > Noelle (12-2-01) > Ian (8-15-04) > Help! First cast > > > I only have a minute because can't do anything himself. The > post-op today was VERY HARD for us. The staff was great and we were > able to get some great correction. I will post pictures later. > > I need your help regarding your experiences with these problems: The > cast below his tummmy around his hips IS very very tight (I can hardly > get my finger in there) and low. He cannot sit at all. We couldn't > get him in our car seat because it hurt to bend him, or it would cut > off his circulation. He cannot lower his arm because the cast is so > high under the arm....so he just holds it up all the time. He can't > crawl because he can't get him arm over the cast to the floor (because > the cast is so high under the arm). He can stand briefly but it's too > heavy for him and his knees buckle. So, all is left is for him to lay > down and watch TV or for me to hold him. > > He has one strap over one arm, but that seems to be doing okay. > > Help! > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 10, 2008 Report Share Posted January 10, 2008 Great news !!!! Tammy Help! First cast > > I only have a minute because can't do anything himself. The > post-op today was VERY HARD for us. The staff was great and we were > able to get some great correction. I will post pictures later. > > I need your help regarding your experiences with these problems: The > cast below his tummmy around his hips IS very very tight (I can hardly > get my finger in there) and low. He cannot sit at all. We couldn't > get him in our car seat because it hurt to bend him, or it would cut > off his circulation. He cannot lower his arm because the cast is so > high under the arm....so he just holds it up all the time. He can't > crawl because he can't get him arm over the cast to the floor (because > the cast is so high under the arm). He can stand briefly but it's too > heavy for him and his knees buckle. So, all is left is for him to lay > down and watch TV or for me to hold him. > > He has one strap over one arm, but that seems to be doing okay. > > Help! > > > > > > > __________________________________________________________ > Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page. > http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 10, 2008 Report Share Posted January 10, 2008 I am so glad you got it trimmed and that he is doing so well. What a relief!! Noelle (12-2-01) Ian (8-15-04) Help! First cast > > I only have a minute because can't do anything himself. The > post-op today was VERY HARD for us. The staff was great and we were > able to get some great correction. I will post pictures later. > > I need your help regarding your experiences with these problems: The > cast below his tummmy around his hips IS very very tight (I can hardly > get my finger in there) and low. He cannot sit at all. We couldn't > get him in our car seat because it hurt to bend him, or it would cut > off his circulation. He cannot lower his arm because the cast is so > high under the arm....so he just holds it up all the time. He can't > crawl because he can't get him arm over the cast to the floor (because > the cast is so high under the arm). He can stand briefly but it's too > heavy for him and his knees buckle. So, all is left is for him to lay > down and watch TV or for me to hold him. > > He has one strap over one arm, but that seems to be doing okay. > > Help! > > > > > > > __________________________________________________________ > Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page. > http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 11, 2008 Report Share Posted January 11, 2008 Great news ! I am so glad for you and your little guy. Remember you are a great Mom for asking the questions and getting it done. I mailed the Hy-Tape to you yesterday, so you should get it anytime. & Bryllie [infantile_scoliosi s] Help! First cast > > I only have a minute because can't do anything himself. The > post-op today was VERY HARD for us. The staff was great and we were > able to get some great correction. I will post pictures later. > > I need your help regarding your experiences with these problems: The > cast below his tummmy around his hips IS very very tight (I can hardly > get my finger in there) and low. He cannot sit at all. We couldn't > get him in our car seat because it hurt to bend him, or it would cut > off his circulation. He cannot lower his arm because the cast is so > high under the arm....so he just holds it up all the time. He can't > crawl because he can't get him arm over the cast to the floor (because > the cast is so high under the arm). He can stand briefly but it's too > heavy for him and his knees buckle. So, all is left is for him to lay > down and watch TV or for me to hold him. > > He has one strap over one arm, but that seems to be doing okay. > > Help! > > > > > > > ____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _ > Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page. > http://www.yahoo. com/r/hs > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 11, 2008 Report Share Posted January 11, 2008 , That is great news! I know exactly what you mean about crying in relief! Thanks for posting your update and I hope things keep going well for you and your little guy. , Mommy to Todd [infantile_scoliosi s] Help! First cast > > I only have a minute because can't do anything himself. The > post-op today was VERY HARD for us. The staff was great and we were > able to get some great correction. I will post pictures later. > > I need your help regarding your experiences with these problems: The > cast below his tummmy around his hips IS very very tight (I can hardly > get my finger in there) and low. He cannot sit at all. We couldn't > get him in our car seat because it hurt to bend him, or it would cut > off his circulation. He cannot lower his arm because the cast is so > high under the arm....so he just holds it up all the time. He can't > crawl because he can't get him arm over the cast to the floor (because > the cast is so high under the arm). He can stand briefly but it's too > heavy for him and his knees buckle. So, all is left is for him to lay > down and watch TV or for me to hold him. > > He has one strap over one arm, but that seems to be doing okay. > > Help! > > > > > > > ____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _ > Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page. > http://www.yahoo. com/r/hs > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 11, 2008 Report Share Posted January 11, 2008 , So glad 's cast was trimmed. I am sure it did help, but it will take a little while to adjust. And HE WILL ADJUST. It may be 2-3 days like some, but it could take 2 weeks. He will find " his " way of doing things. My son, , stood up for 2 weeks playing before he finally figured out how to sit on the floor to play. I did LOTS of holding. We leaned him up on stuff to sit and watch TV. You find ways to help him. And with your PT I am sure he will adjust quickly. As far as how long before he can lift the cast to crawl..........I can't remember exactly, but know within 2 weeks was finding ways to do EVERYTHING he had prior to the cast. Take care and give it some time, Tasha Mommy of twin boys- and 33 months Fort Worth, Texas McDowell wrote: Thank you ! I appreciate you taking the time to talk to me on one of my worst days ever. I think I got excited too fast. Although the trimming really helped, I'm finding that still cannot sit very well. When he sits with his legs in front of him, or a 'left-side' sit, his legs turn red/purple splotchy...as if he's not getting blood circulation in his legs - so I think sitting independently is out of the question. He crawled a little bit, but he's not going very far. He stops and then cries. I think it's because the cast is still high under the arm so that it blocks him putting his hand down, and it needs to be this way because his curve is so high (T4), or it might be that the bottom part is still so low that it hits his legs and he can't pull his legs in very far to crawl. I'm hoping that it might be just too heavy and he'll get used to it. I don't know. How long does it take for them to be able to lift the weight of the cast to crawl? For now, he's standing or lying on the floor creeping along (crying). It's hard to see your child this way when he used to push his little car along the floor going 'brrrrrrr' and smiling at me for approval when he would beat me crawling to a toy. BUT, I'm more thankful for his curve correction so that we can delay surgery, hopefully for a few years. He's a trooper as he's talking and laughing today, which is a relief. I'm working with my PT to figure out what we could buy so that he can play independently in a sit-type position, or anything that could help him crawl around to get the toy he wants, etc. If you all have any ideas, I would appreciate it! Good night > > > > I agree with the others who said you should see about getting the > cast trimmed. Maybe you've already done it, but here's our > experience, which sounds a lot like yours! > > > > My son, Todd, had a similar situation with his arm in the first > cast--he kept it up at about a 90degree angle all the time, even while > sleeping the first night. We'd stayed in the hotel that first night > just to be able to go back the next morning if needed, and Dr Khoury > took one look at the arm and had that area of the cast trimmed > immediately. Todd's relief was instantaneous. he also had a problem > with the bottom of the cast being too tight, but Dr K didn't think it > was too tight at first. It's true you have to give it some time to > see if the area will toughen up, but we had to go back the following > Monday (cast was applied on Thursday) due to a severe sore that had > developed in just that short amount of time. they trimmed the one > side kind of a lot then to expose the sore and let it heal. We live > within driving distance of that hospital, so it was doable though it > took the entire day. I don't know what we would