Re: Broken shoulder cast strap

January 20, 2008

What a coincidence. Jack's is too! I mean, I don't know if they're

" broken " but they both move - A LOT - and they're really flimsy. I

wonder why the change this casting?

S

January 20, 2008

I'd call your patient care coordinator. We never had the straps because the

apex of Ian's curve did not warrant it, but I would imagine for the kids that

need the straps that it would be a good idea to see what your doc says.

Noelle (12-2-01)

Ian (8-15-04)

Broken shoulder cast strap

Hi,

Max's left shoulder cast strap is broke. I noticed it today after

finally being able to spend some quality time with him. There is so

much tape on the strap, that you wouldn't notice it unless you were

feeling it, like I was. These straps are the thinnest of the 9 casts.

The cast otherwise is intact and hasn't moved from what I can tell.

Fortuantely he is outgrown this cast that it is tight on him, I can't

imagine the cast evening moving.

He isn't getting this last cast off for another month. Anyone had a

similar experience? Should I be concerned? Max doesn't seemed

bothered by it. Any thoughts?

Thank you,

Aekta

January 20, 2008

Hi Aketa

>

> Hi,

>

> Max's left shoulder cast strap is broke. I noticed it today after

> finally being able to spend some quality time with him. There is so

> much tape on the strap, that you wouldn't notice it unless you were

> feeling it, like I was. These straps are the thinnest of the 9

casts.

> The cast otherwise is intact and hasn't moved from what I can tell.

> Fortuantely he is outgrown this cast that it is tight on him, I

can't

> imagine the cast evening moving.

>

> He isn't getting this last cast off for another month. Anyone had a

> similar experience? Should I be concerned? Max doesn't seemed

> bothered by it. Any thoughts?

>

> Thank you,

> Aekta

>

January 20, 2008

The shoulder straps that Dr. Strum did this last time did not have any plaster

in them! They felt very " flimsy " like Sandi said, but I wasn't too worried about

it since when I mentioned it to during trimming she said it was fine. When

they cut off Sophia's cast last Thursday, we pulled off the tape to help the

cast saw get through the material faster and saw just a very small piece of the

pink fiberglass. But when they cut through it, there was just the cotton backing

then the undershirt- no plaster. So that might explain why they were so flexible

and why they are breaking.

Broken shoulder cast strap

Hi,

Max's left shoulder cast strap is broke. I noticed it today after

finally being able to spend some quality time with him. There is so

much tape on the strap, that you wouldn't notice it unless you were

feeling it, like I was. These straps are the thinnest of the 9 casts.

The cast otherwise is intact and hasn't moved from what I can tell.

Fortuantely he is outgrown this cast that it is tight on him, I can't

imagine the cast evening moving.

He isn't getting this last cast off for another month. Anyone had a

similar experience? Should I be concerned? Max doesn't seemed

bothered by it. Any thoughts?

Thank you,

Aekta

January 21, 2008

Hi Tina,

I did see Max's straps before he was peddled and from what

my " pregnancy brain " at the time didn't think it looked thin.

But, the strap does feel " spongy. "

I know after the the anesthesia ordeal in December, it appered

they " had " to move quickly according to the anesthesiologist. I

barely believe this woman. But, this time they did a funny cross

with the straps by his upper neck.

I plan to call tomorrow to get her opinion. I'm sure she'll

say not worry about it especially if the cast is tight and holding

in place. But, I want to make sure. I'll let you know what she says.

I wonder why they went so thin on the straps. We're use to the thick

plaster straps.

Thanks for the info on Sophia straps. Perhaps they did the same on

all the December castings.

Aekta

>

> The shoulder straps that Dr. Strum did this last time did not have

any plaster in them! They felt very " flimsy " like Sandi said, but I

wasn't too worried about it since when I mentioned it to during

trimming she said it was fine. When they cut off Sophia's cast last

Thursday, we pulled off the tape to help the cast saw get through

the material faster and saw just a very small piece of the pink

fiberglass. But when they cut through it, there was just the cotton

backing then the undershirt- no plaster. So that might explain why

they were so flexible and why they are breaking.

