New to this group

[Guest guest]

Hi Everyone,

My name is Jay and I am new to this group. My wife signed us up on

here, and I've been reading some of the messages. We recently found

out that our 8 month old has idiopathic scoliosis. My wife actually

noticed it when our baby was 6 1/2 months old. We then went to our

clinic and they took x-rays and then sent us to Walter to see a

Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. Please excuse me if I word this all

wrong, as my wife understands this information better than me-but our

daughter's first x-ray at 6 1/2 months showed a 33 degree-Cobb, and

we are unsure of the RVAD. Then they had an MRI done 3 weeks later in

the beginning of August. Her Cobb measurement went to a 40 degrees

and her RVAD is 54+ degrees. We have since seen the doctor and have

decided casting is the best option for her. She will receive her

first cast next week. We are a bit nervous. Does anyone know

approximately how long the casting procedure takes? They will not be

sedating her. Also, has anyone here had to have surgery even after

the series of casts was done? I ask because the doctor told us that

our daughter's looks progressive and that we need to keep in the back

of our minds that when she gets a little older that surgery may need

to be done. I just wondered how often infants that have casting end

up having surgery when they get a little older. Sorry for all the

questions...just a very concerned Dad. Also, if anyone has any

pointers on how to keep baby's skin from getting too irritated and

also on any pointers for keeping baby clean and cool, any info would

be welcomed. Thanks again!

[Guest guest]

Hi Jay and welcome to the group!If you have not done so please go to the FILES section and read the first article....Growth as a Corrective Force.....by Ms. Mehta. You may also want to order a copy of the DVD from -the group moderator.Also on the ISOP website under the Resources tab there is lots of info about cast care and such. On the group here under Database is a list of doctors trained for Early Treatment. These are all Mehta trained docs.My first concern is that your daughter will not be sedated during casting. I just have never heard of a child that young not being sedated. I am not trying to scare you just curious how it will all work while she is awake. Is she getting a plaster cast or brace?Most of my son's casting procedures(time in OR)were

anywhere from 45 minutes-1 hour. Sometimes a tad longer. He had a series of 6 casts over 14 months. Started at 15 months of age and was sedated every time.As young as your baby is I think surgery could be totally avoided. I am sure others will chime in with their thoughts.Please ask away on the questions....that is what we are here for. We will do our best to help with the experiences we have had with our babies/children in Early Treatment for Infantile Scoliosis.TashaMommy of twin boys- and 3 years oldFort Worth, Texas is 7.5

degrees and brace free during the day!!!Casting 14 months and bracing 10 monthsSubject: New to this groupTo: infantile_scoliosis Date: Thursday, August 21, 2008, 8:55 AM

Hi Everyone,

My name is Jay and I am new to this group. My wife signed us up on

here, and I've been reading some of the messages. We recently found

out that our 8 month old has idiopathic scoliosis. My wife actually

noticed it when our baby was 6 1/2 months old. We then went to our

clinic and they took x-rays and then sent us to Walter to see a

Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. Please excuse me if I word this all

wrong, as my wife understands this information better than me-but our

daughter's first x-ray at 6 1/2 months showed a 33 degree-Cobb, and

we are unsure of the RVAD. Then they had an MRI done 3 weeks later in

the beginning of August. Her Cobb measurement went to a 40 degrees

and her RVAD is 54+ degrees. We have since seen the doctor and have

decided casting is the best option for her. She will receive her

first cast next week. We are a bit nervous. Does anyone know

approximately how long the casting procedure takes? They will not be

sedating her. Also, has anyone here had to have surgery even after

the series of casts was done? I ask because the doctor told us that

our daughter's looks progressive and that we need to keep in the back

of our minds that when she gets a little older that surgery may need

to be done. I just wondered how often infants that have casting end

up having surgery when they get a little older. Sorry for all the

questions... just a very concerned Dad. Also, if anyone has any

pointers on how to keep baby's skin from getting too irritated and

also on any pointers for keeping baby clean and cool, any info would

be welcomed. Thanks again!

[Guest guest]

Jay,

Welcome to the group. Tasha gave you some good pointers to start

with. I agree that it is a little concerning that they are not going

to sedate her. As far as I know if they are to manipulate the spine

the way it should be done they need the child to be sedated. There is

a special table that they use for casting that is three dimensional

and addresses all aspects of the curve. Before I would go ahead with

this doctor I would ask if they have been trained by Dr. Mehta and if

they have the correct AMIL table for the three dimensional

correction. These are very important in obtaining the right

correction of the curve and RVAD. My son's was casted in Denver at

Denver Children's Hospital and was always sedated. Theprocedure

usually took about an hour. You can read his story on the Isop

website under stories Devyn. Ask all the questions you can think of

and we will try to answer them for you.

Rochelle mom to Devyn 2 and 3/4yrs Infantile Scoliosis, Chiari 1

>

> Hi Everyone,

> My name is Jay and I am new to this group. My wife signed us up on

> here, and I've been reading some of the messages. We recently found

> out that our 8 month old has idiopathic scoliosis. My wife actually

> noticed it when our baby was 6 1/2 months old. We then went to our

> clinic and they took x-rays and then sent us to Walter to see

a

> Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. Please excuse me if I word this all

> wrong, as my wife understands this information better than me-but

our

> daughter's first x-ray at 6 1/2 months showed a 33 degree-Cobb, and

> we are unsure of the RVAD. Then they had an MRI done 3 weeks later

in

> the beginning of August. Her Cobb measurement went to a 40 degrees

> and her RVAD is 54+ degrees. We have since seen the doctor and have

> decided casting is the best option for her. She will receive her

> first cast next week. We are a bit nervous. Does anyone know

> approximately how long the casting procedure takes? They will not

be

> sedating her. Also, has anyone here had to have surgery even after

> the series of casts was done? I ask because the doctor told us that

> our daughter's looks progressive and that we need to keep in the

back

> of our minds that when she gets a little older that surgery may

need

> to be done. I just wondered how often infants that have casting end

> up having surgery when they get a little older. Sorry for all the

> questions...just a very concerned Dad. Also, if anyone has any

> pointers on how to keep baby's skin from getting too irritated and

> also on any pointers for keeping baby clean and cool, any info

would

> be welcomed. Thanks again!

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Jay,

Welcome to CAST. It sounds like your

baby may have a progressive case of infantile scoliosis. Children grow

the fastest their first 2 years of life and the bent spine will keep pace with

the childs growth rate, so its essential that the Early Treatment casting

process is done properly, so the child can benefit from it. May I

recommend that you go to the Files section of CAST to download/read “Growth

as a corrective force in the early treatment of progressive infantile

scoliosis,” which will give you a backround on this gentle, effective treatment.

The Early Treatment Method is new in the orthopaedic world, so its important

that you your baby is seen by someone experienced in this method. Its

necessary for an infant to be anesthetized, in order to apply a cast

properly. If not the baby will be scared, arms & legs flailing, and

the surgeon will not be able to utilize the casting frame effectively.

Not to mention the traumatic effect on the baby. The child sized,

3-dimensional casting frame is also a critical component to applying a proper

series of casts/plaster jackets. The Early Treatment Process is supposed

to be gentle, effective treatment….May I also recommend that you view “A

New Direction” DVD, which will help you to better understand the principles

behind the Early Treatment EDF (elongation, derotation, flexion) Mehta Method.

Please share all ET info with your childs doc to confirm that the cast they

would like to apply is not just to maintain….Which is referred to as

old fashioned Risser casting. The ET Mehta Method (if done properly) has

the ability to harness the childs rapid rate of growth to train the young spine

to grow straight, gently & permanently…Sort of like braces on

teeth. The child has a window of time to benefit from this process, so lets

provide you with as much info as possible. Please read the article, view

the dvd and let us know how we can help.

You’re on the right track.

Good on you for getting informed in order to make the best care choices

possible for your precious little girl.

Sincerely,

HRH

New

to this group

Hi Everyone,

My name is Jay and I am new to this group. My wife signed us up on

here, and I've been reading some of the messages. We recently found

out that our 8 month old has idiopathic scoliosis. My wife actually

noticed it when our baby was 6 1/2 months old. We then went to our

clinic and they took x-rays and then sent us to Walter to see a

Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. Please excuse me if I word this all

wrong, as my wife understands this information better than me-but our

daughter's first x-ray at 6 1/2 months showed a 33 degree-Cobb, and

we are unsure of the RVAD. Then they had an MRI done 3 weeks later in

the beginning of August. Her Cobb measurement went to a 40 degrees

and her RVAD is 54+ degrees. We have since seen the doctor and have

decided casting is the best option for her. She will receive her

first cast next week. We are a bit nervous. Does anyone know

approximately how long the casting procedure takes? They will not be

sedating her. Also, has anyone here had to have surgery even after

the series of casts was done? I ask because the doctor told us that

our daughter's looks progressive and that we need to keep in the back

of our minds that when she gets a little older that surgery may need

to be done. I just wondered how often infants that have casting end

up having surgery when they get a little older. Sorry for all the

questions...just a very concerned Dad. Also, if anyone has any

pointers on how to keep baby's skin from getting too irritated and

also on any pointers for keeping baby clean and cool, any info would

be welcomed. Thanks again!

[Guest guest]

Welcome to CAST..These moms/dads have already given you some good infomation.

However, I notice your baby is young and our son Evan, was diagnosed as an infant as well. You can visit ISOP's (The Infantile Scoliosis Outreach Program) website at: www.infantilescoliosis.org and read Evan's story on there, that may answer some of your questions and concerns.

Feel free to email me off group if you have any questions or concerns I can help with.

Good luck

and Evan

Subject: New to this groupTo: infantile_scoliosis Date: Thursday, August 21, 2008, 9:55 AM

Hi Everyone,My name is Jay and I am new to this group. My wife signed us up on here, and I've been reading some of the messages. We recently found out that our 8 month old has idiopathic scoliosis. My wife actually noticed it when our baby was 6 1/2 months old. We then went to our clinic and they took x-rays and then sent us to Walter to see a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. Please excuse me if I word this all wrong, as my wife understands this information better than me-but our daughter's first x-ray at 6 1/2 months showed a 33 degree-Cobb, and we are unsure of the RVAD. Then they had an MRI done 3 weeks later in the beginning of August. Her Cobb measurement went to a 40 degrees and her RVAD is 54+ degrees. We have since seen the doctor and have decided casting is the best option for her. She will receive her first cast next week. We are a bit nervous. Does anyone know approximately how

long the casting procedure takes? They will not be sedating her. Also, has anyone here had to have surgery even after the series of casts was done? I ask because the doctor told us that our daughter's looks progressive and that we need to keep in the back of our minds that when she gets a little older that surgery may need to be done. I just wondered how often infants that have casting end up having surgery when they get a little older. Sorry for all the questions... just a very concerned Dad. Also, if anyone has any pointers on how to keep baby's skin from getting too irritated and also on any pointers for keeping baby clean and cool, any info would be welcomed. Thanks again!

[Guest guest]

Thank you to everyone who replied back. All this information is very

helpful. After reading everyone's replies I did go on to read more

information about Mehta Casting. This sounds very hopeful. When my

wife gets home, I will show her all the information. She will be so

grateful that so many of you were willing to take your time out to

give us helpful advice! I have left a message for our ortho doc to

talk to him about this and was told he won't be in until next week.

