Re: Heading to SLC for 1st cast - Looking for recommendations

[Guest guest]

Good luck on your trip to SLC.

Your in good hands there the staff is great. You will not have to

take the wait and see approach anymore. We had our first cast applied

there Dec. 17 we go back March 4. They have a list of hotels and

accomodations there call the reception and have them fax it to you.

We stayed at the Crystal Inn they have a free shuttle too and from

the hospital. As far as diapers go we use his normal size and feminum

napkins for extra protection. We just use normal pants stretchy waist

and a size larger for shirts.

We also took a mini dvd that was great he watched all the time. Ask

for a wagon to pull him around its great and our son loved it thats

all he wanted to do " Wagon ride " . He will be pretty mad after surgery

and everything he did before will be harder. You will need to keep

the cast clean, just ask the nurses they see alot of kids in casts

they will help you with that. Dr. D'Astous and Mike Pond are awsome

they will take good care of Braden.

Best of luck your in good hands now.

Darrell

>

> Hi - I am new to this forum. I actually learned about it from

Angie

> Livingston, our care coordinator at Shriners in SLC. My son Braden

> is 17 months old. He was referred to the Shriners in Spokane, WA

at

> 12 months and they found him to have a curve of 40degrees. At that

> visit, they wanted to give it 4 months to see if it would correct

on

> it's own. Well, we returned on Jan. 8 to find that it had not

> changed at all. The doctor there wanted to continue to " watch "

it.

> Because I had done some research on my own, I did not feel this was

> the best option for us so I asked him to transfer our records to

SLC

> to have they take a look and determine if he would be a good

> candidate.

>

> Well, the next day, I got a call from Angie in SLC who said that he

> was a great candidate and they would like to get him over there

ASAP

> to be cast. (we live in Coeur d'Alene, ID) They are actually

trying

> to get him scheduled Jan. 22. I should know for sure tomorrow.

>

> So, consequently, I have not had a whole lot of time to get used to

> this whole idea and prepare myself. I guess that I have less than

a

> week to learn all that I can. That is why I am calling on all of

you

> to help me out. Let me also tell you that I am 20 weeks pregnant

and

> if we do not get him scheduled before the end of this month, I will

> not be able to fly for his second casting which adds even more

> stress. I think that I will probably drive and let my husband fly

> with Braden and just meet me there if it comes down to that.

>

> Anyhow, I am looking for all the information any of you can give

> me.

>

> Where I should have my husband stay while we are in SLC?

> What size clothes should I bring for after the casting, a size

bigger

> or 2 sizes bigger?

> Diapers - should they be the same size he is currently wearing?

> What should I know to prepare myself - I need to know the scary

stuff

> along with the good stuff?

>

> Basically, I just want to know all of the things that you wish you

> would have known before your childs first cast. I am a

big " planner "

> so this whole not knowing what to expect thing is really taking a

> toll on me! Thanks for all you help and I look forward to hearing

> from you!

>

> Thanks - Miranda

>

[Guest guest]

Hi, Mirnada. My son goes to the Chicago Shriners and just had his first cast in

October and will be getting his second cast soon.

We use the same size diapers as before. We use the same size pants with elastic

waists. For the shirts, for the most part we only needed one size larger, but

sometimes he wears 2 sizes larger. I would bring a couple of each just in case.

Another member offered a great suggestion a while back. She uses baby legs

(http://www.babylegs.net/) underneath short sleeve shirts, because sometimes the

long sleeve shirts in a size or two larger have too long of arms. So, the

babylegs keep their arms warm and create a layered t-shirt type look without the

sleeves being too long.

Dylan had a bad reaction to the anesthesia and was pretty hysterical (crying

constantly) after the procedure and throwing up quite a bit. So, that was a bit

upsetting for us although the doctors didn't seem concerned at all about it, so

I guess it's pretty typical for some kids to have that reaction with anesthesia.

He also was pretty gassy for a few days afterwards, so you might want to bring

some mylicon drops with you. It took a few days for my son to adjust to

sitting, etc. with the cast. But now it doesn't seem to really bother him at

all.

