Appointment and casting with Dr Khoury

[Guest guest]

Hello! Well after all the great advise I have recieved from all of

you, Finn (19 months 60 degrees) and I have an appointment with Dr

Khoury for a clinic day on February 27th and if all goes well casting

on February 28th. I was hoping that whoever sees Dr Koury could share

with us some basic information. We are going to fly in to Birmingham

on the morning of the 27th. sent me a list of Hotels. Which one

is closest and most convenient to the hospital? Should we rent a car

or take a taxi? How is the hospital? Also, should we stay another

night after the casting?

Is anyone else scheduled on those days? Finn is currently in a brace

so I am hoping that the adjustment will be easy on him.

Thanks for the support and help.

[Guest guest]

-

We are scheduled to have our first visit with Dr. Khoury at the end of this

month. I made a reservation at the Marriot Courtyard at UAB. From the

pictures it looks pretty nice and it is close to the hospital. I figured we

won't have much to do after Holly Jean's casting for a day, so we might as

well stay at a nice place with nice amenities. (We are going to stay until

about noon the next day just to make sure everything is ok with the cast).

They gave me a special hospital rate of about 139.00 per night (rather than

the " best rate " of 189.00). The guy I made the reservation with told me to

always ask for the best rate and the children's hospital rate because

sometimes the hospital rate is higher than the best rate (which he said can

be as low as 109.00 at times). We are flying Southwest, which is so much

cheaper than the alternatives and a direct flight. Perhaps Southwest flies

from your city to BHM. I don't know yet what to do about transportation

once we get there, I'll be interested in what others have to say.

(mom to Holly 7 months, IS 36* curve to right)

From: infantile_scoliosis

[mailto:infantile_scoliosis ] On Behalf Of teresamcsheffrey

Sent: Sunday, January 20, 2008 9:03 AM

To: infantile_scoliosis

Subject: Appointment and casting with Dr Khoury

Hello! Well after all the great advise I have recieved from all of

you, Finn (19 months 60 degrees) and I have an appointment with Dr

Khoury for a clinic day on February 27th and if all goes well casting

on February 28th. I was hoping that whoever sees Dr Koury could share

with us some basic information. We are going to fly in to Birmingham

on the morning of the 27th. sent me a list of Hotels. Which one

is closest and most convenient to the hospital? Should we rent a car

or take a taxi? How is the hospital? Also, should we stay another

night after the casting?

Is anyone else scheduled on those days? Finn is currently in a brace

so I am hoping that the adjustment will be easy on him.

Thanks for the support and help.

[Guest guest]

,

We are also going to fly Southwest from Tampa. We live about 20 minutes from

the airport and the flight is only 1.5 hours. I will call the Marriot and see if

they might have an airport shuttle. Then if the hospital is close enough we can

take a cab. I am just not sure how cab friendly Birmingham is. I have never been

there. Where do you live?

no wrote:

-

We are scheduled to have our first visit with Dr. Khoury at the end of this

month. I made a reservation at the Marriot Courtyard at UAB. From the

pictures it looks pretty nice and it is close to the hospital. I figured we

won't have much to do after Holly Jean's casting for a day, so we might as

well stay at a nice place with nice amenities. (We are going to stay until

about noon the next day just to make sure everything is ok with the cast).

They gave me a special hospital rate of about 139.00 per night (rather than

the " best rate " of 189.00). The guy I made the reservation with told me to

always ask for the best rate and the children's hospital rate because

sometimes the hospital rate is higher than the best rate (which he said can

be as low as 109.00 at times). We are flying Southwest, which is so much

cheaper than the alternatives and a direct flight. Perhaps Southwest flies

from your city to BHM. I don't know yet what to do about transportation

once we get there, I'll be interested in what others have to say.

(mom to Holly 7 months, IS 36* curve to right)

From: infantile_scoliosis

[mailto:infantile_scoliosis ] On Behalf Of teresamcsheffrey

Sent: Sunday, January 20, 2008 9:03 AM

To: infantile_scoliosis

Subject: Appointment and casting with Dr Khoury

Hello! Well after all the great advise I have recieved from all of

you, Finn (19 months 60 degrees) and I have an appointment with Dr

Khoury for a clinic day on February 27th and if all goes well casting

on February 28th. I was hoping that whoever sees Dr Koury could share

with us some basic information. We are going to fly in to Birmingham

on the morning of the 27th. sent me a list of Hotels. Which one

is closest and most convenient to the hospital? Should we rent a car

or take a taxi? How is the hospital? Also, should we stay another

night after the casting?

Is anyone else scheduled on those days? Finn is currently in a brace

so I am hoping that the adjustment will be easy on him.

Thanks for the support and help.

[Guest guest]

-

We live in Fairfax, Virginia. I lived in Tampa for 2 years and it is one of

my favorite places. I have never been to Birmingham. I'll let you know how

everything goes when we return from Birmingham.