We have a scheduled appointment in about a week and half anyway, so

if I can't get a hold of him, then at the appointment I will bring

all this information with me to show him. I don't know if the doctors

at Walter Army Medical Center are trained in the Mehta Casting,

but I'm going to find out. If they're not, then my wife and I will

have to make a decision on what to do next. I agree with you Tasha, I

don't think they should be putting the cast on without sedation

either. My wife was upset about that. She asked them how they can

hold the spine straight and correct during the casting process if

she's screaming and wiggling. They claim that they don't sedate

anyone for the casting process, and that they use a series of

straps. My wife continued to argue and ask questions. She asked that

we see what table was going to be used, but at the time they had

patients in there and we were not able to see anything. The young

lady was trying to help us and explain it to us, but because they had

patients in there, it was too crowded and we couldn't see anything.

When we go next week I'm sure we'll see what is going to be used. She

will be getting a series of plaster casts to be changed every 6

weeks. Rochelle, I do remember my wife reading your son's story as

well. I believe my wife showed me his picture and story. His cast

came up over his shoulders, right? Our doctor explained that our

daughter's would be under her armpits. Has anyone had that kind of

cast? Shauna, thanks so much for all the info. You mentioned getting

a 2nd opinion, and I think we may do that as well, if we find they

are not practicing the Mehta Casting. My wife will be very pleased to

hear all this information. And , thanks for all your helpful

info as well. The more I read, the more I am starting to think they

will be applying the Risser type of casting. So, we will definitely

have to talk with the doctor at our appointment. Again, THANKS TO

EVERYONE for all the information. I can't wait for my wife to get

home so I can share all this wonderful information with her.

>

> Hi Jay,

>

> Welcome to CAST. It sounds like your baby may have a progressive

case of

> infantile scoliosis. Children grow the fastest their first 2 years

of life

> and the bent spine will keep pace with the childs growth rate, so

its

> essential that the Early Treatment casting process is done

properly, so the

> child can benefit from it. May I recommend that you go to the

Files section

> of CAST to download/read " Growth as a corrective force in the early

> treatment of progressive infantile scoliosis, " which will give you a

> backround on this gentle, effective treatment. The Early Treatment

Method

> is new in the orthopaedic world, so its important that you your

baby is seen

> by someone experienced in this method. Its necessary for an infant

to be

> anesthetized, in order to apply a cast properly. If not the baby

will be

> scared, arms & legs flailing, and the surgeon will not be able to

utilize

> the casting frame effectively. Not to mention the traumatic effect

on the

> baby. The child sized, 3-dimensional casting frame is also a

critical

> component to applying a proper series of casts/plaster jackets.

The Early

> Treatment Process is supposed to be gentle, effective

treatment..May I also

> recommend that you view " A New Direction " DVD, which will help you

to better

> understand the principles behind the Early Treatment EDF

(elongation,

> derotation, flexion) Mehta Method. Please share all ET info with

your

> childs doc to confirm that the cast they would like to apply is

not just to

> maintain..Which is referred to as old fashioned Risser casting.

The ET

> Mehta Method (if done properly) has the ability to harness the

childs rapid

> rate of growth to train the young spine to grow straight, gently &

> permanently.Sort of like braces on teeth. The child has a window

of time to

> benefit from this process, so lets provide you with as much info as

> possible. Please read the article, view the dvd and let us know

how we can

> help.

>

> You're on the right track. Good on you for getting informed in

order to

> make the best care choices possible for your precious little girl.

>

> Sincerely,

>

> HRH

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> New to this group

>

>

>

> Hi Everyone,

> My name is Jay and I am new to this group. My wife signed us up on

> here, and I've been reading some of the messages. We recently found

> out that our 8 month old has idiopathic scoliosis. My wife actually

> noticed it when our baby was 6 1/2 months old. We then went to our

> clinic and they took x-rays and then sent us to Walter to see

a

> Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. Please excuse me if I word this all

> wrong, as my wife understands this information better than me-but

our

> daughter's first x-ray at 6 1/2 months showed a 33 degree-Cobb, and

> we are unsure of the RVAD. Then they had an MRI done 3 weeks later

in

> the beginning of August. Her Cobb measurement went to a 40 degrees

> and her RVAD is 54+ degrees. We have since seen the doctor and have

> decided casting is the best option for her. She will receive her

> first cast next week. We are a bit nervous. Does anyone know

> approximately how long the casting procedure takes? They will not

be

> sedating her. Also, has anyone here had to have surgery even after

> the series of casts was done? I ask because the doctor told us that

> our daughter's looks progressive and that we need to keep in the

back

> of our minds that when she gets a little older that surgery may

need

> to be done. I just wondered how often infants that have casting end

> up having surgery when they get a little older. Sorry for all the

> questions...just a very concerned Dad. Also, if anyone has any

> pointers on how to keep baby's skin from getting too irritated and

> also on any pointers for keeping baby clean and cool, any info

would

> be welcomed. Thanks again!

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Jay,

I don't blame you for being nervous as we are all in that boat together.... First, where are you going for casting? This is the first I've heard of casting being done without sedation because it is so important that the child remain still and cooperate with manipulation of the spine... Unless there are other reasons the doc feels sedation is wrong for your child? Most casting docs will not say definately whether or not surgery will be needed... just that it may be a possibility. It covers them for liablility purposes and keeps us parents realistic. There are some children who have needed surgery after casting, but the majority if caught early on and there is no underlying syndrome respond extremely well to casting... Generally speaking, I have been told that casting works best when it's caught before the age of 2 and when the COBB is under 50 degrees... It can work after that, as well, but

usually takes longer. Casting is usually about a year, give or take a few months and the procedures that we have had last about an hour.... Cast changes are usually done every 8-12 weeks. Every kiddo is different and has unique circumstances, but you are in a great group! Is your casting doc Mehta trained and does your hospital use a pediatric frame (AMIL table) for casting? I know how scary this is, but you'll get through it! Steph

Subject: New to this groupTo: infantile_scoliosis Date: Thursday, August 21, 2008, 1:55 PM

Hi Everyone,My name is Jay and I am new to this group. My wife signed us up on here, and I've been reading some of the messages. We recently found out that our 8 month old has idiopathic scoliosis. My wife actually noticed it when our baby was 6 1/2 months old. We then went to our clinic and they took x-rays and then sent us to Walter to see a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. Please excuse me if I word this all wrong, as my wife understands this information better than me-but our daughter's first x-ray at 6 1/2 months showed a 33 degree-Cobb, and we are unsure of the RVAD. Then they had an MRI done 3 weeks later in the beginning of August. Her Cobb measurement went to a 40 degrees and her RVAD is 54+ degrees. We have since seen the doctor and have decided casting is the best option for her. She will receive her first cast next week. We are a bit nervous. Does anyone know approximately how

long the casting procedure takes? They will not be sedating her. Also, has anyone here had to have surgery even after the series of casts was done? I ask because the doctor told us that our daughter's looks progressive and that we need to keep in the back of our minds that when she gets a little older that surgery may need to be done. I just wondered how often infants that have casting end up having surgery when they get a little older. Sorry for all the questions... just a very concerned Dad. Also, if anyone has any pointers on how to keep baby's skin from getting too irritated and also on any pointers for keeping baby clean and cool, any info would be welcomed. Thanks again!

[Guest guest]

Hi again Jay,

My daughter has a cast that is under the arms.... Shoulder straps are used if the apex of the curve is higher in the spine, I believe..... I also sought a second opinion in this process (and a third and a fourth) and went with a Mehta doc. You can call the hospital that is closest to you and start a dialogue with the care coordinator and send your child's medical records including copies of her x-rays and the doc will have his coordinator call you back with his recommendations... No charge!!!! They know most of us travel to get to them, so they are pretty accommodating! Hope that helped! Steph

Subject: Re: New to this groupTo: infantile_scoliosis Date: Thursday, August 21, 2008, 9:06 PM

Thank you to everyone who replied back. All this information is very helpful. After reading everyone's replies I did go on to read more information about Mehta Casting. This sounds very hopeful. When my wife gets home, I will show her all the information. She will be so grateful that so many of you were willing to take your time out to give us helpful advice! I have left a message for our ortho doc to talk to him about this and was told he won't be in until next week. We have a scheduled appointment in about a week and half anyway, so if I can't get a hold of him, then at the appointment I will bring all this information with me to show him. I don't know if the doctors at Walter Army Medical Center are trained in the Mehta Casting, but I'm going to find out. If they're not, then my wife and I will have to make a decision on what to do next. I agree with you Tasha, I don't think they should be

putting the cast on without sedation either. My wife was upset about that. She asked them how they can hold the spine straight and correct during the casting process if she's screaming and wiggling. They claim that they don't sedate anyone for the casting process, and that they use a series of straps. My wife continued to argue and ask questions. She asked that we see what table was going to be used, but at the time they had patients in there and we were not able to see anything. The young lady was trying to help us and explain it to us, but because they had patients in there, it was too crowded and we couldn't see anything. When we go next week I'm sure we'll see what is going to be used. She will be getting a series of plaster casts to be changed every 6 weeks. Rochelle, I do remember my wife reading your son's story as well. I believe my wife showed me his picture and story. His cast came up

over his shoulders, right? Our doctor explained that our daughter's would be under her armpits. Has anyone had that kind of cast? Shauna, thanks so much for all the info. You mentioned getting a 2nd opinion, and I think we may do that as well, if we find they are not practicing the Mehta Casting. My wife will be very pleased to hear all this information. And , thanks for all your helpful info as well. The more I read, the more I am starting to think they will be applying the Risser type of casting. So, we will definitely have to talk with the doctor at our appointment. Again, THANKS TO EVERYONE for all the information. I can't wait for my wife to get home so I can share all this wonderful information with her. >> Hi Jay,> > Welcome to CAST. It sounds like your baby may have a progressive case of> infantile scoliosis. Children grow the fastest their first 2 years of life> and the bent spine will keep pace with the childs growth rate, so its> essential that the Early Treatment casting process is done properly, so the> child can benefit from it. May I recommend that you go to the Files section> of CAST to download/read "Growth as a corrective force in the early> treatment of progressive infantile scoliosis," which will give you a> backround on this gentle, effective treatment. The Early Treatment Method> is new in the orthopaedic world, so its important that you your baby is seen> by someone experienced in this method. Its necessary for an infant to be> anesthetized, in order to apply a cast properly. If not the baby will

be> scared, arms & legs flailing, and the surgeon will not be able to utilize> the casting frame effectively. Not to mention the traumatic effect on the> baby. The child sized, 3-dimensional casting frame is also a critical> component to applying a proper series of casts/plaster jackets. The Early> Treatment Process is supposed to be gentle, effective treatment..May I also> recommend that you view "A New Direction" DVD, which will help you to better> understand the principles behind the Early Treatment EDF (elongation,> derotation, flexion) Mehta Method. Please share all ET info with your> childs doc to confirm that the cast they would like to apply is not just to> maintain..Which is referred to as old fashioned Risser casting. The ET> Mehta Method (if done properly) has the ability to harness the childs rapid> rate of

growth to train the young spine to grow straight, gently & > permanently. Sort of like braces on teeth. The child has a window of time to> benefit from this process, so lets provide you with as much info as> possible. Please read the article, view the dvd and let us know how we can> help. > > You're on the right track. Good on you for getting informed in order to> make the best care choices possible for your precious little girl.> > Sincerely,> > HRH> > > > > > > > > > [infantile_scoliosi s] New to this group> > > > Hi Everyone,> My name is Jay and I am new to this group. My wife signed us up on > here, and I've been reading some of the messages. We recently found > out that our 8 month old has idiopathic scoliosis. My wife actually > noticed it when our baby was 6 1/2 months old. We then went to our > clinic and they took x-rays and then sent us to Walter to see a > Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. Please excuse me if I word this all > wrong, as my wife understands this information better than me-but our > daughter's first x-ray at 6 1/2 months showed a 33 degree-Cobb, and > we are unsure of the RVAD.