have done had we been > too far to > > drive, though. If that's your case, maybe your casting doctor > would consult with someone local to do the trimming, just a thought. > > > > Good luck with this! And it does get easier, believe me. Todd was > miserable at first, but once we got the cast trimmed so that he was no > longer in pain, he settled into it pretty much immediately. Until > then, we had no idea how we would survive the whole casting process, > but once those problems were fixed, it felt better for all of us. > Hang in there! > > > > > > [infantile_scoliosi s] Help! First cast > > > > I only have a minute because can't do anything himself. The > > post-op today was VERY HARD for us. The staff was great and we were > > able to get some great correction. I will post pictures later. > > > > I need your help regarding your experiences with these problems: The > > cast below his tummmy around his hips IS very very tight (I can hardly > > get my finger in there) and low. He cannot sit at all. We couldn't > > get him in our car seat because it hurt to bend him, or it would cut > > off his circulation. He cannot lower his arm because the cast is so > > high under the arm....so he just holds it up all the time. He can't > > crawl because he can't get him arm over the cast to the floor (because > > the cast is so high under the arm). He can stand briefly but it's too > > heavy for him and his knees buckle. So, all is left is for him to lay > > down and watch TV or for me to hold him. > > > > He has one strap over one arm, but that seems to be doing okay. > > > > Help! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _ > > Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page. > > http://www.yahoo. com/r/hs > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 11, 2008 Report Share Posted January 11, 2008 Keep in mind that doing " everything " may be totally different with the cast, but like I said was finding his way of trying to do everything. Also, I think some else mentioned this too, shopping carts took a very long time for to be comfortable sitting in. Most times I just carried him. Good luck! Tasha McDowell wrote: Thank you for sharing your experience, that sounds similar to what I'm going through right now. I'll hold on to that word " everything " and pass it on to my husband. That's very encouraging! > > > > > > I agree with the others who said you should see about getting the > > cast trimmed. Maybe you've already done it, but here's our > > experience, which sounds a lot like yours! > > > > > > My son, Todd, had a similar situation with his arm in the first > > cast--he kept it up at about a 90degree angle all the time, even while > > sleeping the first night. We'd stayed in the hotel that first night > > just to be able to go back the next morning if needed, and Dr Khoury > > took one look at the arm and had that area of the cast trimmed > > immediately. Todd's relief was instantaneous. he also had a problem > > with the bottom of the cast being too tight, but Dr K didn't think it > > was too tight at first. It's true you have to give it some time to > > see if the area will toughen up, but we had to go back the following > > Monday (cast was applied on Thursday) due to a severe sore that had > > developed in just that short amount of time. they trimmed the one > > side kind of a lot then to expose the sore and let it heal. We live > > within driving distance of that hospital, so it was doable though it > > took the entire day. I don't know what we would have done had we been > > too far to > > > drive, though. If that's your case, maybe your casting doctor > > would consult with someone local to do the trimming, just a thought. > > > > > > Good luck with this! And it does get easier, believe me. Todd was > > miserable at first, but once we got the cast trimmed so that he was no > > longer in pain, he settled into it pretty much immediately. Until > > then, we had no idea how we would survive the whole casting process, > > but once those problems were fixed, it felt better for all of us. > > Hang in there! > > > > > > > > > [infantile_scoliosi s] Help! First cast > > > > > > I only have a minute because can't do anything himself. The > > > post-op today was VERY HARD for us. The staff was great and we were > > > able to get some great correction. I will post pictures later. > > > > > > I need your help regarding your experiences with these problems: The > > > cast below his tummmy around his hips IS very very tight (I can hardly > > > get my finger in there) and low. He cannot sit at all. We couldn't > > > get him in our car seat because it hurt to bend him, or it would cut > > > off his circulation. He cannot lower his arm because the cast is so > > > high under the arm....so he just holds it up all the time. He can't > > > crawl because he can't get him arm over the cast to the floor (because > > > the cast is so high under the arm). He can stand briefly but it's too > > > heavy for him and his knees buckle. So, all is left is for him to lay > > > down and watch TV or for me to hold him. > > > > > > He has one strap over one arm, but that seems to be doing okay. > > > > > > Help! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _ > > > Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page. > > > http://www.yahoo. com/r/hs > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 11, 2008 Report Share Posted January 11, 2008 , We are not tired of you posting..........that is what we are all here for, to help and show our support in any way we can. Don't hesitate to ask any question. OK I wish I had an answer about the sweating. never had that problem. And I always dressed him in PJs too. Hopefully someone else will chime in with the same experience and have some help for you. Take care, Tasha McDowell wrote: has developed a rash (little red bumps, blotchy) on his left check, upper arm and upper back. I put desiden on it (I also have Aquaphor). I guess this is typical? My guess is that it's heat rash since he sweats all night and sleeps on that side (b/c there's no strap over that arm). I hate to put him to bed without any clothes but they are soaked by the middle of the night. Last night I just took all his clothes off and put a light sheet on top. But he soaks the bottom sheets too. How do I keep him from getting cold when he sweats all the time (if that makes any sense)? Is there any type of fabric to sleep on or wear that wisks moisture away from the skin? Sorry to keep posting. I'm sure you all must be tired of me by now. No issues with diapering (yet). > > > > > > I agree with the others who said you should see about getting the > > cast trimmed. Maybe you've already done it, but here's our > > experience, which sounds a lot like yours! > > > > > > My son, Todd, had a similar situation with his arm in the first > > cast--he kept it up at about a 90degree angle all the time, even while > > sleeping the first night. We'd stayed in the hotel that first night > > just to be able to go back the next morning if needed, and Dr Khoury > > took one look at the arm and had that area of the cast trimmed > > immediately. Todd's relief was instantaneous. he also had a problem > > with the bottom of the cast being too tight, but Dr K didn't think it > > was too tight at first. It's true you have to give it some time to > > see if the area will toughen up, but we had to go back the following > > Monday (cast was applied on Thursday) due to a severe sore that had > > developed in just that short amount of time. they trimmed the one > > side kind of a lot then to expose the sore and let it heal. We live > > within driving distance of that hospital, so it was doable though it > > took the entire day. I don't know what we would have done had we been > > too far to > > > drive, though. If that's your case, maybe your casting doctor > > would consult with someone local to do the trimming, just a thought. > > > > > > Good luck with this! And it does get easier, believe me. Todd was > > miserable at first, but once we got the cast trimmed so that he was no > > longer in pain, he settled into it pretty much immediately. Until > > then, we had no idea how we would survive the whole casting process, > > but once those problems were fixed, it felt better for all of us. > > Hang in there! > > > > > > > > > [infantile_scoliosi s] Help! First cast > > > > > > I only have a minute because can't do anything himself. The > > > post-op today was VERY HARD for us. The staff was great and we were > > > able to get some great correction. I will post pictures later. > > > > > > I need your help regarding your experiences with these problems: The > > > cast below his tummmy around his hips IS very very tight (I can hardly > > > get my finger in there) and low. He cannot sit at all. We couldn't > > > get him in our car seat because it hurt to bend him, or it would cut > > > off his circulation. He cannot lower his arm because the cast is so > > > high under the arm....so he just holds it up all the time. He can't > > > crawl because he can't get him arm over the cast to the floor (because > > > the cast is so high under the arm). He can stand briefly but it's too > > > heavy for him and his knees buckle. So, all is left is for him to lay > > > down and watch TV or for me to hold him. > > > > > > He has one strap over one arm, but that seems to be doing okay. > > > > > > Help! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _ > > > Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page. > > > http://www.yahoo. com/r/hs > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 11, 2008 Report Share Posted January 11, 2008 Per, Evan's doctors instructions, we used just over the counter 1% Hydracortisone (sp?) cream and it worked very well. When Evan did have skin breakdown, we had to go to other measures and other ointments/treatments, but usually using this would stop anything major from happening. I always keet a onsie on Evan to keep the cast from touching his skin, if that makes sense. Have you tried those babylegs? I used jammies everynight w/Evan b/c he doesn't sweat much at all, but in the summer when he's hot, I " d do a onsie w/the snaps and then the babylegs to keep his legs warm and his blanket at bedtime. HTH, and Evan McDowell wrote: Thanks - I will look for that. He sweats so much that I'm afraid it will get the cast too wet. But, if you say that it might go away with time, that's encouraging. So, dress him, and then make it cold (turn heat down or AC up). I'll try that tonight. > > > > > > > > > > I agree with the others who said you should see about > getting the > > > > cast trimmed. Maybe you've already done it, but here's our > > > > experience, which sounds a lot like yours! > > > > > > > > > > My son, Todd, had a similar situation with his arm in the > first > > > > cast--he kept it up at about a 90degree angle all the time, > even > > while > > > > sleeping the first night. We'd stayed in the hotel that first > night > > > > just to be able to go back the next morning if needed, and Dr > Khoury > > > > took one look at the arm and had that area of the cast trimmed > > > > immediately. Todd's relief was instantaneous. he also had a > problem > > > > with the bottom of the cast being too tight, but Dr K didn't > think it > > > > was too tight at first. It's true you have to give it some > time to > > > > see if the area will toughen up, but we had to go back the > following > > > > Monday (cast was applied on Thursday) due to a severe sore > that had > > > > developed in just that short amount of time. they trimmed the > one > > > > side kind of a lot then to expose the sore and let it heal. > We live > > > > within driving distance of that hospital, so it was doable > though it > > > > took the entire day. I don't know what we would have done had > we been > > > > too far to > > > > > drive, though. If that's your case, maybe your casting > doctor > > > > would consult with someone local to do the trimming, just a > thought. > > > > > > > > > > Good luck with this! And it does get easier, believe me. > Todd was > > > > miserable at first, but once we got the cast trimmed so that > he > > was no > > > > longer in pain, he settled into it pretty much immediately. > Until > > > > then, we had no idea how we would survive the whole casting > process, > > > > but once those problems were fixed, it felt better for all of > us. > > > > Hang in there! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > [infantile_scoliosi s] Help! First cast > > > > > > > > > > I only have a minute because can't do anything > himself. The > > > > > post-op today was VERY HARD for us. The staff was great and > we were > > > > > able to get some great correction. I will post pictures > later. > > > > > > > > > > I need your help regarding your experiences with these > > problems: The > > > > > cast below his tummmy around his hips IS very very tight (I > can > > hardly > > > > > get my finger in there) and low. He cannot sit at all. We > couldn't > > > > > get him in our car seat because it hurt to bend him, or it > > would cut > > > > > off his circulation. He cannot lower his arm because the > cast is so > > > > > high under the arm....so he just holds it up all the time. > He can't > > > > > crawl because he can't get him arm over the cast to the > floor > > (because > > > > > the cast is so high under the arm). He can stand briefly but > > it's too > > > > > heavy for him and his knees buckle. So, all is left is for > him > > to lay > > > > > down and watch TV or for me to hold him. > > > > > > > > > > He has one strap over one arm, but that seems to be doing > okay. > > > > > > > > > > Help! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ > _________ _ > > > > > Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page. > > > > > http://www.yahoo. com/r/hs > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 11, 2008 Report Share Posted January 11, 2008 Hi , No, I don't think anyone is tired of you--that's what this group is for! I had tons of questions in the beginning of our journey and everyone was super nice and so very helpful. I can't tell you how much the support I got helped us through. The only time Todd had problems with sweating was when he had a fever, so I'm not too sure what to say about that. Have you seen the cooling vests that are being made? Shara posted photos that you can see by clicking the New Photos link on the right side of this message. Do you think something like a cool mist humidifier in his room might help? I know some little ones just sweat a lot in general. I would guess cotton would be the best fabric since it's breathable and would wick away moisture. I know you're trying hard to solve this problem, especially now that is getting that rash. Be careful about not getting any ointment underneath the cast. The last thing you want is to trap any additional moisture under it since the skin is already damp from the sweating. I do not want to scare you, but do keep checking his skin under the edges of the cast to make sure there are no sores developing. Todd's fever sweating resulted in