>

> Broken shoulder cast strap

>

> Hi,

>

> Max's left shoulder cast strap is broke. I noticed it today

after

> finally being able to spend some quality time with him. There is

so

> much tape on the strap, that you wouldn't notice it unless you

were

> feeling it, like I was. These straps are the thinnest of the 9

casts.

> The cast otherwise is intact and hasn't moved from what I can

tell.

> Fortuantely he is outgrown this cast that it is tight on him, I

can't

> imagine the cast evening moving.

>

> He isn't getting this last cast off for another month. Anyone

had a

> similar experience? Should I be concerned? Max doesn't seemed

> bothered by it. Any thoughts?

>

> Thank you,

> Aekta

>

January 21, 2008

,

Max has had 9 casts now and Dr. Sturm never did the straps until the

ETP in Chicago with Miss Mehta this past summer/fall.

I plan to call Chicago in the morning. Since his surgery is in 6

weeks, and cast cut-off in 4 weeks, I'm not sure they'll want us to

do anything unless it is bothering him.

He has complained a lot today that soemthing hurts. I beg him to use

his words, but he just points by his hips and then he's done

complaining. I'm thinking it's his hips with the cast rubbing and

being exposed. But, he doesn't seem like he's in major pain, but

I'll have to explore more in the next few days.

Aekta

>

> I'd call your patient care coordinator. We never had the straps

because the apex of Ian's curve did not warrant it, but I would

imagine for the kids that need the straps that it would be a good

idea to see what your doc says.

>

> Noelle (12-2-01)

> Ian (8-15-04)

> Broken shoulder cast strap

>

> Hi,

>

> Max's left shoulder cast strap is broke. I noticed it today

after

> finally being able to spend some quality time with him. There is

so

> much tape on the strap, that you wouldn't notice it unless you

were

> feeling it, like I was. These straps are the thinnest of the 9

casts.

> The cast otherwise is intact and hasn't moved from what I can

tell.

> Fortuantely he is outgrown this cast that it is tight on him, I

can't

> imagine the cast evening moving.

>

> He isn't getting this last cast off for another month. Anyone

had a

> similar experience? Should I be concerned? Max doesn't seemed

> bothered by it. Any thoughts?

>

> Thank you,

> Aekta

>

January 21, 2008

Sandi,

Of Max's 9 casts, each one has been a little different.

Since we're done with casting and we'll have our surgery talk with

Dr. Sturm I plan to aks him why each cast was different.

Does Jack's cast move on him or is the tightness holding him it in

place?

Is he eating any better? I think of him often. I pray casting helps

his curve.

Aekta

>

> What a coincidence. Jack's is too! I mean, I don't know if

they're

> " broken " but they both move - A LOT - and they're really flimsy. I

> wonder why the change this casting?

>

> S

>

January 21, 2008

hi Darrell,

Thank you for the suggestions. Sometimes when delaing with doctors 5

hours away, it is like do-it-yourslef. or find aomeone local who

can.

We are fortunate to have an orthotist who worked at Shriners Chicago

20 years ago for 10 years. The orthotic and prosthetic lab is 2

blocks from my work. I just happened to call when Max needed some

minor trimming and we were introduced to him. He is so kind, he

doesn't even charge us. He has agreed to cut off Max's cast next

month which would save us a 5 hour (each way) trip to Chicago with a

newborn, just to get a cast cut off.

Aekta

> >

> > Hi,

> >

> > Max's left shoulder cast strap is broke. I noticed it today

after

> > finally being able to spend some quality time with him. There is

so

> > much tape on the strap, that you wouldn't notice it unless you

were

> > feeling it, like I was. These straps are the thinnest of the 9

> casts.

> > The cast otherwise is intact and hasn't moved from what I can

tell.

> > Fortuantely he is outgrown this cast that it is tight on him, I

> can't

> > imagine the cast evening moving.

> >

> > He isn't getting this last cast off for another month. Anyone

had a

> > similar experience? Should I be concerned? Max doesn't seemed

> > bothered by it. Any thoughts?

> >

> > Thank you,

> > Aekta

> >

>

January 21, 2008

Yeah, my guess is that they probably won't do anything in that case.

Sorry to hear that his hips are hurting though.