Then they had an MRI done 3 weeks later in > the beginning of August. Her Cobb measurement went to a 40 degrees > and her RVAD is 54+ degrees. We have since seen the doctor and have > decided casting is the best option for her. She will receive her > first cast next week. We are a bit nervous. Does anyone know > approximately how long the casting procedure takes? They will not be > sedating her. Also, has anyone here had to have surgery even after > the series of casts was done? I ask because the doctor told us that > our daughter's looks progressive and that we need to keep in the back > of our minds that when she gets a little older that surgery may need > to be done. I just wondered how often infants that have casting end > up having surgery when they get a little older. Sorry for all the > questions... just a very concerned Dad. Also, if anyone has

any > pointers on how to keep baby's skin from getting too irritated and > also on any pointers for keeping baby clean and cool, any info would > be welcomed. Thanks again!>

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Thanks for your info. My wife doesn't think they have the pediatric casting table. She asked to see the table, but we couldn't because they had too many patients in the room at the time. The young lady tried to answer our questions, but she didn't know how well our baby would fit on the table they are going to use. My wife questioned this, but because they were so busy we were basically pushed off until we go in next week. And we left message for our orth doc, but he won't be in until next week, and we go in next week for casting, so I don't think we'll get our questions answered until we go in, or unless a case nurse calls us back. As for the doc being Mehta trained, we don't know yet. Up until our appointment with the doc this past week, we were under the impression she had congenital scoliosis. We were told she would have to have surgery and that bracing and casting wouldn't do much good. It wasn't until our appointment did we find out that the

MRI showed a better angle then the x-rays and that hers is in fact idiopathic. My wife had read some information on casting, but didn't realize there was more than one type of casting. I think she read more on the surgery information since we thought it was congenital all along. And as for them not sedating her, my wife wasn't too happy with that, and questioned that as well, but they claim they do not sedate anyone. They said they have casting other infants without using sedation. But, I can't imagine it working too well, especially with how squirmy kids can be. I will pass this information on to my wife, and when we go next week, we're definitely going to ask if they are trained in the Mehta Casting. Thanks so much for all your information. Everyone has been so great and helpful and we really appreciate it!

From: redrockerb212 <redrockerb212@ yahoo.com>Subject: [infantile_scoliosi s] New to this groupTo: infantile_scoliosis @yahoogroups. comDate: Thursday, August 21, 2008, 1:55 PM

Hi Everyone,My name is Jay and I am new to this group. My wife signed us up on here, and I've been reading some of the messages. We recently found out that our 8 month old has idiopathic scoliosis. My wife actually noticed it when our baby was 6 1/2 months old. We then went to our clinic and they took x-rays and then sent us to Walter to see a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. Please excuse me if I word this all wrong, as my wife understands this information better than me-but our daughter's first x-ray at 6 1/2 months showed a 33 degree-Cobb, and we are unsure of the RVAD. Then they had an MRI done 3 weeks later in the beginning of August. Her Cobb measurement went to a 40 degrees and her RVAD is 54+ degrees. We have since seen the doctor and have decided casting is the best option for her. She will receive her first cast next week. We are a bit nervous. Does anyone know approximately how

long the casting procedure takes? They will not be sedating her. Also, has anyone here had to have surgery even after the series of casts was done? I ask because the doctor told us that our daughter's looks progressive and that we need to keep in the back of our minds that when she gets a little older that surgery may need to be done. I just wondered how often infants that have casting end up having surgery when they get a little older. Sorry for all the questions... just a very concerned Dad. Also, if anyone has any pointers on how to keep baby's skin from getting too irritated and also on any pointers for keeping baby clean and cool, any info would be welcomed. Thanks again!

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the info ! My wife and I have a lot more options than we realized! Thanks so much!

Jay

From: redrockerb212 <redrockerb212@ yahoo.com>Subject: [infantile_scoliosi s] Re: New to this groupTo: infantile_scoliosis @yahoogroups. comDate: Thursday, August 21, 2008, 9:06 PM

Thank you to everyone who replied back. All this information is very helpful. After reading everyone's replies I did go on to read more information about Mehta Casting. This sounds very hopeful. When my wife gets home, I will show her all the information. She will be so grateful that so many of you were willing to take your time out to give us helpful advice! I have left a message for our ortho doc to talk to him about this and was told he won't be in until next week. We have a scheduled appointment in about a week and half anyway, so if I can't get a hold of him, then at the appointment I will bring all this information with me to show him. I don't know if the doctors at Walter Army Medical Center are trained in the Mehta Casting, but I'm going to find out. If they're not, then my wife and I will have to make a decision on what to do next. I agree with you Tasha, I don't think they should be

putting the cast on without sedation either. My wife was upset about that. She asked them how they can hold the spine straight and correct during the casting process if she's screaming and wiggling. They claim that they don't sedate anyone for the casting process, and that they use a series of straps. My wife continued to argue and ask questions. She asked that we see what table was going to be used, but at the time they had patients in there and we were not able to see anything. The young lady was trying to help us and explain it to us, but because they had patients in there, it was too crowded and we couldn't see anything. When we go next week I'm sure we'll see what is going to be used. She will be getting a series of plaster casts to be changed every 6 weeks. Rochelle, I do remember my wife reading your son's story as well. I believe my wife showed me his picture and story. His cast came up

over his shoulders, right? Our doctor explained that our daughter's would be under her armpits. Has anyone had that kind of cast? Shauna, thanks so much for all the info. You mentioned getting a 2nd opinion, and I think we may do that as well, if we find they are not practicing the Mehta Casting. My wife will be very pleased to hear all this information. And , thanks for all your helpful info as well. The more I read, the more I am starting to think they will be applying the Risser type of casting. So, we will definitely have to talk with the doctor at our appointment. Again, THANKS TO EVERYONE for all the information. I can't wait for my wife to get home so I can share all this wonderful information with her. >> Hi Jay,> > Welcome to CAST. It sounds like your baby may have a progressive case of> infantile scoliosis. Children grow the fastest their first 2 years of life> and the bent spine will keep pace with the childs growth rate, so its> essential that the Early Treatment casting process is done properly, so the> child can benefit from it. May I recommend that you go to the Files section> of CAST to download/read "Growth as a corrective force in the early> treatment of progressive infantile scoliosis," which will give you a> backround on this gentle, effective treatment. The Early Treatment Method> is new in the orthopaedic world, so its important that you your baby is seen> by someone experienced in this method. Its necessary for an infant to be> anesthetized, in order to apply a cast properly. If not the baby will

be> scared, arms & legs flailing, and the surgeon will not be able to utilize> the casting frame effectively. Not to mention the traumatic effect on the> baby. The child sized, 3-dimensional casting frame is also a critical> component to applying a proper series of casts/plaster jackets. The Early> Treatment Process is supposed to be gentle, effective treatment..May I also> recommend that you view "A New Direction" DVD, which will help you to better> understand the principles behind the Early Treatment EDF (elongation,> derotation, flexion) Mehta Method. Please share all ET info with your> childs doc to confirm that the cast they would like to apply is not just to> maintain..Which is referred to as old fashioned Risser casting. The ET> Mehta Method (if done properly) has the ability to harness the childs rapid> rate of

growth to train the young spine to grow straight, gently & > permanently. Sort of like braces on teeth. The child has a window of time to> benefit from this process, so lets provide you with as much info as> possible. Please read the article, view the dvd and let us know how we can> help. > > You're on the right track. Good on you for getting informed in order to> make the best care choices possible for your precious little girl.> > Sincerely,> > HRH> > > > > > > > > > [infantile_scoliosi s] New to this group> > > > Hi Everyone,> My name is Jay and I am new to this group. My wife signed us up on > here, and I've been reading some of the messages. We recently found > out that our 8 month old has idiopathic scoliosis. My wife actually > noticed it when our baby was 6 1/2 months old. We then went to our > clinic and they took x-rays and then sent us to Walter to see a > Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. Please excuse me if I word this all > wrong, as my wife understands this information better than me-but our > daughter's first x-ray at 6 1/2 months showed a 33 degree-Cobb, and > we are unsure of the RVAD.

Then they had an MRI done 3 weeks later in > the beginning of August. Her Cobb measurement went to a 40 degrees > and her RVAD is 54+ degrees. We have since seen the doctor and have > decided casting is the best option for her. She will receive her > first cast next week. We are a bit nervous. Does anyone know > approximately how long the casting procedure takes? They will not be > sedating her. Also, has anyone here had to have surgery even after > the series of casts was done? I ask because the doctor told us that > our daughter's looks progressive and that we need to keep in the back > of our minds that when she gets a little older that surgery may need > to be done. I just wondered how often infants that have casting end > up having surgery when they get a little older. Sorry for all the > questions... just a very concerned Dad. Also, if anyone has

any > pointers on how to keep baby's skin from getting too irritated and > also on any pointers for keeping baby clean and cool, any info would > be welcomed. Thanks again!>

[Guest guest]

I don't think our doctor is trained in the Mehta method, but we don't know for sure yet. We do really like her orth doc as he has treated her very well. He has squeezed us in when no appointments were available, and he has done everything quickly rather then make us wait. So that much is good. We'll see if he's been trained in Mehta casting next week. Thanks so much to everyone.

From: redrockerb212 <redrockerb212@ yahoo.com>Subject: [infantile_scoliosi s] Re: New to this groupTo: infantile_scoliosis @yahoogroups. comDate: Thursday, August 21, 2008, 9:06 PM

Thank you to everyone who replied back. All this information is very helpful. After reading everyone's replies I did go on to read more information about Mehta Casting. This sounds very hopeful. When my wife gets home, I will show her all the information. She will be so grateful that so many of you were willing to take your time out to give us helpful advice! I have left a message for our ortho doc to talk to him about this and was told he won't be in until next week. We have a scheduled appointment in about a week and half anyway, so if I can't get a hold of him, then at the appointment I will bring all this information with me to show him. I don't know if the doctors at Walter Army Medical Center are trained in the Mehta Casting, but I'm going to find out. If they're not, then my wife and I will have to make a decision on what to do next. I agree with you Tasha, I don't think they should be

putting the cast on without sedation either. My wife was upset about that. She asked them how they can hold the spine straight and correct during the casting process if she's screaming and wiggling. They claim that they don't sedate anyone for the casting process, and that they use a series of straps. My wife continued to argue and ask questions. She asked that we see what table was going to be used, but at the time they had patients in there and we were not able to see anything. The young lady was trying to help us and explain it to us, but because they had patients in there, it was too crowded and we couldn't see anything. When we go next week I'm sure we'll see what is going to be used. She will be getting a series of plaster casts to be changed every 6 weeks. Rochelle, I do remember my wife reading your son's story as well. I believe my wife showed me his picture and story. His cast came up

over his shoulders, right? Our doctor explained that our daughter's would be under her armpits. Has anyone had that kind of cast? Shauna, thanks so much for all the info. You mentioned getting a 2nd opinion, and I think we may do that as well, if we find they are not practicing the Mehta Casting. My wife will be very pleased to hear all this information. And , thanks for all your helpful info as well. The more I read, the more I am starting to think they will be applying the Risser type of casting. So, we will definitely have to talk with the doctor at our appointment. Again, THANKS TO EVERYONE for all the information. I can't wait for my wife to get home so I can share all this wonderful information with her. >> Hi Jay,> > Welcome to CAST. It sounds like your baby may have a progressive case of> infantile scoliosis. Children grow the fastest their first 2 years of life> and the bent spine will keep pace with the childs growth rate, so its> essential that the Early Treatment casting process is done properly, so the> child can benefit from it. May I recommend that you go to the Files section> of CAST to download/read "Growth as a corrective force in the early> treatment of progressive infantile scoliosis," which will give you a> backround on this gentle, effective treatment. The Early Treatment Method> is new in the orthopaedic world, so its important that you your baby is seen> by someone experienced in this method. Its necessary for an infant to be> anesthetized, in order to apply a cast properly. If not the baby will

