Back from Bham -- Todd in cast #6

July 14, 2008

We were originally scheduled for July 25, but Todd outgrew his cast

earlier... again! He was in it for 6 weeks before he began having

difficulty with digestion and discomfort.

We got some good news this time. Cast #5 gave some correction to

both of Todd's curves. In cast #4, they both worsened although the

rib hump looked better. Out of cast after #4, top curve was 39,

lower curve was 24. Out of cast after #5, top curve was 31, lower

was 21. Our doc was very pleased with the improvement in the top

curve, in particular, so it looks like we're still on the right track.

I am so grateful to the team in Bham for their compassionate

treatment of Todd, and for their willingness to listen to our

concerns, answer our questions, and make us comfortable with the care

they give our son. It's so nice to have a doc who values our

participation, and who actually wants us to be an active part of the

team.

We had a lot (LOT) more fine-tuning (trimming, padding, taping) in

clinic this time than previous times, and we're still adding moleskin

and padding in various places. Cast #6 seems to have some

particularly hard edges in key areas, such as over his ribs, under

his armpit, and beside his neck.

We did not get a " waterproof " cast this time. The gortex cast did

not work out for us since water could not evaporate through as

intended due to the covering of Hytape. The gortex cast was much

hotter and got much stinkier than a regular one since we could not

bathe Todd after all. Also, it was less padded than a regular cast

and Todd had lots more bruising this time than after previous casts.

But it did give some correction, so I won't complain too much!

It seems like every other cast gives Todd some correction, so this

journey feels like it gets longer and longer, but we will press on as

long as it takes to get all the correction we can.

Hope everyone else is doing well!

, Mommy to Todd

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