Heading to SLC for 1st cast - Looking for

recommendations

Hi - I am new to this forum. I actually learned about it from Angie

Livingston, our care coordinator at Shriners in SLC. My son Braden

is 17 months old. He was referred to the Shriners in Spokane, WA at

12 months and they found him to have a curve of 40degrees. At that

visit, they wanted to give it 4 months to see if it would correct on

it's own. Well, we returned on Jan. 8 to find that it had not

changed at all. The doctor there wanted to continue to " watch " it.

Because I had done some research on my own, I did not feel this was

the best option for us so I asked him to transfer our records to SLC

to have they take a look and determine if he would be a good

candidate.

Well, the next day, I got a call from Angie in SLC who said that he

was a great candidate and they would like to get him over there ASAP

to be cast. (we live in Coeur d'Alene, ID) They are actually trying

to get him scheduled Jan. 22. I should know for sure tomorrow.

So, consequently, I have not had a whole lot of time to get used to

this whole idea and prepare myself. I guess that I have less than a

week to learn all that I can. That is why I am calling on all of you

to help me out. Let me also tell you that I am 20 weeks pregnant and

if we do not get him scheduled before the end of this month, I will

not be able to fly for his second casting which adds even more

stress. I think that I will probably drive and let my husband fly

with Braden and just meet me there if it comes down to that.

Anyhow, I am looking for all the information any of you can give

me.

Where I should have my husband stay while we are in SLC?

What size clothes should I bring for after the casting, a size bigger

or 2 sizes bigger?

Diapers - should they be the same size he is currently wearing?

What should I know to prepare myself - I need to know the scary stuff

along with the good stuff?

Basically, I just want to know all of the things that you wish you

would have known before your childs first cast. I am a big " planner "

so this whole not knowing what to expect thing is really taking a

toll on me! Thanks for all you help and I look forward to hearing

from you!

Thanks - Miranda

________________________________________________________________________________\

____

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[Guest guest]

It's good that you are not waiting. Ian stayed stable for about 6 months and

then started rapidly progressing.

Things that were difficult - recovering from the anesthesia. Ian always had

anesthesia delirium upon awakening (with the exception of one time). He would

flail, scream, etc. The best thing was to get him out of the recovery room as

fast as possible. That seemed to help him snap out of it. Don't be surprised

if his tummy looks really protruded once the cast is on. They retain a lot of

air/gas and fluids from the IV's, but it goes away after a day or so.

He had a hard time sitting and picking things up off the floor the first two

weeks, but then he adjusted.

I wouldn't go out and buy different size clothing until after the casting. Ian

never went up in size, but some kids do. One piece outfits with snaps around

the legs are easiest because pants tend to slip down the cast.

Noelle (12-2-01)

Ian (8-15-04)

Heading to SLC for 1st cast - Looking for

recommendations

Hi - I am new to this forum. I actually learned about it from Angie

Livingston, our care coordinator at Shriners in SLC. My son Braden

is 17 months old. He was referred to the Shriners in Spokane, WA at

12 months and they found him to have a curve of 40degrees. At that

visit, they wanted to give it 4 months to see if it would correct on

it's own. Well, we returned on Jan. 8 to find that it had not

changed at all. The doctor there wanted to continue to " watch " it.

Because I had done some research on my own, I did not feel this was

the best option for us so I asked him to transfer our records to SLC

to have they take a look and determine if he would be a good

candidate.

Well, the next day, I got a call from Angie in SLC who said that he

was a great candidate and they would like to get him over there ASAP

to be cast. (we live in Coeur d'Alene, ID) They are actually trying

to get him scheduled Jan. 22. I should know for sure tomorrow.

So, consequently, I have not had a whole lot of time to get used to

this whole idea and prepare myself. I guess that I have less than a

week to learn all that I can. That is why I am calling on all of you

to help me out. Let me also tell you that I am 20 weeks pregnant and

if we do not get him scheduled before the end of this month, I will

not be able to fly for his second casting which adds even more

stress. I think that I will probably drive and let my husband fly

with Braden and just meet me there if it comes down to that.

Anyhow, I am looking for all the information any of you can give

me.

Where I should have my husband stay while we are in SLC?