be> scared, arms & legs flailing, and the surgeon will not be able to utilize> the casting frame effectively. Not to mention the traumatic effect on the> baby. The child sized, 3-dimensional casting frame is also a critical> component to applying a proper series of casts/plaster jackets. The Early> Treatment Process is supposed to be gentle, effective treatment..May I also> recommend that you view "A New Direction" DVD, which will help you to better> understand the principles behind the Early Treatment EDF (elongation,> derotation, flexion) Mehta Method. Please share all ET info with your> childs doc to confirm that the cast they would like to apply is not just to> maintain..Which is referred to as old fashioned Risser casting. The ET> Mehta Method (if done properly) has the ability to harness the childs rapid> rate of

growth to train the young spine to grow straight, gently & > permanently. Sort of like braces on teeth. The child has a window of time to> benefit from this process, so lets provide you with as much info as> possible. Please read the article, view the dvd and let us know how we can> help. > > You're on the right track. Good on you for getting informed in order to> make the best care choices possible for your precious little girl.> > Sincerely,> > HRH> > > > > > > > > > [infantile_scoliosi s] New to this group> > > > Hi Everyone,> My name is Jay and I am new to this group. My wife signed us up on > here, and I've been reading some of the messages. We recently found > out that our 8 month old has idiopathic scoliosis. My wife actually > noticed it when our baby was 6 1/2 months old. We then went to our > clinic and they took x-rays and then sent us to Walter to see a > Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. Please excuse me if I word this all > wrong, as my wife understands this information better than me-but our > daughter's first x-ray at 6 1/2 months showed a 33 degree-Cobb, and > we are unsure of the RVAD.

Then they had an MRI done 3 weeks later in > the beginning of August. Her Cobb measurement went to a 40 degrees > and her RVAD is 54+ degrees. We have since seen the doctor and have > decided casting is the best option for her. She will receive her > first cast next week. We are a bit nervous. Does anyone know > approximately how long the casting procedure takes? They will not be > sedating her. Also, has anyone here had to have surgery even after > the series of casts was done? I ask because the doctor told us that > our daughter's looks progressive and that we need to keep in the back > of our minds that when she gets a little older that surgery may need > to be done. I just wondered how often infants that have casting end > up having surgery when they get a little older. Sorry for all the > questions... just a very concerned Dad. Also, if anyone has

any > pointers on how to keep baby's skin from getting too irritated and > also on any pointers for keeping baby clean and cool, any info would > be welcomed. Thanks again!>

[Guest guest]

Hi Jay

My son has had both 5 underarm in Edmonton. 3 over the shoulder

in SLC. The underarm casts did not work very well and he progressed

in these. The 3 over the shoulder casts have maintained his curve.

We also have been told by all of his docs that he will eventually

have surgery. We return to SLC in sept for cast 9. Those first few

casts are the hardest then it does get easier. Hopefully you have

caught it early 1 to 2 years I think is best time for a properly

applied cast. This no sedation thing would be a really big question

mark for me. Dylan has been sedated for 8 casts 2 MRI and 1 full set

of xrays at 6 months. I couldnt imagine trying to cast a infant

awake? The casting table they use here is a SPICA table and use the

term Risser cast. SLC also calls Dylans cast a Risser but the two

types of casts are different.

Darrell

> >

> > Hi Jay,

> >

> > Welcome to CAST. It sounds like your baby may have a progressive

> case of

> > infantile scoliosis. Children grow the fastest their first 2

years

> of life

> > and the bent spine will keep pace with the childs growth rate, so

> its

> > essential that the Early Treatment casting process is done

> properly, so the

> > child can benefit from it. May I recommend that you go to the

> Files section

> > of CAST to download/read " Growth as a corrective force in the

early

> > treatment of progressive infantile scoliosis, " which will give

you a

> > backround on this gentle, effective treatment. The Early

Treatment

> Method

> > is new in the orthopaedic world, so its important that you your

> baby is seen

> > by someone experienced in this method. Its necessary for an

infant

> to be

> > anesthetized, in order to apply a cast properly. If not the baby

> will be

> > scared, arms & legs flailing, and the surgeon will not be able to

> utilize

> > the casting frame effectively. Not to mention the traumatic

effect

> on the

> > baby. The child sized, 3-dimensional casting frame is also a

> critical

> > component to applying a proper series of casts/plaster jackets.

> The Early

> > Treatment Process is supposed to be gentle, effective

> treatment..May I also

> > recommend that you view " A New Direction " DVD, which will help

you

> to better

> > understand the principles behind the Early Treatment EDF

> (elongation,

> > derotation, flexion) Mehta Method. Please share all ET info with

> your

> > childs doc to confirm that the cast they would like to apply is

> not just to

> > maintain..Which is referred to as old fashioned Risser casting.

> The ET

> > Mehta Method (if done properly) has the ability to harness the

> childs rapid

> > rate of growth to train the young spine to grow straight, gently &

> > permanently. Sort of like braces on teeth. The child has a window

> of time to

> > benefit from this process, so lets provide you with as much info

as

> > possible. Please read the article, view the dvd and let us know

> how we can

> > help.

> >

> > You're on the right track. Good on you for getting informed in

> order to

> > make the best care choices possible for your precious little girl.

> >

> > Sincerely,

> >

> > HRH

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > [infantile_scoliosi s] New to this group

> >

> >

> >

> > Hi Everyone,

> > My name is Jay and I am new to this group. My wife signed us up

on

> > here, and I've been reading some of the messages. We recently

found

> > out that our 8 month old has idiopathic scoliosis. My wife

actually

> > noticed it when our baby was 6 1/2 months old. We then went to

our

> > clinic and they took x-rays and then sent us to Walter to

see

> a

> > Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. Please excuse me if I word this all

> > wrong, as my wife understands this information better than me-but

> our

> > daughter's first x-ray at 6 1/2 months showed a 33 degree-Cobb,

and

> > we are unsure of the RVAD. Then they had an MRI done 3 weeks

later

> in

> > the beginning of August. Her Cobb measurement went to a 40

degrees

> > and her RVAD is 54+ degrees. We have since seen the doctor and

have

> > decided casting is the best option for her. She will receive her

> > first cast next week. We are a bit nervous. Does anyone know

> > approximately how long the casting procedure takes? They will not

> be

> > sedating her. Also, has anyone here had to have surgery even

after

> > the series of casts was done? I ask because the doctor told us

that

> > our daughter's looks progressive and that we need to keep in the

> back

> > of our minds that when she gets a little older that surgery may

> need

> > to be done. I just wondered how often infants that have casting

end

> > up having surgery when they get a little older. Sorry for all the

> > questions... just a very concerned Dad. Also, if anyone has

any

> > pointers on how to keep baby's skin from getting too irritated

and

> > also on any pointers for keeping baby clean and cool, any info

> would

> > be welcomed. Thanks again!

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Darrell,

Thanks for sharing your experience with the underarm casts. I think we're going to have to talk with the casting doc to explain our concerns and hopefully they give her a better type of cast. I don't understand why they are not sedating her either. It seems to be that would make it more difficult. How old was your son when he had his first cast? Did you say he was 6 months? Thanks for your info, I really appreciate it. It's very helpful to hear from other families that have gone through similar situations.

Jay

Subject: Re: New to this groupTo: infantile_scoliosis Date: Thursday, August 21, 2008, 11:37 PM

Hi JayMy son has had both 5 underarm in Edmonton. 3 over the shoulder in SLC. The underarm casts did not work very well and he progressed in these. The 3 over the shoulder casts have maintained his curve.We also have been told by all of his docs that he will eventually have surgery. We return to SLC in sept for cast 9. Those first few casts are the hardest then it does get easier. Hopefully you have caught it early 1 to 2 years I think is best time for a properly applied cast. This no sedation thing would be a really big question mark for me. Dylan has been sedated for 8 casts 2 MRI and 1 full set of xrays at 6 months. I couldnt imagine trying to cast a infant awake? The casting table they use here is a SPICA table and use the term Risser cast. SLC also calls Dylans cast a Risser but the two types of casts are different. Darrell> >> > Hi Jay,> >

> > Welcome to CAST. It sounds like your baby may have a progressive > case of> > infantile scoliosis. Children grow the fastest their first 2 years > of life> > and the bent spine will keep pace with the childs growth rate, so > its> > essential that the Early Treatment casting process is done > properly, so the> > child can benefit from it. May I recommend that you go to the > Files section> > of CAST to download/read "Growth as a corrective force in the early> > treatment of progressive infantile scoliosis," which will give you a> > backround on this gentle, effective treatment. The Early Treatment > Method> > is new in the orthopaedic world, so its important that you your > baby is seen> > by someone experienced in this method. Its necessary for an infant > to be> >

anesthetized, in order to apply a cast properly. If not the baby > will be> > scared, arms & legs flailing, and the surgeon will not be able to > utilize> > the casting frame effectively. Not to mention the traumatic effect > on the> > baby. The child sized, 3-dimensional casting frame is also a > critical> > component to applying a proper series of casts/plaster jackets. > The Early> > Treatment Process is supposed to be gentle, effective > treatment..May I also> > recommend that you view "A New Direction" DVD, which will help you > to better> > understand the principles behind the Early Treatment EDF > (elongation,> > derotation, flexion) Mehta Method. Please share all ET info with > your> > childs doc to confirm that the cast they would like to apply is > not just to> >

maintain..Which is referred to as old fashioned Risser casting. > The ET> > Mehta Method (if done properly) has the ability to harness the > childs rapid> > rate of growth to train the young spine to grow straight, gently & > > permanently. Sort of like braces on teeth. The child has a window > of time to> > benefit from this process, so lets provide you with as much info as> > possible. Please read the article, view the dvd and let us know > how we can> > help. > > > > You're on the right track. Good on you for getting informed in > order to> > make the best care choices possible for your precious little girl.> > > > Sincerely,> > > > HRH> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

[infantile_scoliosi s] New to this group> > > > > > > > Hi Everyone,> > My name is Jay and I am new to this group. My wife signed us up on > > here, and I've been reading some of the messages. We recently found > > out that our 8 month old has idiopathic scoliosis. My wife actually > > noticed it when our baby was 6 1/2 months old. We then went to our > > clinic and they took x-rays and then sent us to Walter to see > a > > Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. Please excuse me if I word this all > > wrong, as my

wife understands this information better than me-but > our > > daughter's first x-ray at 6 1/2 months showed a 33 degree-Cobb, and > > we are unsure of the RVAD. Then they had an MRI done 3 weeks later > in > > the beginning of August. Her Cobb measurement went to a 40 degrees > > and her RVAD is 54+ degrees. We have since seen the doctor and have > > decided casting is the best option for her. She will receive her > > first cast next week. We are a bit nervous. Does anyone know > > approximately how long the casting procedure takes? They will not > be > > sedating her. Also, has anyone here had to have surgery even after > > the series of casts was done? I ask because the doctor told us that > > our daughter's looks progressive and that we need to keep in the > back > > of our minds that when

she gets a little older that surgery may > need > > to be done. I just wondered how often infants that have casting end > > up having surgery when they get a little older. Sorry for all the > > questions... just a very concerned Dad. Also, if anyone has any > > pointers on how to keep baby's skin from getting too irritated and > > also on any pointers for keeping baby clean and cool, any info > would > > be welcomed. Thanks again!> >>

[Guest guest]

You may want to look under the list of Mehta trained docs on the site. If they are not on the list, then it is very unlikely that they are Mehta trained and have the correct table. Then you can consider getting a second option from one the docs on the list.