(mom to Holly Jean)

_____

From: infantile_scoliosis

[mailto:infantile_scoliosis ] On Behalf Of McSheffrey

Sent: Sunday, January 20, 2008 9:32 AM

To: infantile_scoliosis

Subject: RE: Appointment and casting with Dr Khoury

,

We are also going to fly Southwest from Tampa. We live about 20 minutes from

the airport and the flight is only 1.5 hours. I will call the Marriot and

see if they might have an airport shuttle. Then if the hospital is close

enough we can take a cab. I am just not sure how cab friendly Birmingham is.

I have never been there. Where do you live?

no <julianoamerican (DOT) <mailto:juliano%40american.edu> edu> wrote:

-

We are scheduled to have our first visit with Dr. Khoury at the end of this

month. I made a reservation at the Marriot Courtyard at UAB. From the

pictures it looks pretty nice and it is close to the hospital. I figured we

won't have much to do after Holly Jean's casting for a day, so we might as

well stay at a nice place with nice amenities. (We are going to stay until

about noon the next day just to make sure everything is ok with the cast).

They gave me a special hospital rate of about 139.00 per night (rather than

the " best rate " of 189.00). The guy I made the reservation with told me to

always ask for the best rate and the children's hospital rate because

sometimes the hospital rate is higher than the best rate (which he said can

be as low as 109.00 at times). We are flying Southwest, which is so much

cheaper than the alternatives and a direct flight. Perhaps Southwest flies

from your city to BHM. I don't know yet what to do about transportation

once we get there, I'll be interested in what others have to say.

(mom to Holly 7 months, IS 36* curve to right)

From: infantile_scoliosis <mailto:infantile_scoliosis%40yahoogroups.com>

[mailto:infantile_scoliosis <mailto:infantile_scoliosis%40yahoogroups.com>

] On Behalf Of teresamcsheffrey

Sent: Sunday, January 20, 2008 9:03 AM

To: infantile_scoliosis <mailto:infantile_scoliosis%40yahoogroups.com>

Subject: Appointment and casting with Dr Khoury

Hello! Well after all the great advise I have recieved from all of

you, Finn (19 months 60 degrees) and I have an appointment with Dr

Khoury for a clinic day on February 27th and if all goes well casting

on February 28th. I was hoping that whoever sees Dr Koury could share

with us some basic information. We are going to fly in to Birmingham

on the morning of the 27th. sent me a list of Hotels. Which one

is closest and most convenient to the hospital? Should we rent a car

or take a taxi? How is the hospital? Also, should we stay another

night after the casting?

Is anyone else scheduled on those days? Finn is currently in a brace

so I am hoping that the adjustment will be easy on him.

Thanks for the support and help.

[Guest guest]

,

If you do the cab thing, check to see if they have carseats. We recently

vacationed in Ft. Lauderdale and had problems with the taxis not having

carseats.

Noelle (12-2-01)

Ian (8-15-04)

Appointment and casting with Dr Khoury

Hello! Well after all the great advise I have recieved from all of

you, Finn (19 months 60 degrees) and I have an appointment with Dr

Khoury for a clinic day on February 27th and if all goes well casting

on February 28th. I was hoping that whoever sees Dr Koury could share

with us some basic information. We are going to fly in to Birmingham

on the morning of the 27th. sent me a list of Hotels. Which one

is closest and most convenient to the hospital? Should we rent a car

or take a taxi? How is the hospital? Also, should we stay another

night after the casting?

Is anyone else scheduled on those days? Finn is currently in a brace

so I am hoping that the adjustment will be easy on him.

Thanks for the support and help.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

We will see Dr. Khoury on the 14 & 15 of Feb. We will miss you, but not my

much...if I'm not mistaking I think that and Todd MIGHT be there then. I

could be wrong though. We only live 3 1/2 hours away, so we drive and stay at

the Best Western, Carlton Suites (I think the rooms are around 110 a night.) It

is off of 65 and only a few exits away from the hospital. We usually leave the

room around 5:50 when we have to be there at 6:00. I would suggest renting a

car b/c you're not going to want to stay in your hotel room the whole time

you're not w/Dr. Khoury. Plus like mentioned, the car seat might be an

issue. There are lots of shopping areas around town as well as restaurants.

Try to enjoy yourself. The trip will be stressful enough. You will want to

find things that help Finn enjoy himself as well, and make him feel comfy

As far as the hospital goes, all of the staff are really nice, but still a

little new to the casting thing. We have found that if we have any questions

about the cast itself, to ask or Dr. Khoury directly. That's usually

what the nurses end up doing anyway!