What size clothes should I bring for after the casting, a size bigger

or 2 sizes bigger?

Diapers - should they be the same size he is currently wearing?

What should I know to prepare myself - I need to know the scary stuff

along with the good stuff?

Basically, I just want to know all of the things that you wish you

would have known before your childs first cast. I am a big " planner "

so this whole not knowing what to expect thing is really taking a

toll on me! Thanks for all you help and I look forward to hearing

from you!

Thanks - Miranda

[Guest guest]

Yeah, that to what everyone else said.

We also use pampers cruisers size 3s. They're stretchy on the sides

and we are technically just on the edge of the weight limit on those,

but with a shorter rise, it's easier to tuck under the cast.

You're in good hands in SLC - they'll get you through the rest

Anesthesia causes major thrashing and disorientation, so be prepared

for that. Jack often kicks out his IV (or tries to) and the fact that

they cannot eat for the entire night before makes him really super

grumpy in the morning (plus being woken up early).

We use one piece cotton pajamas at night - don't be alarmed if he

sweats the first few days in the cast. He may also have trouble

getting around and have a little regression in his movement. Jack

took his first steps just before the cast, and then couldn't walk

after that. He couldn't balance, sit, or pick things up. He fell over

constantly and would kind of whine and cry - he was very helpless and

it's a hard thing to go through as a mom. The first week can be

really miserable. But, after that they adapt quickly and Jack prefers

the cast on to off now, for sure.

Welcome!

Sandi

[Guest guest]

Miranda,

You have some great advice

..

I would bring his sippy cup to drink from when he wakes from

anesthesia. Also, Max wasn't a big juice drinker until recently.

Chicago won't take his IV out until he drinks something. So I had to

introduce juice boxes. He just gets Motts for Tots (it's 1/2 juice

and 1/2 water). It worked awesome last time. Otherwise his only

option was water. He didn't want popsicles either.

Make sure he can sit normal and in a car seat before you leave.

Bring his favorite blanket or stuffed animal.

Stay postive. It's amazing how children can sense fear, anxiety, and

other emotions from their parents.

It's great you're being pro-active. Welcome. And congrats on your

pregnancy.

Have safe travels and we'll be thinking of you.

Aekta

>

> Hi - I am new to this forum. I actually learned about it from

Angie

> Livingston, our care coordinator at Shriners in SLC. My son

Braden

> is 17 months old. He was referred to the Shriners in Spokane, WA

at

> 12 months and they found him to have a curve of 40degrees. At

that

> visit, they wanted to give it 4 months to see if it would correct

on

> it's own. Well, we returned on Jan. 8 to find that it had not

> changed at all. The doctor there wanted to continue to " watch "

it.

> Because I had done some research on my own, I did not feel this

was

> the best option for us so I asked him to transfer our records to

SLC

> to have they take a look and determine if he would be a good

> candidate.

>

> Well, the next day, I got a call from Angie in SLC who said that

he

> was a great candidate and they would like to get him over there

ASAP

> to be cast. (we live in Coeur d'Alene, ID) They are actually

trying

> to get him scheduled Jan. 22. I should know for sure tomorrow.

>

> So, consequently, I have not had a whole lot of time to get used

to

> this whole idea and prepare myself. I guess that I have less than

a

> week to learn all that I can. That is why I am calling on all of

you

> to help me out. Let me also tell you that I am 20 weeks pregnant

and

> if we do not get him scheduled before the end of this month, I

will

> not be able to fly for his second casting which adds even more

> stress. I think that I will probably drive and let my husband fly

> with Braden and just meet me there if it comes down to that.

>

> Anyhow, I am looking for all the information any of you can give

> me.

>

> Where I should have my husband stay while we are in SLC?

> What size clothes should I bring for after the casting, a size

bigger

> or 2 sizes bigger?

> Diapers - should they be the same size he is currently wearing?

> What should I know to prepare myself - I need to know the scary

stuff

> along with the good stuff?

>

> Basically, I just want to know all of the things that you wish you

> would have known before your childs first cast. I am a

big " planner "

> so this whole not knowing what to expect thing is really taking a

> toll on me! Thanks for all you help and I look forward to hearing

> from you!