Noelle (12-2-01)

Ian (8-15-04)

Broken shoulder cast strap

>

> Hi,

>

> Max's left shoulder cast strap is broke. I noticed it today

after

> finally being able to spend some quality time with him. There is

so

> much tape on the strap, that you wouldn't notice it unless you

were

> feeling it, like I was. These straps are the thinnest of the 9

casts.

> The cast otherwise is intact and hasn't moved from what I can

tell.

> Fortuantely he is outgrown this cast that it is tight on him, I

can't

> imagine the cast evening moving.

>

> He isn't getting this last cast off for another month. Anyone

had a

> similar experience? Should I be concerned? Max doesn't seemed

> bothered by it. Any thoughts?

>

> Thank you,

> Aekta

>

January 21, 2008

Yeah - each of Jack''s has been a little different, too. I figure it

just kind of fits the needs of the curve and the body on that day.

I'm not sure why they even bother with the straps, really - they

aren't load-bearing at all. I mean, it's not providing any structural

support or anything when it's a good inch or inch and a half higher

than where his shoulder is. But, c'est la vie!

I hope Max isn't hurting as much today. Poor bub.

Jack's cast is still holding from what I can tell. This one, I'm

really excited about - his ribs look symmetrical for the first time in

probably a year! It's unreal. I keep rubbing his tummy and feeling

it. He's still not really eating - he ate some noodles yesterday,

though, which was good. I think he has more going on than just a

tight cast, though - I think it's sensory. I gave him sweetart hearts

yesterday (bit in half) -worrying less about the quality of food and

just wanting him to explore more textures and tastes. It took him

squirreling four in his mouth and spitting them out before he would

actually crunch one.

Hope you and those sweet boys are doing well.

Sandi

January 21, 2008

Aekta,

What kind of issues did Max have with the anesthesia? I'm asking because Dylan

had a bad reaction last time (throwing up a lot for about 24 hours, very

inconsolable, low SATS when came out of the operating room) and my husband said

that he felt the anesthesiologist might have given him too much anesthesia.

Trying to figure out how to avoid those problems this next time.

[infantile_scoliosi s] Broken shoulder cast strap

>

> Hi,

>

> Max's left shoulder cast strap is broke. I noticed it today

after

> finally being able to spend some quality time with him. There is

so

> much tape on the strap, that you wouldn't notice it unless you

were

> feeling it, like I was. These straps are the thinnest of the 9

casts.

> The cast otherwise is intact and hasn't moved from what I can

tell.

> Fortuantely he is outgrown this cast that it is tight on him, I

can't

> imagine the cast evening moving.

>

> He isn't getting this last cast off for another month. Anyone

had a

> similar experience? Should I be concerned? Max doesn't seemed

> bothered by it. Any thoughts?

>

> Thank you,

> Aekta

>

January 21, 2008

Sammy broke her strap on her last cast. We just gorilla taped it so it

would stay on, it was fine.

________________________________

From: infantile_scoliosis

[mailto:infantile_scoliosis ] On Behalf Of babymaxpd

Sent: Saturday, January 19, 2008 8:57 PM

To: infantile_scoliosis

Subject: Broken shoulder cast strap

Hi,

Max's left shoulder cast strap is broke. I noticed it today after

finally being able to spend some quality time with him. There is so

much tape on the strap, that you wouldn't notice it unless you were

feeling it, like I was. These straps are the thinnest of the 9 casts.

The cast otherwise is intact and hasn't moved from what I can tell.

Fortuantely he is outgrown this cast that it is tight on him, I can't

imagine the cast evening moving.

He isn't getting this last cast off for another month. Anyone had a

similar experience? Should I be concerned? Max doesn't seemed

bothered by it. Any thoughts?

Thank you,

Aekta

January 21, 2008

Hi ,

Let me start by saying every child can react diffrently to

anesthesia and it can be a different reaction each time.

Max's main issues with anesthesia was being very angery, gassy, a

couple of times vomitting. But once he was consolable we tried many

things. They key is to get a good anesthesiololgist. They can give

him Zophran and suction out his stomach which they do for Max each

time to my knowledge. I strongly believe the versed makes his

recovery worse.

Max has been under general anesthesia now 10 times (including MRI).