Good luck.

[infantile_scoliosi s] New to this group> > > > Hi Everyone,> My name is Jay and I am new to this group. My wife signed us up on > here, and I've been reading some of the messages. We recently found > out that our 8 month old has idiopathic scoliosis. My wife actually > noticed it when our baby was 6 1/2 months old. We then went to our > clinic and they took x-rays and then sent us to Walter to see a > Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. Please excuse me if I word this all > wrong, as my wife understands this information better than me-but our > daughter's first x-ray at 6 1/2 months showed a 33 degree-Cobb, and > we are unsure of the RVAD. Then they had an MRI done 3 weeks later in > the beginning of August. Her Cobb measurement went to a 40 degrees > and her RVAD is 54+ degrees. We have since seen the doctor and have > decided casting is the best option for her. She will receive her > first cast next week. We are a bit nervous. Does anyone know > approximately how long the casting procedure takes? They will not be > sedating her. Also, has anyone here had to have surgery even after > the series of casts was done? I ask because the doctor told us that > our daughter's looks progressive and that we need to keep in the back > of our minds that when she gets a little older that surgery may need > to be done. I just wondered how often infants that have casting end > up having surgery when they get a little older. Sorry for all the > questions... just a very concerned Dad. Also, if anyone has any > pointers on how to keep baby's skin from getting too irritated and > also on any pointers for keeping baby clean and cool, any info would > be welcomed. Thanks again!>

[Guest guest]

The

table in SLC is a very modified Spica. It has the traction apparatus and the derotation

ability. A regular spica does not. Thought everyone should know.

HRH

[infantile_scoliosi s] New to this group

> >

> >

> >

> > Hi Everyone,

> > My name is Jay and I am new to this group. My wife signed us up

on

> > here, and I've been reading some of the messages. We recently

found

> > out that our 8 month old has idiopathic scoliosis. My wife

actually

> > noticed it when our baby was 6 1/2 months old. We then went to

our

> > clinic and they took x-rays and then sent us to Walter to

see

> a

> > Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. Please excuse me if I word this all

> > wrong, as my wife understands this information better than me-but

> our

> > daughter's first x-ray at 6 1/2 months showed a 33 degree-Cobb,

and

> > we are unsure of the RVAD. Then they had an MRI done 3 weeks

later

> in

> > the beginning of August. Her Cobb measurement went to a 40

degrees

> > and her RVAD is 54+ degrees. We have since seen the doctor and

have

> > decided casting is the best option for her. She will receive her

> > first cast next week. We are a bit nervous. Does anyone know

> > approximately how long the casting procedure takes? They will not

> be

> > sedating her. Also, has anyone here had to have surgery even

after

> > the series of casts was done? I ask because the doctor told us

that

> > our daughter's looks progressive and that we need to keep in the

> back

> > of our minds that when she gets a little older that surgery may

> need

> > to be done. I just wondered how often infants that have casting

end

> > up having surgery when they get a little older. Sorry for all the

> > questions... just a very concerned Dad. Also, if anyone has

any

> > pointers on how to keep baby's skin from getting too irritated

and

> > also on any pointers for keeping baby clean and cool, any info

> would

> > be welcomed. Thanks again!

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Jay

My sons scoliosis was first discovered at 6 months his first cast was

at 11 months. We did the " wait and see " for 3 months, that was not a

good idea. then waited another 2 months to get an OR spot. In that 3

month period his curve doubled. Dylans curve is at T4 so I really

think the underarm casts did not address his curve it was always

visible. The over the shoulder casts cover his curve. Not to say that

underarm casts dont work I think they would work better for lower

curves not high ones.

Darrell

> > >

> > > Hi Jay,

> > >

> > > Welcome to CAST. It sounds like your baby may have a

progressive

> > case of

> > > infantile scoliosis. Children grow the fastest their first 2

> years

> > of life

> > > and the bent spine will keep pace with the childs growth rate,

so

> > its

> > > essential that the Early Treatment casting process is done

> > properly, so the

> > > child can benefit from it. May I recommend that you go to the

> > Files section

> > > of CAST to download/read " Growth as a corrective force in the

> early

> > > treatment of progressive infantile scoliosis, " which will give

> you a

> > > backround on this gentle, effective treatment. The Early

> Treatment

> > Method

> > > is new in the orthopaedic world, so its important that you your

> > baby is seen

> > > by someone experienced in this method. Its necessary for an

> infant

> > to be

> > > anesthetized, in order to apply a cast properly. If not the

baby

> > will be

> > > scared, arms & legs flailing, and the surgeon will not be able

to

> > utilize

> > > the casting frame effectively. Not to mention the traumatic

> effect

> > on the

> > > baby. The child sized, 3-dimensional casting frame is also a

> > critical

> > > component to applying a proper series of casts/plaster jackets.

> > The Early

> > > Treatment Process is supposed to be gentle, effective

> > treatment..May I also

> > > recommend that you view " A New Direction " DVD, which will help

> you

> > to better

> > > understand the principles behind the Early Treatment EDF

> > (elongation,

> > > derotation, flexion) Mehta Method. Please share all ET info

with

> > your

> > > childs doc to confirm that the cast they would like to apply is

> > not just to

> > > maintain..Which is referred to as old fashioned Risser casting.

> > The ET

> > > Mehta Method (if done properly) has the ability to harness the

> > childs rapid

> > > rate of growth to train the young spine to grow straight,

gently &

> > > permanently. Sort of like braces on teeth. The child has a

window

> > of time to

> > > benefit from this process, so lets provide you with as much

info

> as

> > > possible. Please read the article, view the dvd and let us know

> > how we can

> > > help.

> > >

> > > You're on the right track. Good on you for getting informed in

> > order to

> > > make the best care choices possible for your precious little

girl.

> > >

> > > Sincerely,

> > >

> > > HRH

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > [infantile_scoliosi s] New to this group

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > Hi Everyone,

> > > My name is Jay and I am new to this group. My wife signed us up

> on

> > > here, and I've been reading some of the messages. We recently

> found

> > > out that our 8 month old has idiopathic scoliosis. My wife

> actually

> > > noticed it when our baby was 6 1/2 months old. We then went to

> our

> > > clinic and they took x-rays and then sent us to Walter to

> see

> > a

> > > Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. Please excuse me if I word this

all

> > > wrong, as my wife understands this information better than me-

but

> > our

> > > daughter's first x-ray at 6 1/2 months showed a 33 degree-Cobb,

> and

> > > we are unsure of the RVAD. Then they had an MRI done 3 weeks

> later

> > in

> > > the beginning of August. Her Cobb measurement went to a 40

> degrees

> > > and her RVAD is 54+ degrees. We have since seen the doctor and

> have

> > > decided casting is the best option for her. She will receive

her

> > > first cast next week. We are a bit nervous. Does anyone know

> > > approximately how long the casting procedure takes? They will

not

> > be

> > > sedating her. Also, has anyone here had to have surgery even

> after

> > > the series of casts was done? I ask because the doctor told us

> that

> > > our daughter's looks progressive and that we need to keep in

the

> > back

> > > of our minds that when she gets a little older that surgery may

> > need

> > > to be done. I just wondered how often infants that have casting

> end

> > > up having surgery when they get a little older. Sorry for all

the

> > > questions... just a very concerned Dad. Also, if anyone has

> any

> > > pointers on how to keep baby's skin from getting too irritated

> and

> > > also on any pointers for keeping baby clean and cool, any info

> > would

> > > be welcomed. Thanks again!

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Where can I find that list on here? Sorry, not to computer savvy. Does anyone know if the Shriner's in Philadelphia, PA is trained in Mehta Casting. My wife is going to call soon, but the first time she called, she got sent to someone's voicemail and hasn't received a response back yet. Thanks.

From: redrockerb212 <redrockerb212@ yahoo.com>Subject: [infantile_scoliosi s] Re: New to this groupTo: infantile_scoliosis @yahoogroups. comDate: Thursday, August 21, 2008, 9:06 PM

Thank you to everyone who replied back. All this information is very helpful. After reading everyone's replies I did go on to read more information about Mehta Casting. This sounds very hopeful. When my wife gets home, I will show her all the information. She will be so grateful that so many of you were willing to take your time out to give us helpful advice! I have left a message for our ortho doc to talk to him about this and was told he won't be in until next week. We have a scheduled appointment in about a week and half anyway, so if I can't get a hold of him, then at the appointment I will bring all this information with me to show him. I don't know if the doctors at Walter Army Medical Center are trained in the Mehta Casting, but I'm going to find out. If they're not, then my wife and I will have to make a decision on what to do next. I agree with you Tasha, I don't think they should be

putting the cast on without sedation either. My wife was upset about that. She asked them how they can hold the spine straight and correct during the casting process if she's screaming and wiggling. They claim that they don't sedate anyone for the casting process, and that they use a series of straps. My wife continued to argue and ask questions. She asked that we see what table was going to be used, but at the time they had patients in there and we were not able to see anything. The young lady was trying to help us and explain it to us, but because they had patients in there, it was too crowded and we couldn't see anything. When we go next week I'm sure we'll see what is going to be used. She will be getting a series of plaster casts to be changed every 6 weeks. Rochelle, I do remember my wife reading your son's story as well. I believe my wife showed me his picture and story. His cast came up

over his shoulders, right? Our doctor explained that our daughter's would be under her armpits. Has anyone had that kind of cast? Shauna, thanks so much for all the info. You mentioned getting a 2nd opinion, and I think we may do that as well, if we find they are not practicing the Mehta Casting. My wife will be very pleased to hear all this information. And , thanks for all your helpful info as well. The more I read, the more I am starting to think they will be applying the Risser type of casting. So, we will definitely have to talk with the doctor at our appointment. Again, THANKS TO EVERYONE for all the information. I can't wait for my wife to get home so I can share all this wonderful information with her. >> Hi Jay,> > Welcome to CAST. It sounds like your baby may have a progressive case of> infantile scoliosis. Children grow the fastest their first 2 years of life> and the bent spine will keep pace with the childs growth rate, so its> essential that the Early Treatment casting process is done properly, so the> child can benefit from it. May I recommend that you go to the Files section> of CAST to download/read "Growth as a corrective force in the early> treatment of progressive infantile scoliosis," which will give you a> backround on this gentle, effective treatment. The Early Treatment Method> is new in the orthopaedic world, so its important that you your baby is seen> by someone experienced in this method. Its necessary for an infant to be> anesthetized, in order to apply a cast properly. If not the baby will

be> scared, arms & legs flailing, and the surgeon will not be able to utilize> the casting frame effectively. Not to mention the traumatic effect on the> baby. The child sized, 3-dimensional casting frame is also a critical> component to applying a proper series of casts/plaster jackets. The Early> Treatment Process is supposed to be gentle, effective treatment..May I also> recommend that you view "A New Direction" DVD, which will help you to better> understand the principles behind the Early Treatment EDF (elongation,> derotation, flexion) Mehta Method. Please share all ET info with your> childs doc to confirm that the cast they would like to apply is not just to> maintain..Which is referred to as old fashioned Risser casting. The ET> Mehta Method (if done properly) has the ability to harness the childs rapid> rate of

growth to train the young spine to grow straight, gently & > permanently. Sort of like braces on teeth. The child has a window of time to> benefit from this process, so lets provide you with as much info as> possible. Please read the article, view the dvd and let us know how we can> help. > > You're on the right track. Good on you for getting informed in order to> make the best care choices possible for your precious little girl.> > Sincerely,> > HRH> > > > > > > > > > [infantile_scoliosi s] New to this group> > > > Hi Everyone,> My name is Jay and I am new to this group. My wife signed us up on > here, and I've been reading some of the messages. We recently found > out that our 8 month old has idiopathic scoliosis. My wife actually > noticed it when our baby was 6 1/2 months old. We then went to our > clinic and they took x-rays and then sent us to Walter to see a > Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. Please excuse me if I word this all > wrong, as my wife understands this information better than me-but our > daughter's first x-ray at 6 1/2 months showed a 33 degree-Cobb, and > we are unsure of the RVAD.