>

> Thanks - Miranda

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Miranda,

We travel from Minneapolis to Salt Lake City. My husband and I have

stayed at the Embassy Suites and the Sheraton in SLC. They're both

a little expensive, but nice. You can also ask Angie for a list of

hotels. There are some hotels that offer a hospital discount.

You'll just need to get a letter from Angie stating when the patient

will be seen at the hospital. I believe you also have to mention

the discount at the time of reservation.

Regarding clothing - we have found that Gymboree drawstring pants

work best over the cast. It's hard to find pants that stay up over

the cast (especially since toddlers are so active.) The Gymboree

one's seem to work the best. Noah went up 2 sizes once in cast, but

he is also very tall for his age. I would also recommend Huggies

Overnight diapers.

Let me know if you have any other questions. Angie and Dr. D'Astous

are great. You'll be in good hands!

> >

> > Hi - I am new to this forum. I actually learned about it from

> Angie

> > Livingston, our care coordinator at Shriners in SLC. My son

> Braden

> > is 17 months old. He was referred to the Shriners in Spokane,

WA

> at

> > 12 months and they found him to have a curve of 40degrees. At

> that

> > visit, they wanted to give it 4 months to see if it would

correct

> on

> > it's own. Well, we returned on Jan. 8 to find that it had not

> > changed at all. The doctor there wanted to continue to " watch "

> it.

> > Because I had done some research on my own, I did not feel this

> was

> > the best option for us so I asked him to transfer our records to

> SLC

> > to have they take a look and determine if he would be a good

> > candidate.

> >

> > Well, the next day, I got a call from Angie in SLC who said that

> he

> > was a great candidate and they would like to get him over there

> ASAP

> > to be cast. (we live in Coeur d'Alene, ID) They are actually

> trying

> > to get him scheduled Jan. 22. I should know for sure tomorrow.

> >

> > So, consequently, I have not had a whole lot of time to get used

> to

> > this whole idea and prepare myself. I guess that I have less

than

> a

> > week to learn all that I can. That is why I am calling on all

of

> you

> > to help me out. Let me also tell you that I am 20 weeks

pregnant

> and

> > if we do not get him scheduled before the end of this month, I

> will

> > not be able to fly for his second casting which adds even more

> > stress. I think that I will probably drive and let my husband

fly

> > with Braden and just meet me there if it comes down to that.

> >

> > Anyhow, I am looking for all the information any of you can give

> > me.

> >

> > Where I should have my husband stay while we are in SLC?

> > What size clothes should I bring for after the casting, a size

> bigger

> > or 2 sizes bigger?

> > Diapers - should they be the same size he is currently wearing?

> > What should I know to prepare myself - I need to know the scary

> stuff

> > along with the good stuff?

> >

> > Basically, I just want to know all of the things that you wish

you

> > would have known before your childs first cast. I am a

> big " planner "

> > so this whole not knowing what to expect thing is really taking

a

> > toll on me! Thanks for all you help and I look forward to

hearing

> > from you!

> >

> > Thanks - Miranda

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Miranda,

I'm glad you're getting Braden in a cast so soon! Our son, Todd, began his

casting in early November, and it seemed like a whirlwind much like you're

experiencing now. Our local doc did a wait-and-see, but his curve progressed a

lot, and then we were in a cast within 2 weeks of getting referred for

treatment! At least you don't have to wait much longer.

Clothing:

We love the one-piece bodysuits with snaps between legs for shirts. Not only do

these help keep pants from riding down when the child bends/sits, but they also

help keep the diapers in place (especially helpful if you have a babysitter).

Also, they help keep the cast cleaner. We bought new long-sleeve bodysuits

before our first casting, some one size up, some two sizes up. We found sizing

depended on the brand/fit. Mostly, in the first cast one size larger worked

fine. The second cast was much bigger than the first, however, so we were glad

to have some two sizes up already! We have not had a problem just rolling up

the sleeves if they are too long.