We are always out of the hospital by noon. Of course that all depends on how

Finn reacts to the anesthesia. Some kiddos can't keep anything down and some

are fine. I hope everything goes great for you and Finn. Will you have someone

else going with you? Best of Luck!

Misty and Haley

teresamcsheffrey wrote:

Hello! Well after all the great advise I have recieved from all of

you, Finn (19 months 60 degrees) and I have an appointment with Dr

Khoury for a clinic day on February 27th and if all goes well casting

on February 28th. I was hoping that whoever sees Dr Koury could share

with us some basic information. We are going to fly in to Birmingham

on the morning of the 27th. sent me a list of Hotels. Which one

is closest and most convenient to the hospital? Should we rent a car

or take a taxi? How is the hospital? Also, should we stay another

night after the casting?

Is anyone else scheduled on those days? Finn is currently in a brace

so I am hoping that the adjustment will be easy on him.

Thanks for the support and help.

---------------------------------

Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now.

[Guest guest]

Hi Misty,

Thanks for the information. Finn and I will be going by ourselves. We have a

five year old daughter and we are trying to keep her life as normal as possible.

I will take the advise about renting a car. I guess I thought we would be in the

room " adjusting " . I made our flight reservation to return the day after casting

in case we had any issues. Do you think that is necessary? said we would

be first or second. Finn has had anesthesia before (two MRI) and reacted well

but I am not sure if they use the same type.

Thanks for the advise.

Misty Dennis wrote:

Hi ,

We will see Dr. Khoury on the 14 & 15 of Feb. We will miss you, but not my

much...if I'm not mistaking I think that and Todd MIGHT be there then. I

could be wrong though. We only live 3 1/2 hours away, so we drive and stay at

the Best Western, Carlton Suites (I think the rooms are around 110 a night.) It

is off of 65 and only a few exits away from the hospital. We usually leave the

room around 5:50 when we have to be there at 6:00. I would suggest renting a car

b/c you're not going to want to stay in your hotel room the whole time you're

not w/Dr. Khoury. Plus like mentioned, the car seat might be an issue.

There are lots of shopping areas around town as well as restaurants. Try to

enjoy yourself. The trip will be stressful enough. You will want to find things

that help Finn enjoy himself as well, and make him feel comfy

As far as the hospital goes, all of the staff are really nice, but still a

little new to the casting thing. We have found that if we have any questions

about the cast itself, to ask or Dr. Khoury directly. That's usually what

the nurses end up doing anyway!

We are always out of the hospital by noon. Of course that all depends on how

Finn reacts to the anesthesia. Some kiddos can't keep anything down and some are

fine. I hope everything goes great for you and Finn. Will you have someone else

going with you? Best of Luck!

Misty and Haley

teresamcsheffrey wrote: Hello! Well after all the

great advise I have recieved from all of

you, Finn (19 months 60 degrees) and I have an appointment with Dr

Khoury for a clinic day on February 27th and if all goes well casting

on February 28th. I was hoping that whoever sees Dr Koury could share

with us some basic information. We are going to fly in to Birmingham

on the morning of the 27th. sent me a list of Hotels. Which one

is closest and most convenient to the hospital? Should we rent a car

or take a taxi? How is the hospital? Also, should we stay another

night after the casting?

Is anyone else scheduled on those days? Finn is currently in a brace

so I am hoping that the adjustment will be easy on him.

Thanks for the support and help.

---------------------------------

Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now.

[Guest guest]

,

Definitely a good idea to have that extra day built in just in case you need to

go back for further adustments to the cast.

Noelle (12-2-01)

Ian (8-15-04)

Re: Appointment and casting with Dr Khoury

Hi Misty,

Thanks for the information. Finn and I will be going by ourselves. We have a

five year old daughter and we are trying to keep her life as normal as possible.

I will take the advise about renting a car. I guess I thought we would be in the

room " adjusting " . I made our flight reservation to return the day after casting

in case we had any issues. Do you think that is necessary? said we would

be first or second. Finn has had anesthesia before (two MRI) and reacted well

but I am not sure if they use the same type.

Thanks for the advise.

Misty Dennis wrote:

Hi ,

We will see Dr. Khoury on the 14 & 15 of Feb. We will miss you, but not my

much...if I'm not mistaking I think that and Todd MIGHT be there then. I

could be wrong though. We only live 3 1/2 hours away, so we drive and stay at

the Best Western, Carlton Suites (I think the rooms are around 110 a night.) It

is off of 65 and only a few exits away from the hospital. We usually leave the

room around 5:50 when we have to be there at 6:00. I would suggest renting a car

b/c you're not going to want to stay in your hotel room the whole time you're

not w/Dr. Khoury. Plus like mentioned, the car seat might be an issue.

There are lots of shopping areas around town as well as restaurants. Try to

enjoy yourself. The trip will be stressful enough. You will want to find things

that help Finn enjoy himself as well, and make him feel comfy

As far as the hospital goes, all of the staff are really nice, but still a

little new to the casting thing. We have found that if we have any questions

about the cast itself, to ask or Dr. Khoury directly. That's usually what

the nurses end up doing anyway!

We are always out of the hospital by noon. Of course that all depends on how

Finn reacts to the anesthesia. Some kiddos can't keep anything down and some are

fine. I hope everything goes great for you and Finn. Will you have someone else

going with you? Best of Luck!

Misty and Haley

teresamcsheffrey wrote: Hello! Well after all the

great advise I have recieved from all of

you, Finn (19 months 60 degrees) and I have an appointment with Dr

Khoury for a clinic day on February 27th and if all goes well casting

on February 28th. I was hoping that whoever sees Dr Koury could share

with us some basic information. We are going to fly in to Birmingham

on the morning of the 27th. sent me a list of Hotels. Which one

is closest and most convenient to the hospital? Should we rent a car

or take a taxi? How is the hospital? Also, should we stay another

night after the casting?

Is anyone else scheduled on those days? Finn is currently in a brace

so I am hoping that the adjustment will be easy on him.

Thanks for the support and help.

---------------------------------

Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now.

[Guest guest]

,

I wish that there was someone you could take along with you, especially for

the first trip. The process is much more difficult for us than it is for the

little ones! Finn should do okay w/the anesthesia (at least you know kind of

what to expect as far as that goes.) Haley reacts differently everytime it

seems. Sometimes she is very nauseated when she wakes up and other times, she

is fine, just groggy. I can't wait to hear what #'s Dr. Khoury gets Finn to in

cast

Maybe for future appontments if we are there at the same time, we could meet

up, so you wouldn't have to be alone and Finn could have a cast buddy !!!! I

think it is great you are staying an extra day in case you need some extra

trimming or anything else " fixed " with the cast. Best of luck and keep us

posted

Misty and Haley

McSheffrey wrote:

,

We are also going to fly Southwest from Tampa. We live about 20 minutes from the

airport and the flight is only 1.5 hours. I will call the Marriot and see if

they might have an airport shuttle. Then if the hospital is close enough we can

take a cab. I am just not sure how cab friendly Birmingham is. I have never been

there. Where do you live?

no wrote:

-

We are scheduled to have our first visit with Dr. Khoury at the end of this

month. I made a reservation at the Marriot Courtyard at UAB. From the

pictures it looks pretty nice and it is close to the hospital. I figured we

won't have much to do after Holly Jean's casting for a day, so we might as

well stay at a nice place with nice amenities. (We are going to stay until

about noon the next day just to make sure everything is ok with the cast).

They gave me a special hospital rate of about 139.00 per night (rather than

the " best rate " of 189.00). The guy I made the reservation with told me to

always ask for the best rate and the children's hospital rate because

sometimes the hospital rate is higher than the best rate (which he said can

be as low as 109.00 at times). We are flying Southwest, which is so much

cheaper than the alternatives and a direct flight. Perhaps Southwest flies

from your city to BHM. I don't know yet what to do about transportation

once we get there, I'll be interested in what others have to say.

(mom to Holly 7 months, IS 36* curve to right)

From: infantile_scoliosis

[mailto:infantile_scoliosis ] On Behalf Of teresamcsheffrey

Sent: Sunday, January 20, 2008 9:03 AM

To: infantile_scoliosis

Subject: Appointment and casting with Dr Khoury

Hello! Well after all the great advise I have recieved from all of

you, Finn (19 months 60 degrees) and I have an appointment with Dr

Khoury for a clinic day on February 27th and if all goes well casting

on February 28th. I was hoping that whoever sees Dr Koury could share

with us some basic information. We are going to fly in to Birmingham

on the morning of the 27th. sent me a list of Hotels. Which one

is closest and most convenient to the hospital? Should we rent a car

or take a taxi? How is the hospital? Also, should we stay another

night after the casting?

Is anyone else scheduled on those days? Finn is currently in a brace

so I am hoping that the adjustment will be easy on him.

Thanks for the support and help.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

We will also be there for casting on Feb 28!! We're getting in afternoon of the

27th, leaving the 29th. Please email me off list if you'd like to meet and

we'll make arrangements.

We drive since we live near Atlanta, only about 3 hours. Like the others have

said, I would also recommend getting a rental car.

I would not expect to do much after the casting. Todd is always totally wiped

out that day. He wakes up to eat, but he mostly prefers to hang out at the

hotel. Both times we have been, we did not get out of the hospital until after

lunchtime. (Bring something to eat in your tote. The hospital food is beyond

horrible.)

I think it is a VERY good idea to stay the night after casting. Not only will

that give you time to see if it needs any adjustments, but I don't think either

you or Finn will feel like travelling the same day as casting. We had to return

for trimming the first time. They took us first thing as soon as we got to the

clinic, and we were out of Birmingham before lunchtime.

We stayed at Courtyard by tt at UAB for our first casting appointment since

it was the closest to the hospital and we did not want to have to drive far the

first time going to the hospital. We found the room tiny, esp. with a toddler,

and the stay was kind of pricey, esp. after adding parking and restaurant

expenses, but it was worth it for being so close on that first casting

appointment.

If you're less concerned about getting around town, you might find a hotel a

little farther out. When we went the first time for Todd's eval. at the

satellite office we stayed at Comfort Inn and Suites on Collonade, and we stayed

there again for the second cast. It's a bit of a drive, though, maybe 20 or 30

minutes, to the hospital. But the room is MUCH larger than Courtyard UAB, which

worked better for us since Todd loves to roam around and play. Plus, the price

is hard to beat at around $80 per night incl tax for a king suite, including

parking and breakfast, unlike the Courtyard.

Be sure to ask for hospital rate and the best rate, whichever hotel you choose.

If you don't think you're getting a good rate, just call during business hours

and ask for the manager--sometimes the desk clerk can't/won't give the lowest

price.

So glad you'll be seeing Dr Khoury. We think he is wonderful. I hope

everything will go smoothly for you, and look forward to meeting you!

, Mommy to Todd

Appointment and casting with Dr Khoury

Hello! Well after all the great advise I have recieved from all of

you, Finn (19 months 60 degrees) and I have an appointment with Dr

Khoury for a clinic day on February 27th and if all goes well casting

on February 28th. I was hoping that whoever sees Dr Koury could share

with us some basic information. We are going to fly in to Birmingham

on the morning of the 27th. sent me a list of Hotels. Which one

is closest and most convenient to the hospital? Should we rent a car

or take a taxi? How is the hospital? Also, should we stay another

night after the casting?

Is anyone else scheduled on those days? Finn is currently in a brace

so I am hoping that the adjustment will be easy on him.

Thanks for the support and help.

________________________________________________________________________________\

____

Looking for last minute shopping deals?

Find them fast with Yahoo! Search.

http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Max had his first cast at 13 months with wearing a brace 6 months

prior. He adjusted just fine. I was up worrying all night with his

first cast and he ended up sleeping over 12 hours.

Best Wishes!

Aekta

>

> Hello! Well after all the great advise I have recieved from all of

> you, Finn (19 months 60 degrees) and I have an appointment with Dr

> Khoury for a clinic day on February 27th and if all goes well

casting

> on February 28th. I was hoping that whoever sees Dr Koury could

share

> with us some basic information. We are going to fly in to

Birmingham

> on the morning of the 27th. sent me a list of Hotels. Which

one

> is closest and most convenient to the hospital? Should we rent a

car

> or take a taxi? How is the hospital? Also, should we stay another

> night after the casting?

>

> Is anyone else scheduled on those days? Finn is currently in a

brace

> so I am hoping that the adjustment will be easy on him.

>

> Thanks for the support and help.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Misty,

Thanks for the advise. I might ask my husband if he would like to go. We had

talked about it before and I just thought it would be best if only I went. I

have been the one to attend most of the appointments mostly because I think it

is better for me to hear what is said and then discuss it with my husband. I

think it cuts down the stress level for him. I don't think it would be good to

have two overly obsessed parents. Finn has other problems with his eyes and

torticollis and it seems like since he was two months old I have been looking

and searching for answers that no one has been able to give me.

I just read a message from and she will be there with Todd on Feb 28th

also. I am so happy and excited to meet her. I would love to also meet you and

Haley if we are scheduled at the same time.

Finn had a brace made from a Risser table that we got about threeweeks ago at

Shriners in Tampa. He has a 60 degree curve and when they xrayed him in the

brace it only went down to 40 Degrees. The orthotist was disappointed and said

that he had hoped to get it lower but thought that his rib rotation prevented

that. What do you think it will go down to in the first brace? Does it vary or

do they always try for a set number?

Misty Dennis wrote:

,

I wish that there was someone you could take along with you, especially for the

first trip. The process is much more difficult for us than it is for the little

ones! Finn should do okay w/the anesthesia (at least you know kind of what to

expect as far as that goes.) Haley reacts differently everytime it seems.