Then they had an MRI done 3 weeks later in > the beginning of August. Her Cobb measurement went to a 40 degrees > and her RVAD is 54+ degrees. We have since seen the doctor and have > decided casting is the best option for her. She will receive her > first cast next week. We are a bit nervous. Does anyone know > approximately how long the casting procedure takes? They will not be > sedating her. Also, has anyone here had to have surgery even after > the series of casts was done? I ask because the doctor told us that > our daughter's looks progressive and that we need to keep in the back > of our minds that when she gets a little older that surgery may need > to be done. I just wondered how often infants that have casting end > up having surgery when they get a little older. Sorry for all the > questions... just a very concerned Dad. Also, if anyone has

any > pointers on how to keep baby's skin from getting too irritated and > also on any pointers for keeping baby clean and cool, any info would > be welcomed. Thanks again!>

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the info Darrell. I don't understand why they make a

family wait for 2 months to get in. Especially when it can be so

progressive in children. Our daughter's curve is more so in the

middle, so maybe the underarm cast will work for her. I guess we'll

see. We're going to have her casted next week. Then we'll see how

well it works and in the meantime we are going to look into other

options and go from there.

> > > >

> > > > Hi Jay,

> > > >

> > > > Welcome to CAST. It sounds like your baby may have a

> progressive

> > > case of

> > > > infantile scoliosis. Children grow the fastest their first 2

> > years

> > > of life

> > > > and the bent spine will keep pace with the childs growth

rate,

> so

> > > its

> > > > essential that the Early Treatment casting process is done

> > > properly, so the

> > > > child can benefit from it. May I recommend that you go to the

> > > Files section

> > > > of CAST to download/read " Growth as a corrective force in the

> > early

> > > > treatment of progressive infantile scoliosis, " which will

give

> > you a

> > > > backround on this gentle, effective treatment. The Early

> > Treatment

> > > Method

> > > > is new in the orthopaedic world, so its important that you

your

> > > baby is seen

> > > > by someone experienced in this method. Its necessary for an

> > infant

> > > to be

> > > > anesthetized, in order to apply a cast properly. If not the

> baby

> > > will be

> > > > scared, arms & legs flailing, and the surgeon will not be

able

> to

> > > utilize

> > > > the casting frame effectively. Not to mention the traumatic

> > effect

> > > on the

> > > > baby. The child sized, 3-dimensional casting frame is also a

> > > critical

> > > > component to applying a proper series of casts/plaster

jackets.

> > > The Early

> > > > Treatment Process is supposed to be gentle, effective

> > > treatment..May I also

> > > > recommend that you view " A New Direction " DVD, which will

help

> > you

> > > to better

> > > > understand the principles behind the Early Treatment EDF

> > > (elongation,

> > > > derotation, flexion) Mehta Method. Please share all ET info

> with

> > > your

> > > > childs doc to confirm that the cast they would like to apply

is

> > > not just to

> > > > maintain..Which is referred to as old fashioned Risser

casting.

> > > The ET

> > > > Mehta Method (if done properly) has the ability to harness

the

> > > childs rapid

> > > > rate of growth to train the young spine to grow straight,

> gently &

> > > > permanently. Sort of like braces on teeth. The child has a

> window

> > > of time to

> > > > benefit from this process, so lets provide you with as much

> info

> > as

> > > > possible. Please read the article, view the dvd and let us

know

> > > how we can

> > > > help.

> > > >

> > > > You're on the right track. Good on you for getting informed

in

> > > order to

> > > > make the best care choices possible for your precious little

> girl.

> > > >

> > > > Sincerely,

> > > >

> > > > HRH

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > [infantile_scoliosi s] New to this group

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > Hi Everyone,

> > > > My name is Jay and I am new to this group. My wife signed us

up

> > on

> > > > here, and I've been reading some of the messages. We recently

> > found

> > > > out that our 8 month old has idiopathic scoliosis. My wife

> > actually

> > > > noticed it when our baby was 6 1/2 months old. We then went

to

> > our

> > > > clinic and they took x-rays and then sent us to Walter

to

> > see

> > > a

> > > > Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. Please excuse me if I word this

> all

> > > > wrong, as my wife understands this information better than me-

> but

> > > our

> > > > daughter's first x-ray at 6 1/2 months showed a 33 degree-

Cobb,

> > and

> > > > we are unsure of the RVAD. Then they had an MRI done 3 weeks

> > later

> > > in

> > > > the beginning of August. Her Cobb measurement went to a 40

> > degrees

> > > > and her RVAD is 54+ degrees. We have since seen the doctor

and

> > have

> > > > decided casting is the best option for her. She will receive

> her

> > > > first cast next week. We are a bit nervous. Does anyone know

> > > > approximately how long the casting procedure takes? They will

> not

> > > be

> > > > sedating her. Also, has anyone here had to have surgery even

> > after

> > > > the series of casts was done? I ask because the doctor told

us

> > that

> > > > our daughter's looks progressive and that we need to keep in

> the

> > > back

> > > > of our minds that when she gets a little older that surgery

may

> > > need

> > > > to be done. I just wondered how often infants that have

casting

> > end

> > > > up having surgery when they get a little older. Sorry for all

> the

> > > > questions... just a very concerned Dad. Also, if anyone

has

> > any

> > > > pointers on how to keep baby's skin from getting too

irritated

> > and

> > > > also on any pointers for keeping baby clean and cool, any

info

> > > would

> > > > be welcomed. Thanks again!

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Jay if you go into Database it gives you a list of Docs.

> >

> > Hi Jay,

> >

> > Welcome to CAST. It sounds like your baby may have a progressive

> case of

> > infantile scoliosis. Children grow the fastest their first 2

years

> of life

> > and the bent spine will keep pace with the childs growth rate, so

> its

> > essential that the Early Treatment casting process is done

> properly, so the

> > child can benefit from it. May I recommend that you go to the

> Files section

> > of CAST to download/read " Growth as a corrective force in the

early

> > treatment of progressive infantile scoliosis, " which will give

you a

> > backround on this gentle, effective treatment. The Early

Treatment

> Method

> > is new in the orthopaedic world, so its important that you your

> baby is seen

> > by someone experienced in this method. Its necessary for an

infant

> to be

> > anesthetized, in order to apply a cast properly. If not the baby

> will be

> > scared, arms & legs flailing, and the surgeon will not be able to

> utilize

> > the casting frame effectively. Not to mention the traumatic

effect

> on the

> > baby. The child sized, 3-dimensional casting frame is also a

> critical

> > component to applying a proper series of casts/plaster jackets.

> The Early

> > Treatment Process is supposed to be gentle, effective

> treatment..May I also

> > recommend that you view " A New Direction " DVD, which will help

you

> to better

> > understand the principles behind the Early Treatment EDF

> (elongation,

> > derotation, flexion) Mehta Method. Please share all ET info with

> your

> > childs doc to confirm that the cast they would like to apply is

> not just to

> > maintain..Which is referred to as old fashioned Risser casting.

> The ET

> > Mehta Method (if done properly) has the ability to harness the

> childs rapid

> > rate of growth to train the young spine to grow straight, gently &

> > permanently. Sort of like braces on teeth. The child has a window

> of time to

> > benefit from this process, so lets provide you with as much info

as

> > possible. Please read the article, view the dvd and let us know

> how we can

> > help.

> >

> > You're on the right track. Good on you for getting informed in

> order to

> > make the best care choices possible for your precious little girl.

> >

> > Sincerely,

> >

> > HRH

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > [infantile_scoliosi s] New to this group

> >

> >

> >

> > Hi Everyone,

> > My name is Jay and I am new to this group. My wife signed us up

on

> > here, and I've been reading some of the messages. We recently

found

> > out that our 8 month old has idiopathic scoliosis. My wife

actually

> > noticed it when our baby was 6 1/2 months old. We then went to

our

> > clinic and they took x-rays and then sent us to Walter to

see

> a

> > Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. Please excuse me if I word this all

> > wrong, as my wife understands this information better than me-but

> our

> > daughter's first x-ray at 6 1/2 months showed a 33 degree-Cobb,

and

> > we are unsure of the RVAD. Then they had an MRI done 3 weeks

later

> in

> > the beginning of August. Her Cobb measurement went to a 40

degrees

> > and her RVAD is 54+ degrees. We have since seen the doctor and

have

> > decided casting is the best option for her. She will receive her

> > first cast next week. We are a bit nervous. Does anyone know

> > approximately how long the casting procedure takes? They will not

> be

> > sedating her. Also, has anyone here had to have surgery even

after

> > the series of casts was done? I ask because the doctor told us

that

> > our daughter's looks progressive and that we need to keep in the

> back

> > of our minds that when she gets a little older that surgery may

> need

> > to be done. I just wondered how often infants that have casting

end

> > up having surgery when they get a little older. Sorry for all the

> > questions... just a very concerned Dad. Also, if anyone has

any

> > pointers on how to keep baby's skin from getting too irritated

and

> > also on any pointers for keeping baby clean and cool, any info

> would

> > be welcomed. Thanks again!

> >

>

[Guest guest]

In that 2 month period we had to wait to get an MRI done. Then waited

to see the Nero surgeon after that waited to get an OR spot. We

actually " waited and see " for 5 months. Our health care system is

different because it is publically funded. So waiting is the norm

here. SLC is deffinatly different than our University hospital here.

Darrell

> > > > >

> > > > > Hi Jay,

> > > > >

> > > > > Welcome to CAST. It sounds like your baby may have a

> > progressive

> > > > case of

> > > > > infantile scoliosis. Children grow the fastest their first

2

> > > years

> > > > of life

> > > > > and the bent spine will keep pace with the childs growth

> rate,

> > so

> > > > its

> > > > > essential that the Early Treatment casting process is done

> > > > properly, so the

> > > > > child can benefit from it. May I recommend that you go to

the

> > > > Files section

> > > > > of CAST to download/read " Growth as a corrective force in

the

> > > early

> > > > > treatment of progressive infantile scoliosis, " which will

> give

> > > you a

> > > > > backround on this gentle, effective treatment. The Early

> > > Treatment

> > > > Method

> > > > > is new in the orthopaedic world, so its important that you

> your

> > > > baby is seen

> > > > > by someone experienced in this method. Its necessary for an

> > > infant

> > > > to be

> > > > > anesthetized, in order to apply a cast properly. If not the

> > baby

> > > > will be

> > > > > scared, arms & legs flailing, and the surgeon will not be

> able

> > to

> > > > utilize

> > > > > the casting frame effectively. Not to mention the traumatic

> > > effect

> > > > on the

> > > > > baby. The child sized, 3-dimensional casting frame is also

a

> > > > critical

> > > > > component to applying a proper series of casts/plaster

> jackets.

> > > > The Early

> > > > > Treatment Process is supposed to be gentle, effective

> > > > treatment..May I also

> > > > > recommend that you view " A New Direction " DVD, which will

> help

> > > you

> > > > to better

> > > > > understand the principles behind the Early Treatment EDF

> > > > (elongation,

> > > > > derotation, flexion) Mehta Method. Please share all ET info

> > with

> > > > your

> > > > > childs doc to confirm that the cast they would like to

apply

> is

> > > > not just to

> > > > > maintain..Which is referred to as old fashioned Risser

> casting.