Diapers:

We switched from Pampers Baby Dry size 4 to Cruisers size 3 for the first few

months. They seemed to fit better at the lower position and did not leak as

much. I would guess whether you would need same or smaller diaper depends on

your child's size and shape relative to the new diaper position. To help with

night-time leaking, we have recently had to go up to size 4 Cruisers AND put a

long Poise pad (adult incontinence) in the diaper, as well as attaching a thin

maxipad sideways across/inside the front of the cast, but only at night.

Bathing:

We use a contoured changing pad with terry cloth cover on our bathroom counter.

We fill one sink with water and use barely dampened washcloths to sponge-bathe

him, and then slide his head over the empty sink to wash his hair, using bottles

to pour water over his hair with a towel under his neck to catch any water

before it gets to the cast. It takes two to bathe him this way, but at least it

goes pretty quickly! Sandi has some fabulous photos that helped us figure out

how to do this.

Recovery:

For us, this has gone smoothly both times (he's in second cast now). Todd did

not get angry ever, nor did he thrash. He stopped crying when we were able to

hold/rock him with his blankie and a favorite DVD playing. One thing you might

discuss with your doc/anesthesiologist is whether your son would need Versed,

which is sometimes given prior to anesthesia to ease the anxiety as the child is

taken away from the parents. Some people say this causes a worse recovery, but

some hospitals seem to push it. Ours does not, and Todd has never had it, so I

don't have anything to say about it. Yes, he cries when he's taken back, but

that is a normal reaction for someone his age, and once they administer the gas,

he does fine. I only bring it up so that you can be prepared before anyone asks

you if you want him to have it (we did not know what it was at the time!). Do

be sure to have gas drops and Tylenol handy! (A slight fever is also not

unusual for a day

or so.)

Adjustment:

It will probably be tough at first, but he will adjust. And so will you. It

might be challenging, but you can do it. Just remember you're doing what's best

for your son and hang in there!

Unless he'll be staying in hospital overnight, bring some towels for the car,

just in case he gets carsick. You might also find some difficulty with the car

seat due to the fact that most kids seem to have trouble sitting at the same

angle as before.

Also, we found it helped to have family visit as Todd adjusted to his first

cast. They were a great distraction!

Best of luck and keep us posted!

, Mommy to Todd

[infantile_scoliosi s] Heading to SLC for 1st cast - Looking for

recommendations

Hi - I am new to this forum. I actually learned about it from Angie

Livingston, our care coordinator at Shriners in SLC. My son Braden

is 17 months old. He was referred to the Shriners in Spokane, WA at

12 months and they found him to have a curve of 40degrees. At that

visit, they wanted to give it 4 months to see if it would correct on

it's own. Well, we returned on Jan. 8 to find that it had not

changed at all. The doctor there wanted to continue to " watch " it.

Because I had done some research on my own, I did not feel this was

the best option for us so I asked him to transfer our records to SLC

to have they take a look and determine if he would be a good

candidate.

Well, the next day, I got a call from Angie in SLC who said that he

was a great candidate and they would like to get him over there ASAP

to be cast. (we live in Coeur d'Alene, ID) They are actually trying

to get him scheduled Jan. 22. I should know for sure tomorrow.

So, consequently, I have not had a whole lot of time to get used to

this whole idea and prepare myself. I guess that I have less than a

week to learn all that I can. That is why I am calling on all of you

to help me out. Let me also tell you that I am 20 weeks pregnant and

if we do not get him scheduled before the end of this month, I will

not be able to fly for his second casting which adds even more

stress. I think that I will probably drive and let my husband fly

with Braden and just meet me there if it comes down to that.

Anyhow, I am looking for all the information any of you can give

me.

Where I should have my husband stay while we are in SLC?

What size clothes should I bring for after the casting, a size bigger

or 2 sizes bigger?

Diapers - should they be the same size he is currently wearing?

What should I know to prepare myself - I need to know the scary stuff

along with the good stuff?

Basically, I just want to know all of the things that you wish you

would have known before your childs first cast. I am a big " planner "

so this whole not knowing what to expect thing is really taking a

toll on me! Thanks for all you help and I look forward to hearing

from you!

Thanks - Miranda

[Guest guest]

Hi Miranda,

Welcome! My 17 month old son was just casted last week with his first

cast here in California. 's case is unique, but here is some

information from my experience, although remember that I'm new at this

too! (I haven't read all the other posts, so this might repeat

other's suggestions).