From what I have noticed with Max is:

1. He recovers the best when he spits out the versed. We were told

last time he must have the versed otherwise he would get a shot (a

threat or promise-not sure?). My thought is if spits out the versed

why bother forcing him to take it?

2. The best anesthesiologist we had was Dr. . She is

newer, but very warm hearted, friendly, postive, caring, and Max had

the best recovery ever. Dr. Wheeler is also very good (chief of

anestehsia). She is very serious, but was very loving and motherly

to Max. With Max's surgery coming up, my goal is to figure out how I

can request a specific anesthesiologist. When I find out, I'll let

you know.

3. I noticed when we don't force Max to drink clear liquids right

away and waited until he gave us signs of thirst/hunger, he did

better. We try to give him something every 15-20 minutes.I decided

to bring his favorite clear liquids he is familiar with instead of

using the hospital's. Lately, he's into juice boxes, so we give him

apple juice boxes at home before his cast change so he gets use to

it. I'm not a big juice person as Max does so well eating fruit. So

we buy Motts for Tots juice box (50% juice & 50% water).

4. We tell Max that he has to drink a little bit, then they will

take the IV out (we don't use the word IV). We don't make promises

we can't keep. And after learning from the nurses the only way to

get the IV out is to drink - he seems more willing.

5. We recently started with popsicles as a reward for taking his

fever medicine (as after the versed & being older, he refused all

medications). They do have popsicles as the hospital which can be

used instead of drinking liquids. Although they are filled with so

much sugar, not sure if that does more harm than good.

6. Also, Max got into wanting to eat crushed ice at home. It usually

melts in his mouth before he can bite into it. The hospital has ice

chips that can be used too instead of juice, popsicles, water.

7. Max likes the mini-cereal boxes of Cherrios. He only gets them

at the hospital, otherwise the fun is lost at the hospital.I'm sure

the hospital has this also.

8. Max also likes oyster crackers over saltines. I haven't seen

oyster crackers at Shriners, but I've never asked. They also allow

him to have graham crackers which they have.

9. We even tried bring some Pedialyte, but Max doesn't like that to

begin with, so it backfired on us. I think they make pedialyte

popsicles. I may have to try those for his surgery. The hospital

should have a freezer for that.

10. We also keep his straw-cup handy full of water. Little sips here

and there are better than nothing. He's into drinking from straws

these days.

11. Last time I found a Dragon Tales video (VHS) I think that's all

they have in recovery from my knowledge-I could be wrong. Max loves

Dragon Tales. Although he wasn't watching it< i wonder if just

hearing it helped him relax. I'm not a big TV person, but I had to

cave in for whatever helps Max. He doesn't get much TV at home, but

he gets what he wants on cast day!

12. Max has his " blue blanky " which I send with him to the OR so

when he wakes up, the nurses have the blanket next to his cheek

(upon my request) so he has something of his by his side.

Although all the nurses always tell me I don't have to bring Max's

drinks and snacks, I feel better knowing he has what he is familar

with-for comfort. Plus with the 5 hour car ride we always have snack

with us. Always ask the nurses what he can eat before giving it to

him.

If you do bring anything that needs to be cold, ask them to put it

in the fridge-they'll even put his name label on it.

We try to sit him upright as much as possible after the cast is

placed. Even in recovery and in his room, keep pillows under his

head. Dave or myself try to hodl him, but I can tell when he

struggles with us it may be best to just let him be in bed. I rub

his arm or just hold his hand and reassure him he is doing a great

job and a very good boy-even if he out of control. Once the IVs are

out, we take him for a walk in his stroller around the hospital. And

when it is nice outside we walk him in the play area. Distraction is

key.

Also, keep in mind, we tried one or two of the above at each cast

change. I try not to overwhelm him with too many things. And each

cast change was different. What worked at one, didn't work at the

other. See what he's into.

Most importantly stay postive and calm. Children sense our emotions

and can react on them.

I hope this helps. This is what has worked for us. Sorry for the

long post.

I wish you all the best.