> > > > The ET

> > > > > Mehta Method (if done properly) has the ability to harness

> the

> > > > childs rapid

> > > > > rate of growth to train the young spine to grow straight,

> > gently &

> > > > > permanently. Sort of like braces on teeth. The child has a

> > window

> > > > of time to

> > > > > benefit from this process, so lets provide you with as much

> > info

> > > as

> > > > > possible. Please read the article, view the dvd and let us

> know

> > > > how we can

> > > > > help.

> > > > >

> > > > > You're on the right track. Good on you for getting informed

> in

> > > > order to

> > > > > make the best care choices possible for your precious

little

> > girl.

> > > > >

> > > > > Sincerely,

> > > > >

> > > > > HRH

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > [infantile_scoliosi s] New to this group

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > Hi Everyone,

> > > > > My name is Jay and I am new to this group. My wife signed

us

> up

> > > on

> > > > > here, and I've been reading some of the messages. We

recently

> > > found

> > > > > out that our 8 month old has idiopathic scoliosis. My wife

> > > actually

> > > > > noticed it when our baby was 6 1/2 months old. We then went

> to

> > > our

> > > > > clinic and they took x-rays and then sent us to Walter

> to

> > > see

> > > > a

> > > > > Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. Please excuse me if I word

this

> > all

> > > > > wrong, as my wife understands this information better than

me-

> > but

> > > > our

> > > > > daughter's first x-ray at 6 1/2 months showed a 33 degree-

> Cobb,

> > > and

> > > > > we are unsure of the RVAD. Then they had an MRI done 3

weeks

> > > later

> > > > in

> > > > > the beginning of August. Her Cobb measurement went to a 40

> > > degrees

> > > > > and her RVAD is 54+ degrees. We have since seen the doctor

> and

> > > have

> > > > > decided casting is the best option for her. She will

receive

> > her

> > > > > first cast next week. We are a bit nervous. Does anyone

know

> > > > > approximately how long the casting procedure takes? They

will

> > not

> > > > be

> > > > > sedating her. Also, has anyone here had to have surgery

even

> > > after

> > > > > the series of casts was done? I ask because the doctor told

> us

> > > that

> > > > > our daughter's looks progressive and that we need to keep

in

> > the

> > > > back

> > > > > of our minds that when she gets a little older that surgery

> may

> > > > need

> > > > > to be done. I just wondered how often infants that have

> casting

> > > end

> > > > > up having surgery when they get a little older. Sorry for

all

> > the

> > > > > questions... just a very concerned Dad. Also, if anyone

> has

> > > any

> > > > > pointers on how to keep baby's skin from getting too

> irritated

> > > and

> > > > > also on any pointers for keeping baby clean and cool, any

> info

> > > > would

> > > > > be welcomed. Thanks again!

> > > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi

I know we talked about this in SLC why is it that they call Dylans

cast a Risser. They also call it a Risser here in Edmonton but the

two casts are different. Is it that they just use the term Risser

cast as just a name and for insurance purposes.

Darrell

> > >

> > > Hi Jay,

> > >

> > > Welcome to CAST. It sounds like your baby may have a

progressive

> > case of

> > > infantile scoliosis. Children grow the fastest their first 2

> years

> > of life

> > > and the bent spine will keep pace with the childs growth rate,

so

> > its

> > > essential that the Early Treatment casting process is done

> > properly, so the

> > > child can benefit from it. May I recommend that you go to the

> > Files section

> > > of CAST to download/read " Growth as a corrective force in the

> early

> > > treatment of progressive infantile scoliosis, " which will give

> you a

> > > backround on this gentle, effective treatment. The Early

> Treatment

> > Method

> > > is new in the orthopaedic world, so its important that you your

> > baby is seen

> > > by someone experienced in this method. Its necessary for an

> infant

> > to be

> > > anesthetized, in order to apply a cast properly. If not the

baby

> > will be

> > > scared, arms & legs flailing, and the surgeon will not be able

to

> > utilize

> > > the casting frame effectively. Not to mention the traumatic

> effect

> > on the

> > > baby. The child sized, 3-dimensional casting frame is also a

> > critical

> > > component to applying a proper series of casts/plaster jackets.

> > The Early

> > > Treatment Process is supposed to be gentle, effective

> > treatment..May I also

> > > recommend that you view " A New Direction " DVD, which will help

> you

> > to better

> > > understand the principles behind the Early Treatment EDF

> > (elongation,

> > > derotation, flexion) Mehta Method. Please share all ET info

with

> > your

> > > childs doc to confirm that the cast they would like to apply is

> > not just to

> > > maintain..Which is referred to as old fashioned Risser casting.

> > The ET

> > > Mehta Method (if done properly) has the ability to harness the

> > childs rapid

> > > rate of growth to train the young spine to grow straight,

gently &

> > > permanently. Sort of like braces on teeth. The child has a

window

> > of time to

> > > benefit from this process, so lets provide you with as much

info

> as

> > > possible. Please read the article, view the dvd and let us know

> > how we can

> > > help.

> > >

> > > You're on the right track. Good on you for getting informed in

> > order to

> > > make the best care choices possible for your precious little

girl.

> > >

> > > Sincerely,

> > >

> > > HRH

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > [infantile_scoliosi s] New to this group

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > Hi Everyone,

> > > My name is Jay and I am new to this group. My wife signed us up

> on

> > > here, and I've been reading some of the messages. We recently

> found

> > > out that our 8 month old has idiopathic scoliosis. My wife

> actually

> > > noticed it when our baby was 6 1/2 months old. We then went to

> our

> > > clinic and they took x-rays and then sent us to Walter to

> see

> > a

> > > Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. Please excuse me if I word this

all

> > > wrong, as my wife understands this information better than me-

but

> > our

> > > daughter's first x-ray at 6 1/2 months showed a 33 degree-Cobb,

> and

> > > we are unsure of the RVAD. Then they had an MRI done 3 weeks

> later

> > in

> > > the beginning of August. Her Cobb measurement went to a 40

> degrees

> > > and her RVAD is 54+ degrees. We have since seen the doctor and

> have

> > > decided casting is the best option for her. She will receive

her

> > > first cast next week. We are a bit nervous. Does anyone know

> > > approximately how long the casting procedure takes? They will

not

> > be

> > > sedating her. Also, has anyone here had to have surgery even

> after

> > > the series of casts was done? I ask because the doctor told us

> that

> > > our daughter's looks progressive and that we need to keep in

the

> > back

> > > of our minds that when she gets a little older that surgery may

> > need

> > > to be done. I just wondered how often infants that have casting

> end

> > > up having surgery when they get a little older. Sorry for all

the

> > > questions... just a very concerned Dad. Also, if anyone has

> any

> > > pointers on how to keep baby's skin from getting too irritated

> and

> > > also on any pointers for keeping baby clean and cool, any info

> > would

> > > be welcomed. Thanks again!

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Yes, there is a wonderful doctor at Shriners in Philadelphia (Dr.

Asghar) who does casting - he was trained by Dr. Mehta and they also

have the proper frame.

My son has been a patient there (not for casting though) for nearly

five years and I cannot say enough good things about the medical

team there.

I would definitely contact Janet Cerrone (physician's asst. to Dr.

Asghar and the entire spine team) at 1- or e-mail her at

janetcerrone@....

Good luck!

> >

> > Hi Jay,

> >

> > Welcome to CAST. It sounds like your baby may have a progressive

> case of

> > infantile scoliosis. Children grow the fastest their first 2

years

> of life

> > and the bent spine will keep pace with the childs growth rate,

so

> its

> > essential that the Early Treatment casting process is done

> properly, so the

> > child can benefit from it. May I recommend that you go to the

> Files section

> > of CAST to download/read " Growth as a corrective force in the

early

> > treatment of progressive infantile scoliosis, " which will give

you a

> > backround on this gentle, effective treatment. The Early

Treatment

> Method

> > is new in the orthopaedic world, so its important that you your

> baby is seen

> > by someone experienced in this method. Its necessary for an

infant

> to be

> > anesthetized, in order to apply a cast properly. If not the baby

> will be

> > scared, arms & legs flailing, and the surgeon will not be able

to

> utilize

> > the casting frame effectively. Not to mention the traumatic

effect

> on the

> > baby. The child sized, 3-dimensional casting frame is also a

> critical

> > component to applying a proper series of casts/plaster jackets.

> The Early

> > Treatment Process is supposed to be gentle, effective

> treatment..May I also

> > recommend that you view " A New Direction " DVD, which will help

you

> to better

> > understand the principles behind the Early Treatment EDF

> (elongation,

> > derotation, flexion) Mehta Method. Please share all ET info with

> your

> > childs doc to confirm that the cast they would like to apply is

> not just to

> > maintain..Which is referred to as old fashioned Risser casting.

> The ET

> > Mehta Method (if done properly) has the ability to harness the

> childs rapid

> > rate of growth to train the young spine to grow straight, gently

&

> > permanently. Sort of like braces on teeth. The child has a

window

> of time to

> > benefit from this process, so lets provide you with as much info

as

> > possible. Please read the article, view the dvd and let us know

> how we can

> > help.

> >

> > You're on the right track. Good on you for getting informed in

> order to

> > make the best care choices possible for your precious little

girl.

> >

> > Sincerely,

> >

> > HRH

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > [infantile_scoliosi s] New to this group

> >

> >

> >

> > Hi Everyone,

> > My name is Jay and I am new to this group. My wife signed us up

on

> > here, and I've been reading some of the messages. We recently

found

> > out that our 8 month old has idiopathic scoliosis. My wife

actually

> > noticed it when our baby was 6 1/2 months old. We then went to

our

> > clinic and they took x-rays and then sent us to Walter to

see

> a

> > Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. Please excuse me if I word this

all

> > wrong, as my wife understands this information better than me-

but

> our

> > daughter's first x-ray at 6 1/2 months showed a 33 degree-Cobb,

and

> > we are unsure of the RVAD. Then they had an MRI done 3 weeks

later

> in

> > the beginning of August. Her Cobb measurement went to a 40

degrees

> > and her RVAD is 54+ degrees. We have since seen the doctor and

have

> > decided casting is the best option for her. She will receive her

> > first cast next week. We are a bit nervous. Does anyone know

> > approximately how long the casting procedure takes? They will

not

> be

> > sedating her. Also, has anyone here had to have surgery even

after

> > the series of casts was done? I ask because the doctor told us

that

> > our daughter's looks progressive and that we need to keep in the

> back

> > of our minds that when she gets a little older that surgery may

> need

> > to be done. I just wondered how often infants that have casting

end

> > up having surgery when they get a little older. Sorry for all

the

> > questions... just a very concerned Dad. Also, if anyone has

any

> > pointers on how to keep baby's skin from getting too irritated

and

> > also on any pointers for keeping baby clean and cool, any info

> would

> > be welcomed. Thanks again!

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Jay,

Devyn's casts did all have shoulder straps. I have been told that

Miss Mehta prefers that each cast have shoulder straps regardless of

where the curve is. The straps give a little more stability and hold

the cast where it needs to be. The casts do loosen up towards the

time for a new one and the straps help hold the cast so it doesn't

get to loose and stop correcting. I am so glad that you found us all

here and are doing your research. Time is so important. I know

sometimes it is hard to get in to Shriners, but if you use the direct

contact info that gave you it should go faster. The assistants

that work direct for these Ortho's know how important time is and

usually can help things along.

Rochelle

> >

> > Hi Jay,

> >

> > Welcome to CAST. It sounds like your baby may have a progressive

> case of

> > infantile scoliosis. Children grow the fastest their first 2

years

> of life

> > and the bent spine will keep pace with the childs growth rate, so

> its

> > essential that the Early Treatment casting process is done

> properly, so the

> > child can benefit from it. May I recommend that you go to the

> Files section

> > of CAST to download/read " Growth as a corrective force in the

early

> > treatment of progressive infantile scoliosis, " which will give

you a

> > backround on this gentle, effective treatment. The Early

Treatment

> Method

> > is new in the orthopaedic world, so its important that you your

> baby is seen

> > by someone experienced in this method. Its necessary for an

infant

> to be

> > anesthetized, in order to apply a cast properly. If not the baby

> will be

> > scared, arms & legs flailing, and the surgeon will not be able to

> utilize

> > the casting frame effectively. Not to mention the traumatic

effect

> on the

> > baby. The child sized, 3-dimensional casting frame is also a

> critical

> > component to applying a proper series of casts/plaster jackets.

> The Early

> > Treatment Process is supposed to be gentle, effective

> treatment..May I also

> > recommend that you view " A New Direction " DVD, which will help

you

> to better

> > understand the principles behind the Early Treatment EDF

> (elongation,

> > derotation, flexion) Mehta Method. Please share all ET info with

> your

> > childs doc to confirm that the cast they would like to apply is

> not just to

> > maintain..Which is referred to as old fashioned Risser casting.

> The ET

> > Mehta Method (if done properly) has the ability to harness the

> childs rapid

> > rate of growth to train the young spine to grow straight, gently &

> > permanently.Sort of like braces on teeth. The child has a window

> of time to

> > benefit from this process, so lets provide you with as much info

as

> > possible. Please read the article, view the dvd and let us know

> how we can

> > help.

> >

> > You're on the right track. Good on you for getting informed in

> order to

> > make the best care choices possible for your precious little girl.

> >

> > Sincerely,

> >

> > HRH

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > New to this group

> >

> >

> >

> > Hi Everyone,

> > My name is Jay and I am new to this group. My wife signed us up

on

> > here, and I've been reading some of the messages. We recently

found

> > out that our 8 month old has idiopathic scoliosis. My wife

actually

> > noticed it when our baby was 6 1/2 months old. We then went to

our

> > clinic and they took x-rays and then sent us to Walter to

see

> a

> > Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. Please excuse me if I word this all

> > wrong, as my wife understands this information better than me-but

> our

> > daughter's first x-ray at 6 1/2 months showed a 33 degree-Cobb,

and

> > we are unsure of the RVAD. Then they had an MRI done 3 weeks

later

> in

> > the beginning of August. Her Cobb measurement went to a 40

degrees

> > and her RVAD is 54+ degrees. We have since seen the doctor and

have

> > decided casting is the best option for her. She will receive her

> > first cast next week. We are a bit nervous. Does anyone know

> > approximately how long the casting procedure takes? They will not

> be

> > sedating her. Also, has anyone here had to have surgery even

after

> > the series of casts was done? I ask because the doctor told us

that

> > our daughter's looks progressive and that we need to keep in the

> back

> > of our minds that when she gets a little older that surgery may

> need

> > to be done. I just wondered how often infants that have casting

end

> > up having surgery when they get a little older. Sorry for all the

> > questions...just a very concerned Dad. Also, if anyone has any

> > pointers on how to keep baby's skin from getting too irritated

and

> > also on any pointers for keeping baby clean and cool, any info

> would

> > be welcomed. Thanks again!

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you so much for al the info! We are waiting on a return call from someone at Shriners in PA, and if we don't get a call back by Monday afternoon then we will use the contact info you sent us . Thanks so much!

Subject: Re: New to this groupTo: infantile_scoliosis Date: Friday, August 22, 2008, 2:39 PM

Yes, there is a wonderful doctor at Shriners in Philadelphia (Dr. Asghar) who does casting - he was trained by Dr. Mehta and they also have the proper frame.My son has been a patient there (not for casting though) for nearly five years and I cannot say enough good things about the medical team there.I would definitely contact Janet Cerrone (physician's asst. to Dr. Asghar and the entire spine team) at 1- or e-mail her at janetcerrone@ comcast.net.Good luck!>

>> > Hi Jay,> > > > Welcome to CAST. It sounds like your baby may have a progressive > case of> > infantile scoliosis. Children grow the fastest their first 2 years > of life> > and the bent spine will keep pace with the childs growth rate, so > its> > essential that the Early Treatment casting process is done > properly, so the> > child can benefit from it. May I recommend that you go to the > Files section> > of CAST to download/read "Growth as a corrective force in the early> > treatment of progressive infantile scoliosis," which will give you a> > backround on this gentle, effective treatment. The Early Treatment > Method> > is new in the orthopaedic world, so its important that you your > baby is seen> > by someone experienced in this method. Its necessary for

an infant > to be> > anesthetized, in order to apply a cast properly. If not the baby > will be> > scared, arms & legs flailing, and the surgeon will not be able to > utilize> > the casting frame effectively. Not to mention the traumatic effect > on the> > baby. The child sized, 3-dimensional casting frame is also a > critical> > component to applying a proper series of casts/plaster jackets. > The Early> > Treatment Process is supposed to be gentle, effective > treatment..May I also> > recommend that you view "A New Direction" DVD, which will help you > to better> > understand the principles behind the Early Treatment EDF > (elongation,> > derotation, flexion) Mehta Method. Please share all ET info with > your> > childs doc to confirm that the cast they would like

to apply is > not just to> > maintain..Which is referred to as old fashioned Risser casting. > The ET> > Mehta Method (if done properly) has the ability to harness the > childs rapid> > rate of growth to train the young spine to grow straight, gently & > > permanently. Sort of like braces on teeth. The child has a window > of time to> > benefit from this process, so lets provide you with as much info as> > possible. Please read the article, view the dvd and let us know > how we can> > help. > > > > You're on the right track. Good on you for getting informed in > order to> > make the best care choices possible for your precious little girl.> > > > Sincerely,> > > > HRH> > > > > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > [infantile_scoliosi s] New to this group> > > > > > > > Hi Everyone,> > My name is Jay and I am new to this group. My wife signed us up on > > here, and I've been reading some of the messages. We recently found > > out that our 8 month old has idiopathic scoliosis. My wife actually > > noticed it when our baby was 6 1/2 months old. We then went to our > > clinic and they took x-rays and then sent us to Walter to see > a > > Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. Please

excuse me if I word this all > > wrong, as my wife understands this information better than me-but > our > > daughter's first x-ray at 6 1/2 months showed a 33 degree-Cobb, and > > we are unsure of the RVAD. Then they had an MRI done 3 weeks later > in > > the beginning of August. Her Cobb measurement went to a 40 degrees > > and her RVAD is 54+ degrees. We have since seen the doctor and have > > decided casting is the best option for her. She will receive her > > first cast next week. We are a bit nervous. Does anyone know > > approximately how long the casting procedure takes? They will not > be > > sedating her. Also, has anyone here had to have surgery even after > > the series of casts was done? I ask because the doctor told us that > > our daughter's looks progressive and that we

need to keep in the > back > > of our minds that when she gets a little older that surgery may > need > > to be done. I just wondered how often infants that have casting end > > up having surgery when they get a little older. Sorry for all the > > questions... just a very concerned Dad. Also, if anyone has any > > pointers on how to keep baby's skin from getting too irritated and > > also on any pointers for keeping baby clean and cool, any info > would > > be welcomed. Thanks again!> >>

[Guest guest]

Rochelle,

I thought it might be better to have the cast go over the shoulders for stability as well. My wife thought that would be the type our daughter would have. We'll keep you all posted after we have our appointments and let you know what has been done. Thanks again!

Subject: Re: New to this groupTo: infantile_scoliosis Date: Friday, August 22, 2008, 4:18 PM

Jay,Devyn's casts did all have shoulder straps. I have been told that Miss Mehta prefers that each cast have shoulder straps regardless of where the curve is. The straps give a little more stability and hold the cast where it needs to be. The casts do loosen up towards the time for a new one and the straps help hold the cast so it doesn't get to loose and stop correcting. I am so glad that you found us all here and are doing your research. Time is so important. I know sometimes it is hard to get in to Shriners, but if you use the direct contact info that gave you it should go faster. The assistants that work direct for these Ortho's know how important time is and usually can help things along. Rochelle > >> > Hi Jay,> > > > Welcome to CAST. It sounds like your baby may have a progressive > case of> > infantile scoliosis. Children grow the fastest their first 2 years > of life> > and the bent spine will keep pace with the childs growth rate, so > its> > essential that the Early Treatment casting process is done > properly, so the> > child can benefit from it. May I recommend that you go to the > Files section> > of CAST to download/read "Growth as a corrective force in the early> > treatment of progressive infantile scoliosis," which will give you a> > backround

on this gentle, effective treatment. The Early Treatment > Method> > is new in the orthopaedic world, so its important that you your > baby is seen> > by someone experienced in this method. Its necessary for an infant > to be> > anesthetized, in order to apply a cast properly. If not the baby > will be> > scared, arms & legs flailing, and the surgeon will not be able to > utilize> > the casting frame effectively. Not to mention the traumatic effect > on the> > baby. The child sized, 3-dimensional casting frame is also a > critical> > component to applying a proper series of casts/plaster jackets. > The Early> > Treatment Process is supposed to be gentle, effective > treatment..May I also> > recommend that you view "A New Direction" DVD, which will help you > to better>

> understand the principles behind the Early Treatment EDF > (elongation,> > derotation, flexion) Mehta Method. Please share all ET info with > your> > childs doc to confirm that the cast they would like to apply is > not just to> > maintain..Which is referred to as old fashioned Risser casting. > The ET> > Mehta Method (if done properly) has the ability to harness the > childs rapid> > rate of growth to train the young spine to grow straight, gently & > > permanently. Sort of like braces on teeth. The child has a window > of time to> > benefit from this process, so lets provide you with as much info as> > possible. Please read the article, view the dvd and let us know > how we can> > help. > > > > You're on the right track. Good on you for getting informed in > order to>

> make the best care choices possible for your precious little girl.> > > > Sincerely,> > > > HRH> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > [infantile_scoliosi s] New to this group> > > > > > > > Hi Everyone,>

> My name is Jay and I am new to this group. My wife signed us up on > > here, and I've been reading some of the messages. We recently found > > out that our 8 month old has idiopathic scoliosis. My wife actually > > noticed it when our baby was 6 1/2 months old. We then went to our > > clinic and they took x-rays and then sent us to Walter to see > a > > Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. Please excuse me if I word this all > > wrong, as my wife understands this information better than me-but > our > > daughter's first x-ray at 6 1/2 months showed a 33 degree-Cobb, and > > we are unsure of the RVAD. Then they had an MRI done 3 weeks later > in > > the beginning of August. Her Cobb measurement went to a 40 degrees > > and her RVAD is 54+ degrees. We have since seen the doctor and have >

> decided casting is the best option for her. She will receive her > > first cast next week. We are a bit nervous. Does anyone know > > approximately how long the casting procedure takes? They will not > be > > sedating her. Also, has anyone here had to have surgery even after > > the series of casts was done? I ask because the doctor told us that > > our daughter's looks progressive and that we need to keep in the > back > > of our minds that when she gets a little older that surgery may > need > > to be done. I just wondered how often infants that have casting end > > up having surgery when they get a little older. Sorry for all the > > questions... just a very concerned Dad. Also, if anyone has any > > pointers on how to keep baby's skin from getting too irritated and > > also on any pointers for

keeping baby clean and cool, any info > would > > be welcomed. Thanks again!> >>