Pre-op: They gave 'happy juice' or Versed, a med to keep them a

little sedated prior (about 30 min) to taking them back to the OR. It

tastes bad. did well and didn't even cry when he was taken by

the docs on the stretcher. We took lots of his favorite toys to

pre-op to keep him occupied while we waited (esp. since he's not

allowed to eat because of the anesthesia). They typically put a

gas-mask on the kids and then stick in an IV, which will be there

post-op. They also intubated .

Post-op: Post-op can be hard. Be prepared if your son is crying

and/or fussy. was hooked up to all these wires, still had the

IV, and of course, this new cast that's uncomfortable. has a

strap over one arm, so that made it more difficult also (because it

hits his ear). The quickest way to get the IV out is to give your son

fluids (water/apple juice) and let the nurse know you're ready. I

still nurse, so I nursed , but he kept crying. I asked for more

pain medication, which helped. Graham crackers and his favorite video

on a portable DVD player helped alot! The intubation probably made

's throat sore, I think the crackers with some water/juice were

something sweet to suck on.

Before you leave, try to make SURE that he can sit and move around as

before (e.g. crawl). If your son is walking already, that's even

better - the cast will be much easier. If he can't sit/crawl, they

will do more trimming of the cast. Also, make SURE he can fit in his

carseat without his legs turning purple. A mom suggested to me

driving around the block first before you go home. The bottom of the

cast can be quite low and press into the legs in sitting position.

's cast ended up being too restrictive and we had to go back the

day after and have them trim 'ellipses' or cut-outs for the legs and

under the arm (he was holding his arm up at a 90 degree angle all the

time). Don't hesitate to tell the nurse/doctor all of your concerns,

and ask for whatever you need in post-op. By the way, be prepared for

'trimming'..they use a saw to cut the cast, while they're

awake...needless to say, there was no way to comfort during

this. I had Wiggles on the portable DVD, and it helped some, but not

while the saw it on.

Taping - We didn't have the right tape immediately post-op. Most

people, I think, use HY Tape (which now we have), but we used duct

tape (probably not the best, but it worked and it's waterproof). We

taped him up after we gave him the pain medication (because that

knocked him out). Each hospital does it differently, so you might need

to cover the edges with something soft (like soft gauze) and then

tape. Get that tape inside the cast as much as possible, esp. around

the areas that might get soiled from pee or poop. Our doc does most

of the covering in the O.R., so it's not as much work post-op.

Taping is very important though, so make sure you get those details

from SLC moms. SLC might give you tape at the hospital, but ours

didn't...so you might want to double-check.

Clothes - Post-cast, he now wears 2T shirts, but we also put some 3Ts

on him too. He wears the same size pants, basically, just make sure

they have elastic waistbands (not too tight) to go around the cast.

Many parents recommend overalls also. I would take something bigger

to the hospital and then buy what you need after the cast.

Diapering - We used size 3 prior to casting, and still use size 3

LUVS. We bought size 4, but they just seemed to big. We haven't had

any problems so far, but we are prepared with size 2T/3T pull-ups in

case we need them at night (if sleeps on his stomach, he might

leak). You fold the diaper back and then tuck it under the cast with

your fingers. Remember that the cast will 'free' up in certain areas

as you move your son around, so use that when tucking the diaper under

the cast.

Sweating - sweats a lot when he sleeps, so it's been a

challenge for us to prevent him from sweating without freezing him.

The cast is hot, so you might want to buy less-warm outfits, if your

son heats up like mine does.

Since 's curve is very high (T4), the cast is high, so we still

have mobility issues. He can't sit very well and can't crawl yet.

We're not sure if it's the cast or if he is still adjusting. We built

a little bench (like a step) so he has a place to play...kneeling, so

that the bottom of the cast is more comfortable for him. Standing

will be easiest. can't sit at 90 degrees, and he leans back

somewhat...and then he can't see down (because the cast is high under

the chin). I feed him in the walker and he does better.