Sometimes she is very nauseated when she wakes up and other times, she is fine,

just groggy. I can't wait to hear what #'s Dr. Khoury gets Finn to in cast

Maybe for future appontments if we are there at the same time, we could meet up,

so you wouldn't have to be alone and Finn could have a cast buddy !!!! I think

it is great you are staying an extra day in case you need some extra trimming or

anything else " fixed " with the cast. Best of luck and keep us posted

Misty and Haley

McSheffrey wrote:

,

We are also going to fly Southwest from Tampa. We live about 20 minutes from the

airport and the flight is only 1.5 hours. I will call the Marriot and see if

they might have an airport shuttle. Then if the hospital is close enough we can

take a cab. I am just not sure how cab friendly Birmingham is. I have never been

there. Where do you live?

no wrote:

-

We are scheduled to have our first visit with Dr. Khoury at the end of this

month. I made a reservation at the Marriot Courtyard at UAB. From the

pictures it looks pretty nice and it is close to the hospital. I figured we

won't have much to do after Holly Jean's casting for a day, so we might as

well stay at a nice place with nice amenities. (We are going to stay until

about noon the next day just to make sure everything is ok with the cast).

They gave me a special hospital rate of about 139.00 per night (rather than

the " best rate " of 189.00). The guy I made the reservation with told me to

always ask for the best rate and the children's hospital rate because

sometimes the hospital rate is higher than the best rate (which he said can

be as low as 109.00 at times). We are flying Southwest, which is so much

cheaper than the alternatives and a direct flight. Perhaps Southwest flies

from your city to BHM. I don't know yet what to do about transportation

once we get there, I'll be interested in what others have to say.

(mom to Holly 7 months, IS 36* curve to right)

From: infantile_scoliosis

[mailto:infantile_scoliosis ] On Behalf Of teresamcsheffrey

Sent: Sunday, January 20, 2008 9:03 AM

To: infantile_scoliosis

Subject: Appointment and casting with Dr Khoury

Hello! Well after all the great advise I have recieved from all of

you, Finn (19 months 60 degrees) and I have an appointment with Dr

Khoury for a clinic day on February 27th and if all goes well casting

on February 28th. I was hoping that whoever sees Dr Koury could share

with us some basic information. We are going to fly in to Birmingham

on the morning of the 27th. sent me a list of Hotels. Which one

is closest and most convenient to the hospital? Should we rent a car

or take a taxi? How is the hospital? Also, should we stay another

night after the casting?

Is anyone else scheduled on those days? Finn is currently in a brace

so I am hoping that the adjustment will be easy on him.

Thanks for the support and help.

[Guest guest]

,

I agree that if you can have your husband with you that it would be better

especially with it being the first cast. I've done it myself an few times and

it was stressful especially coming out of anesthesia. We brought our daughter a

few times(who was 5 at the time) and she actually liked being included. Not to

mention she loved the playroom at Shriners and the attention the staff gave her.

Noelle (12-2-01)

Ian (8-15-04)

Appointment and casting with Dr Khoury

Hello! Well after all the great advise I have recieved from all of

you, Finn (19 months 60 degrees) and I have an appointment with Dr

Khoury for a clinic day on February 27th and if all goes well casting

on February 28th. I was hoping that whoever sees Dr Koury could share

with us some basic information. We are going to fly in to Birmingham

on the morning of the 27th. sent me a list of Hotels. Which one

is closest and most convenient to the hospital? Should we rent a car

or take a taxi? How is the hospital? Also, should we stay another

night after the casting?

Is anyone else scheduled on those days? Finn is currently in a brace

so I am hoping that the adjustment will be easy on him.

Thanks for the support and help.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

The amount of correction they get in the cast will vary from child to child and

from cast to cast for the same child. Each one is so different and there are so

many variables, there's not much way to predict as far as I am aware. I think

as long as you are getting correction, that's the thing to focus on. Dr Khoury

told us the first cast usually will not get much correction because they are

just trying to loosen up the spine.

I read they try not to go over 20 degrees at a time, but they don't really know

how much correction they have acheived until they finish and get that in-cast

x-ray done.

Todd's first cast surprised everyone with huge correction, esp. Dr Khoury. Dr K

was pessimistic that casting woudl help Todd, but that first cast had him

dancing around when he showed us the x-rays. The second cast got much, much

less correction, but we are still ecstatic because it's still getting better.

So try to remember it's a process, and the progress will vary as you go along.

Sometimes you might see a huge improvement, other times less, other times none,

but it still could be working in other ways, such as rotation.

Talk with you soon,

, Mommy to Todd

[infantile_scoliosi s] Appointment and casting with Dr Khoury

Hello! Well after all the great advise I have recieved from all of

you, Finn (19 months 60 degrees) and I have an appointment with Dr

Khoury for a clinic day on February 27th and if all goes well casting

on February 28th. I was hoping that whoever sees Dr Koury could share

with us some basic information. We are going to fly in to Birmingham

on the morning of the 27th. sent me a list of Hotels. Which one

is closest and most convenient to the hospital? Should we rent a car

or take a taxi? How is the hospital? Also, should we stay another

night after the casting?

Is anyone else scheduled on those days? Finn is currently in a brace

so I am hoping that the adjustment will be easy on him.

Thanks for the support and help.

[Guest guest]

,

said what I was going to say! Haley's spine is " rigid " whereas some

kiddos have a " flexible " spine. Her curve started at 39 degrees. Dr. Khoury

said that her spine was rigid and hard to manipulate, but that he had gotten her

down to 20 degrees in cast. When the 1st cast was removed we had not achieved

any correction. We were so discouraged and he told us what has already

said, about the 1st cast working to loosen the spine up. With her 2nd cast, we

achieved 9 degrees of correction. However, there are kids who achieve a lot of

correction with the first cast, then it slows down a bit. Every child and every

case is so different. It is a process that requires time and patience.

BUT...that is where this group comes in...lots of support along the way and a

lot of moms who have been there and done that and can give lots of advice :)

We will be thinking of you and Finn! Let us know as soon as you can!

Misty and Haley

McSheffrey wrote:

Misty,

Thanks for the advise. I might ask my husband if he would like to go. We had

talked about it before and I just thought it would be best if only I went. I

have been the one to attend most of the appointments mostly because I think it

is better for me to hear what is said and then discuss it with my husband. I

think it cuts down the stress level for him. I don't think it would be good to

have two overly obsessed parents. Finn has other problems with his eyes and

torticollis and it seems like since he was two months old I have been looking

and searching for answers that no one has been able to give me.

I just read a message from and she will be there with Todd on Feb 28th

also. I am so happy and excited to meet her. I would love to also meet you and

Haley if we are scheduled at the same time.

Finn had a brace made from a Risser table that we got about threeweeks ago at

Shriners in Tampa. He has a 60 degree curve and when they xrayed him in the

brace it only went down to 40 Degrees. The orthotist was disappointed and said

that he had hoped to get it lower but thought that his rib rotation prevented

that. What do you think it will go down to in the first brace? Does it vary or

do they always try for a set number?

Misty Dennis wrote:

,

I wish that there was someone you could take along with you, especially for the

first trip. The process is much more difficult for us than it is for the little

ones! Finn should do okay w/the anesthesia (at least you know kind of what to

expect as far as that goes.) Haley reacts differently everytime it seems.

Sometimes she is very nauseated when she wakes up and other times, she is fine,

just groggy. I can't wait to hear what #'s Dr. Khoury gets Finn to in cast

Maybe for future appontments if we are there at the same time, we could meet

up, so you wouldn't have to be alone and Finn could have a cast buddy !!!! I

think it is great you are staying an extra day in case you need some extra

trimming or anything else " fixed " with the cast. Best of luck and keep us posted

Misty and Haley

McSheffrey wrote:

,

We are also going to fly Southwest from Tampa. We live about 20 minutes from

the airport and the flight is only 1.5 hours. I will call the Marriot and see if

they might have an airport shuttle. Then if the hospital is close enough we can

take a cab. I am just not sure how cab friendly Birmingham is. I have never been

there. Where do you live?

no wrote:

-

We are scheduled to have our first visit with Dr. Khoury at the end of this

month. I made a reservation at the Marriot Courtyard at UAB. From the

pictures it looks pretty nice and it is close to the hospital. I figured we

won't have much to do after Holly Jean's casting for a day, so we might as

well stay at a nice place with nice amenities. (We are going to stay until

about noon the next day just to make sure everything is ok with the cast).

They gave me a special hospital rate of about 139.00 per night (rather than

the " best rate " of 189.00). The guy I made the reservation with told me to

always ask for the best rate and the children's hospital rate because

sometimes the hospital rate is higher than the best rate (which he said can

be as low as 109.00 at times). We are flying Southwest, which is so much

cheaper than the alternatives and a direct flight. Perhaps Southwest flies

from your city to BHM. I don't know yet what to do about transportation

once we get there, I'll be interested in what others have to say.

(mom to Holly 7 months, IS 36* curve to right)

From: infantile_scoliosis

[mailto:infantile_scoliosis ] On Behalf Of teresamcsheffrey

Sent: Sunday, January 20, 2008 9:03 AM

To: infantile_scoliosis

Subject: Appointment and casting with Dr Khoury

Hello! Well after all the great advise I have recieved from all of

you, Finn (19 months 60 degrees) and I have an appointment with Dr

Khoury for a clinic day on February 27th and if all goes well casting

on February 28th. I was hoping that whoever sees Dr Koury could share

with us some basic information. We are going to fly in to Birmingham

on the morning of the 27th. sent me a list of Hotels. Which one

is closest and most convenient to the hospital? Should we rent a car

or take a taxi? How is the hospital? Also, should we stay another

night after the casting?

Is anyone else scheduled on those days? Finn is currently in a brace

so I am hoping that the adjustment will be easy on him.

Thanks for the support and help.