a bad sore under his armpit due to the dampness and chafing combination, and we think the dampness might have compromised the padding under the cast a little. The sore went away once things dried out completely. Best of luck with it!! Maybe someone else will have some good suggestions. We did figure out a lot of adaptive techniques for everyday life, but Todd was already walking when he got his first cast, so what worked for us might not be very helpful for you yet. We found it helps him to have raised play surfaces for his cars, blocks, etc. since getting down to floor and back up is a real struggle (and not possible the first few weeks). Large empty boxes work well, in addition to the hearth, cedar chest, etc. Having lots of sturdy things for him to pull up with also helps him get up from the floor. We made sure to have lots of seating for him since he would get so very tired of walking, walking, walking--could not get down to floor or back up again for a long time. will figure out he probably needs to sit forward on the front of his chairs since his legs don't bend up as much now. We placed toss pillows in the backs of Todd's little chairs so he could lean back against them yet still be upright. Also, we put folded towels in his high chair to give a better angle for him to sit on, so his legs would not have to bend so far up. We did the same in his car seat, although I am half afraid to put this in writing since I am sure the seat was not safety-tested with a towel underneath the crash-dummy! I have not yet seen one that does not have the same type of angle in the seat, but maybe someone else knows of one. Grocery carts--nearly impossible for us, except those humongous car shaped ones, which might be too big for your little guy. I sometimes use our stroller for shopping when I don't need anything large. We had to buy a new stroller, by the way, since our favorite umbrella stroller had a bad angle in the seat. We found a nice inexpensive one with huge basket underneath, flat padded seat, adjustable recline, child tray, and parent tray. It's a lightweight stroller, slightly larger than umbrella strollers but not huge. It's made by Baby Trend and we got it at Babies R Us for around $40. It works GREAT. Not sure what to suggest about making crawling easier, but I will reiterate what the other moms have said: he WILL figure it out and it WILL get easier! It just might take a little time. Don't forget, too, that he will grow fast and the cast will loosen up a little, both of which help his mobility. Also, thanks for the info on 's curve being so high up. I will let our Dr K's nurse know that your Dr K is working on a case like that! Good luck. , Mommy to Todd [infantile_scoliosi s] Help! First cast > > > > > > I only have a minute because can't do anything himself. The > > > post-op today was VERY HARD for us. The staff was great and we were > > > able to get some great correction. I will post pictures later. > > > > > > I need your help regarding your experiences with these problems: The > > > cast below his tummmy around his hips IS very very tight (I can hardly > > > get my finger in there) and low. He cannot sit at all. We couldn't > > > get him in our car seat because it hurt to bend him, or it would cut > > > off his circulation. He cannot lower his arm because the cast is so > > > high under the arm....so he just holds it up all the time. He can't > > > crawl because he can't get him arm over the cast to the floor (because > > > the cast is so high under the arm). He can stand briefly but it's too > > > heavy for him and his knees buckle. So, all is left is for him to lay > > > down and watch TV or for me to hold him. > > > > > > He has one strap over one arm, but that seems to be doing okay. > > > > > > Help! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _ > > > Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page. > > > http://www.yahoo. com/r/hs > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 11, 2008 Report Share Posted January 11, 2008 Of course we aren't tired of you!!!! A ceiling fan on high really helps Jack - he sleeps in our bed. It took him a couple weeks to get used to the heat bouncing back on him inside that cast. He's hot-natured like DH and tends to overheat quickly, so we have to be very careful. Sweat will cause the interior plaster gauze to break down, and we don't want that, so we try to keep him very cool. I like the hanna andersson zipper sleepers - the lightweight ones in the baggy fit style - they don't make them anymore, but they fit perfectly over the cast and don't hang over his hands or feet. (And we have a cotton mattress pad on our bed and a cotton sheet). You can find the hanna zippers on ebay or in resale shops usually. Gymboree 2T and 3T gymmies (pajamas) also work really well and are all cotton. We love the ones that snap down the front. HTH! Sandi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 12, 2008 Report Share Posted January 12, 2008 Thank you for calling. It was good to speak with you and considering it