There will definitely be an initial adjustment period. This, for me,

not only means adjusting, but us figuring out ways to help

. The BEST thing is that this is definitely the way to go for

your son, based on everything I've seen and read. We are getting

GREAT correction with , so it's worth it all!

Best to you!

>

> Hi - I am new to this forum. I actually learned about it from Angie

> Livingston, our care coordinator at Shriners in SLC. My son Braden

> is 17 months old. He was referred to the Shriners in Spokane, WA at

> 12 months and they found him to have a curve of 40degrees. At that

> visit, they wanted to give it 4 months to see if it would correct on

> it's own. Well, we returned on Jan. 8 to find that it had not

> changed at all. The doctor there wanted to continue to " watch " it.

> Because I had done some research on my own, I did not feel this was

> the best option for us so I asked him to transfer our records to SLC

> to have they take a look and determine if he would be a good

> candidate.

>

> Well, the next day, I got a call from Angie in SLC who said that he

> was a great candidate and they would like to get him over there ASAP

> to be cast. (we live in Coeur d'Alene, ID) They are actually trying

> to get him scheduled Jan. 22. I should know for sure tomorrow.

>

> So, consequently, I have not had a whole lot of time to get used to

> this whole idea and prepare myself. I guess that I have less than a

> week to learn all that I can. That is why I am calling on all of you

> to help me out. Let me also tell you that I am 20 weeks pregnant and

> if we do not get him scheduled before the end of this month, I will

> not be able to fly for his second casting which adds even more

> stress. I think that I will probably drive and let my husband fly

> with Braden and just meet me there if it comes down to that.

>

> Anyhow, I am looking for all the information any of you can give

> me.

>

> Where I should have my husband stay while we are in SLC?

> What size clothes should I bring for after the casting, a size bigger

> or 2 sizes bigger?

> Diapers - should they be the same size he is currently wearing?

> What should I know to prepare myself - I need to know the scary stuff

> along with the good stuff?

>

> Basically, I just want to know all of the things that you wish you

> would have known before your childs first cast. I am a big " planner "

> so this whole not knowing what to expect thing is really taking a

> toll on me! Thanks for all you help and I look forward to hearing

> from you!

>

> Thanks - Miranda

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you for all the support everyone and the great tips. They are

going to come in handy very soon. I just got a call today and they

were able to schedule Braden's casting for next Tuesday, Jan 22.

This is all falling into place and happening so quickly, I just know

it is meant to be.

They will actually check him into the hospital on Monday afternoon so

that they can do an xray and we can meet the doctor. We will stay

there that night and he should be one of the first patients in the

morning so it should be fairly early. They said that he needs to

stay at the hospital on Tuesday and Wednesday nights as well to make

sure that the cast is fitting and he is able to manuever around in it

and make any necessary adjustments before they let us take him home

on Thursday afternoon. So, I am happy to hear that they check all of

this. I saw in some of the posts where the child was sent home

before the adjustments were made and unfortunately with us being so

far from the hospital, that isn't really an option.

I have another question that I did not ask before - what are some of

your " bathing " and shampooing tips? I know that these options are

limited but I did not know if anyone had any special products or

techniques to share.

Again, thanks for all the info and I will keep you updated when I

have a chance.

Miranda

> >

> > Hi - I am new to this forum. I actually learned about it from

> Angie

> > Livingston, our care coordinator at Shriners in SLC. My son

Braden

> > is 17 months old. He was referred to the Shriners in Spokane, WA

> at

> > 12 months and they found him to have a curve of 40degrees. At

that

> > visit, they wanted to give it 4 months to see if it would correct

> on

> > it's own. Well, we returned on Jan. 8 to find that it had not

> > changed at all. The doctor there wanted to continue to " watch "

> it.

> > Because I had done some research on my own, I did not feel this

was

> > the best option for us so I asked him to transfer our records to

> SLC

> > to have they take a look and determine if he would be a good

> > candidate.

> >

> > Well, the next day, I got a call from Angie in SLC who said that

he

> > was a great candidate and they would like to get him over there

> ASAP

> > to be cast. (we live in Coeur d'Alene, ID) They are actually

> trying

> > to get him scheduled Jan. 22. I should know for sure tomorrow.

> >

> > So, consequently, I have not had a whole lot of time to get used

to

> > this whole idea and prepare myself. I guess that I have less

than

> a

> > week to learn all that I can. That is why I am calling on all of

> you

> > to help me out. Let me also tell you that I am 20 weeks pregnant

> and

> > if we do not get him scheduled before the end of this month, I

will

> > not be able to fly for his second casting which adds even more

> > stress. I think that I will probably drive and let my husband

fly

> > with Braden and just meet me there if it comes down to that.

> >

> > Anyhow, I am looking for all the information any of you can give

> > me.

> >

> > Where I should have my husband stay while we are in SLC?

> > What size clothes should I bring for after the casting, a size

> bigger

> > or 2 sizes bigger?

> > Diapers - should they be the same size he is currently wearing?

> > What should I know to prepare myself - I need to know the scary

> stuff

> > along with the good stuff?

> >

> > Basically, I just want to know all of the things that you wish

you

> > would have known before your childs first cast. I am a

> big " planner "

> > so this whole not knowing what to expect thing is really taking a

> > toll on me! Thanks for all you help and I look forward to

hearing

> > from you!

> >

> > Thanks - Miranda

> >

>

[Guest guest]

One thing I forgot to mention. I'm familiar with this as has

been in and out of hospitals, but don't ever hesitate to tell the

nurses/doctors what you need or want to do. And, with each nurse

and/or doctor, you will probably want to repeat it because they don't

always change info. For example, I always tell them that I want to see

as soon as possible post-op, before he wakes up if at all

possible because I want to be there WHEN he wakes up (esp. since I'm

still nursing). Don't wait for the medical staff to address your

needs...they usually have several patients, so don't hesitate to ask

them when you need something. Just my experience...

Let us know how it goes!

> > >

> > > Hi - I am new to this forum. I actually learned about it from

> > Angie

> > > Livingston, our care coordinator at Shriners in SLC. My son

> Braden

> > > is 17 months old. He was referred to the Shriners in Spokane, WA

> > at

> > > 12 months and they found him to have a curve of 40degrees. At

> that

> > > visit, they wanted to give it 4 months to see if it would correct

> > on

> > > it's own. Well, we returned on Jan. 8 to find that it had not

> > > changed at all. The doctor there wanted to continue to " watch "

> > it.

> > > Because I had done some research on my own, I did not feel this

> was

> > > the best option for us so I asked him to transfer our records to

> > SLC

> > > to have they take a look and determine if he would be a good

> > > candidate.

> > >

> > > Well, the next day, I got a call from Angie in SLC who said that

> he

> > > was a great candidate and they would like to get him over there

> > ASAP

> > > to be cast. (we live in Coeur d'Alene, ID) They are actually

> > trying

> > > to get him scheduled Jan. 22. I should know for sure tomorrow.

> > >

> > > So, consequently, I have not had a whole lot of time to get used

> to

> > > this whole idea and prepare myself. I guess that I have less

> than

> > a

> > > week to learn all that I can. That is why I am calling on all of

> > you

> > > to help me out. Let me also tell you that I am 20 weeks pregnant

> > and

> > > if we do not get him scheduled before the end of this month, I

> will

> > > not be able to fly for his second casting which adds even more

> > > stress. I think that I will probably drive and let my husband

> fly

> > > with Braden and just meet me there if it comes down to that.

> > >

> > > Anyhow, I am looking for all the information any of you can give

> > > me.

> > >

> > > Where I should have my husband stay while we are in SLC?

> > > What size clothes should I bring for after the casting, a size

> > bigger

> > > or 2 sizes bigger?

> > > Diapers - should they be the same size he is currently wearing?

> > > What should I know to prepare myself - I need to know the scary

> > stuff

> > > along with the good stuff?

> > >

> > > Basically, I just want to know all of the things that you wish

> you

> > > would have known before your childs first cast. I am a

> > big " planner "

> > > so this whole not knowing what to expect thing is really taking a

> > > toll on me! Thanks for all you help and I look forward to

> hearing

> > > from you!

> > >

> > > Thanks - Miranda

> > >

> >

>