[Guest guest]

Let me also add that even with a rigid curve, small improvements or holding a

degree is valubable over letting the curve progress unchecked. It buys kids

time to grow (lungs especially) and parents time to decide what to do next.

shellie

Misty Dennis wrote:

,

said what I was going to say! Haley's spine is " rigid " whereas some

kiddos have a " flexible " spine. Her curve started at 39 degrees. Dr. Khoury said

that her spine was rigid and hard to manipulate, but that he had gotten her down

to 20 degrees in cast. When the 1st cast was removed we had not achieved any

correction. We were so discouraged and he told us what has already said,

about the 1st cast working to loosen the spine up. With her 2nd cast, we

achieved 9 degrees of correction. However, there are kids who achieve a lot of

correction with the first cast, then it slows down a bit. Every child and every

case is so different. It is a process that requires time and patience.

BUT...that is where this group comes in...lots of support along the way and a

lot of moms who have been there and done that and can give lots of advice :)

We will be thinking of you and Finn! Let us know as soon as you can!

Misty and Haley

McSheffrey wrote: Misty,

Thanks for the advise. I might ask my husband if he would like to go. We had

talked about it before and I just thought it would be best if only I went. I

have been the one to attend most of the appointments mostly because I think it

is better for me to hear what is said and then discuss it with my husband. I

think it cuts down the stress level for him. I don't think it would be good to

have two overly obsessed parents. Finn has other problems with his eyes and

torticollis and it seems like since he was two months old I have been looking

and searching for answers that no one has been able to give me.

I just read a message from and she will be there with Todd on Feb 28th

also. I am so happy and excited to meet her. I would love to also meet you and

Haley if we are scheduled at the same time.

Finn had a brace made from a Risser table that we got about threeweeks ago at

Shriners in Tampa. He has a 60 degree curve and when they xrayed him in the

brace it only went down to 40 Degrees. The orthotist was disappointed and said

that he had hoped to get it lower but thought that his rib rotation prevented

that. What do you think it will go down to in the first brace? Does it vary or

do they always try for a set number?

Misty Dennis wrote:

,

I wish that there was someone you could take along with you, especially for the

first trip. The process is much more difficult for us than it is for the little

ones! Finn should do okay w/the anesthesia (at least you know kind of what to

expect as far as that goes.) Haley reacts differently everytime it seems.

Sometimes she is very nauseated when she wakes up and other times, she is fine,

just groggy. I can't wait to hear what #'s Dr. Khoury gets Finn to in cast

Maybe for future appontments if we are there at the same time, we could meet up,

so you wouldn't have to be alone and Finn could have a cast buddy !!!! I think

it is great you are staying an extra day in case you need some extra trimming or

anything else " fixed " with the cast. Best of luck and keep us posted

Misty and Haley

McSheffrey wrote:

,

We are also going to fly Southwest from Tampa. We live about 20 minutes from the

airport and the flight is only 1.5 hours. I will call the Marriot and see if

they might have an airport shuttle. Then if the hospital is close enough we can

take a cab. I am just not sure how cab friendly Birmingham is. I have never been

there. Where do you live?

no wrote:

-

We are scheduled to have our first visit with Dr. Khoury at the end of this

month. I made a reservation at the Marriot Courtyard at UAB. From the

pictures it looks pretty nice and it is close to the hospital. I figured we

won't have much to do after Holly Jean's casting for a day, so we might as

well stay at a nice place with nice amenities. (We are going to stay until

about noon the next day just to make sure everything is ok with the cast).

They gave me a special hospital rate of about 139.00 per night (rather than

the " best rate " of 189.00). The guy I made the reservation with told me to

always ask for the best rate and the children's hospital rate because

sometimes the hospital rate is higher than the best rate (which he said can

be as low as 109.00 at times). We are flying Southwest, which is so much

cheaper than the alternatives and a direct flight. Perhaps Southwest flies

from your city to BHM. I don't know yet what to do about transportation

once we get there, I'll be interested in what others have to say.

(mom to Holly 7 months, IS 36* curve to right)

From: infantile_scoliosis

[mailto:infantile_scoliosis ] On Behalf Of teresamcsheffrey

Sent: Sunday, January 20, 2008 9:03 AM

To: infantile_scoliosis

Subject: Appointment and casting with Dr Khoury

Hello! Well after all the great advise I have recieved from all of

you, Finn (19 months 60 degrees) and I have an appointment with Dr

Khoury for a clinic day on February 27th and if all goes well casting

on February 28th. I was hoping that whoever sees Dr Koury could share

with us some basic information. We are going to fly in to Birmingham

on the morning of the 27th. sent me a list of Hotels. Which one

is closest and most convenient to the hospital? Should we rent a car

or take a taxi? How is the hospital? Also, should we stay another

night after the casting?

Is anyone else scheduled on those days? Finn is currently in a brace

so I am hoping that the adjustment will be easy on him.

Thanks for the support and help.