was one of your worst days ever, I thought you were doing pretty well. You also had some good insight on how to handle it all and helped me as well. Have you called Dr. Kishan back 's legs turning blotchy? I think I would call and see what he says. was walking before her first cast was applied so I am not sure about the crawling. Although could get around pretty well on her own, I still did a lot of holding and I slept with her for the first several months just to hold her and be there to change her diaper frequently or comfort her. She sleeps fine by herself now, but I still have to change her diaper 2 plus times per night. If I don't, she gets wet. I don't know if that is a good idea for you though since is already hot. Your body heat might add to his. I would also ask the doctor about the sweating. It seems unusual to me if he didn't have that problem before and you are keeping the home cool. We keep the our home cool and we bundle up and just wears a nightgown and she usually kicks off her covers. Hopefully your PT will have some ideas. I will keep my eye out and let you know if I see anything or think of something. KIT, ~ & [infantile_scoliosi s] Help! First cast > > > > I only have a minute because can't do anything himself. The > > post-op today was VERY HARD for us. The staff was great and we were > > able to get some great correction. I will post pictures later. > > > > I need your help regarding your experiences with these problems: The > > cast below his tummmy around his hips IS very very tight (I can hardly > > get my finger in there) and low. He cannot sit at all. We couldn't > > get him in our car seat because it hurt to bend him, or it would cut > > off his circulation. He cannot lower his arm because the cast is so > > high under the arm....so he just holds it up all the time. He can't > > crawl because he can't get him arm over the cast to the floor (because > > the cast is so high under the arm). He can stand briefly but it's too > > heavy for him and his knees buckle. So, all is left is for him to lay > > down and watch TV or for me to hold him. > > > > He has one strap over one arm, but that seems to be doing okay. > > > > Help! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _ > > Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page. > > http://www.yahoo. com/r/hs > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 12, 2008 Report Share Posted January 12, 2008 Sophia really sweats in her cast too (not an issue prior to casting). We keep the house cooler than normal now and bundle up like others have said. She wears 100% cotton zip-up sleepers with feet (Children's Place is our favorites because the fit is boxy and they go over the cast without having to go up 2 sizes like some clothes). We have a cotton mattress pad over her crib mattress and she does not have any sheet, blanket, etc. Just her PJs. That has cut it down so that just the back of her neck is damp in the mornings now. Good luck! Hopefully his body will adjust a little and it will improve. Re: Re: Help! First cast Of course we aren't tired of you!!!! A ceiling fan on high really helps Jack - he sleeps in our bed. It took him a couple weeks to get used to the heat bouncing back on him inside that cast. He's hot-natured like DH and tends to overheat quickly, so we have to be very careful. Sweat will cause the interior plaster gauze to break down, and we don't want that, so we try to keep him very cool. I like the hanna andersson zipper sleepers - the lightweight ones in the baggy fit style - they don't make them anymore, but they fit perfectly over the cast and don't hang over his hands or feet. (And we have a cotton mattress pad on our bed and a cotton sheet). You can find the hanna zippers on ebay or in resale shops usually. Gymboree 2T and 3T gymmies (pajamas) also work really well and are all cotton. We love the ones that snap down the front. HTH! Sandi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 12, 2008 Report Share Posted January 12, 2008 the times that we've had bad spots - like breakdown - it was more of really bad sloughing skin (like peeling off) and then bright red underneath or a rubbed open sore (like in the case of his hip bones last cast) the dots sound like heat rash (aka prickly heat) i'd use moleskin for the spots that hit his skin - we avoid the edge of tape against the skin entirely and for his shoulders we wrap in moleskin because it goes against his shoulders, kwim? hope that helps! S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 12, 2008 Report Share Posted January 12, 2008 I totally understand. If you had the time, i'd tell you to look up my posts from our first cast. I was floored at how totally disoriented he was - and how difficult it was for him to do ANYTHING. There were many days I just wanted to cut it off. But, like I've said in the past, he will adapt - amazingly - and within a week or two he'll be back to his old antics San Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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