Aekta

> >

> > The shoulder straps that Dr. Strum did this last time did not

have

> any plaster in them! They felt very " flimsy " like Sandi said, but

I

> wasn't too worried about it since when I mentioned it to

during

> trimming she said it was fine. When they cut off Sophia's cast

last

> Thursday, we pulled off the tape to help the cast saw get through

> the material faster and saw just a very small piece of the pink

> fiberglass. But when they cut through it, there was just the

cotton

> backing then the undershirt- no plaster. So that might explain why

> they were so flexible and why they are breaking.

> >

> > [infantile_scoliosi s] Broken shoulder cast strap

> >

> > Hi,

> >

> > Max's left shoulder cast strap is broke. I noticed it today

> after

> > finally being able to spend some quality time with him. There is

> so

> > much tape on the strap, that you wouldn't notice it unless you

> were

> > feeling it, like I was. These straps are the thinnest of the 9

> casts.

> > The cast otherwise is intact and hasn't moved from what I can

> tell.

> > Fortuantely he is outgrown this cast that it is tight on him, I

> can't

> > imagine the cast evening moving.

> >

> > He isn't getting this last cast off for another month. Anyone

> had a

> > similar experience? Should I be concerned? Max doesn't seemed

> > bothered by it. Any thoughts?

> >

> > Thank you,

> > Aekta

> >

January 21, 2008

Oh yeah...I remember you showed it to me last time. Actually it is

taped up pretty good.

Thanks,

Aekta

>

> Sammy broke her strap on her last cast. We just gorilla taped it

so it

> would stay on, it was fine.

>

> ________________________________

>

> From: infantile_scoliosis

> [mailto:infantile_scoliosis ] On Behalf Of babymaxpd

> Sent: Saturday, January 19, 2008 8:57 PM

> To: infantile_scoliosis

> Subject: Broken shoulder cast strap

>

> Hi,

>

> Max's left shoulder cast strap is broke. I noticed it today after

> finally being able to spend some quality time with him. There is

so

> much tape on the strap, that you wouldn't notice it unless you

were

> feeling it, like I was. These straps are the thinnest of the 9

casts.

> The cast otherwise is intact and hasn't moved from what I can

tell.

> Fortuantely he is outgrown this cast that it is tight on him, I

can't

> imagine the cast evening moving.

>

> He isn't getting this last cast off for another month. Anyone had

a

> similar experience? Should I be concerned? Max doesn't seemed

> bothered by it. Any thoughts?

>

> Thank you,

> Aekta

>

January 21, 2008

Hi Sandi,

That is so nice to hear Jack's ribs are looking better. That is

reassuring.

Sensory eating issues can be challenging. But like you said, as long

as you can just get food in him, that's what matters most.

They boys are doing well. I can say it is so different to hold a

child without a brace or cast on. I keep rubbing Sam's back praying

that he is overall a healthy boy.

Aekta

>

> Yeah - each of Jack''s has been a little different, too. I figure

it

> just kind of fits the needs of the curve and the body on that

day.

>

> I'm not sure why they even bother with the straps, really - they

> aren't load-bearing at all. I mean, it's not providing any

structural

> support or anything when it's a good inch or inch and a half higher

> than where his shoulder is. But, c'est la vie!

>

> I hope Max isn't hurting as much today. Poor bub.

>

> Jack's cast is still holding from what I can tell. This one, I'm

> really excited about - his ribs look symmetrical for the first

time in

> probably a year! It's unreal. I keep rubbing his tummy and

feeling

> it. He's still not really eating - he ate some noodles yesterday,

> though, which was good. I think he has more going on than just a

> tight cast, though - I think it's sensory. I gave him sweetart

hearts

> yesterday (bit in half) -worrying less about the quality of food

and

> just wanting him to explore more textures and tastes. It took him

> squirreling four in his mouth and spitting them out before he would

> actually crunch one.

>

> Hope you and those sweet boys are doing well.

>

> Sandi

>

January 21, 2008

,

Ian was always inconsolable too. They called it anesthesia delirium and it is

very common. Vomiting is common too, but I am not sure that it is common for it

to last so long. Just be sure to let the anesthesiologist know about your

experience next time. Maybe they can give meds for nausea.

Noelle (12-2-01)

Ian (8-15-04)

[infantile_scoliosi s] Broken shoulder cast strap

>

> Hi,

>

> Max's left shoulder cast strap is broke. I noticed it today

after

> finally being able to spend some quality time with him. There is

so

> much tape on the strap, that you wouldn't notice it unless you

were

> feeling it, like I was. These straps are the thinnest of the 9

casts.

> The cast otherwise is intact and hasn't moved from what I can

tell.

> Fortuantely he is outgrown this cast that it is tight on him, I

can't

> imagine the cast evening moving.

>

> He isn't getting this last cast off for another month. Anyone

had a

> similar experience? Should I be concerned? Max doesn't seemed

> bothered by it. Any thoughts?

>

> Thank you,

> Aekta

>

January 21, 2008

Aekta,

I agree. We only did the Versed one time because it made recovery so much

worse. He never had anxiety before the procedure luckily, so we didn't really

need it.

Noelle (12-2-01)

Ian (8-15-04)

[infantile_scoliosi s] Broken shoulder cast strap

> >

> > Hi,

> >

> > Max's left shoulder cast strap is broke. I noticed it today

> after

> > finally being able to spend some quality time with him. There is

> so

> > much tape on the strap, that you wouldn't notice it unless you

> were

> > feeling it, like I was. These straps are the thinnest of the 9

> casts.

> > The cast otherwise is intact and hasn't moved from what I can

> tell.

> > Fortuantely he is outgrown this cast that it is tight on him, I

> can't

> > imagine the cast evening moving.

> >

> > He isn't getting this last cast off for another month. Anyone

> had a

> > similar experience? Should I be concerned? Max doesn't seemed

> > bothered by it. Any thoughts?

> >

> > Thank you,

> > Aekta

> >

January 21, 2008

Thanks for the advice. I'll try some of your suggestions like maybe bring his

straw cup and have him start off real slow with the liquids. He also really

loves his straw cup. I'll also try walking him in the stroller or maybe TV to

distract him. I'll mention my concerns to the anesthesiologist and see if there

is anything different they can do this time. Hopefully, it will go a lot

smoother than last time.

[infantile_scoliosi s] Broken shoulder cast strap

> >

> > Hi,

> >

> > Max's left shoulder cast strap is broke. I noticed it today

> after

> > finally being able to spend some quality time with him. There is

> so

> > much tape on the strap, that you wouldn't notice it unless you

> were

> > feeling it, like I was. These straps are the thinnest of the 9

> casts.

> > The cast otherwise is intact and hasn't moved from what I can

> tell.

> > Fortuantely he is outgrown this cast that it is tight on him, I

> can't

> > imagine the cast evening moving.

> >

> > He isn't getting this last cast off for another month. Anyone

> had a

> > similar experience? Should I be concerned? Max doesn't seemed

> > bothered by it. Any thoughts?

> >

> > Thank you,

> > Aekta

> >

January 21, 2008

How many people have had a broken strap, and where was the cast from? What

caused the break, if you know. I need to know in case we need this as a

complication for the manual I'm compiling.

Thanks,

Shellie

" D. Esser " wrote:

Sammy broke her strap on her last cast. We just gorilla taped it so it

would stay on, it was fine.

________________________________

From: infantile_scoliosis

[mailto:infantile_scoliosis ] On Behalf Of babymaxpd

Sent: Saturday, January 19, 2008 8:57 PM

To: infantile_scoliosis

Subject: Broken shoulder cast strap

Hi,

Max's left shoulder cast strap is broke. I noticed it today after

finally being able to spend some quality time with him. There is so

much tape on the strap, that you wouldn't notice it unless you were

feeling it, like I was. These straps are the thinnest of the 9 casts.

The cast otherwise is intact and hasn't moved from what I can tell.

Fortuantely he is outgrown this cast that it is tight on him, I can't

imagine the cast evening moving.

He isn't getting this last cast off for another month. Anyone had a

similar experience? Should I be concerned? Max doesn't seemed

bothered by it. Any thoughts?

Thank you,

Aekta

January 21, 2008

Sandi,

Not sure on the shoulder straps. Per Dr. Mehta, I thought they were supposed

to touch the shoulders, and act as an anchor for the cast so they don't have to

wrap the torso so tight and avoid rib deformity. ????

Shellie

" *\\o/* San *\\o/* " wrote: