New, few questions...

[Guest guest]

Well, I guess I'm not completely new. I first posted some questions

here about three-four years ago about my son, , who is now 6.5

years old. He was diagnosed with infantile scoliosis at 2 years old,

he was braced at 3 years old when his curve (left thoracic) reached

21 degrees. The brace started out full time for about a year, then

gradually weaned off of it about 7-8 months ago. His curve stayed at

21 degrees for the over 2.5 years of brace wear, but just a few

months out of the brace he increased a little to 24 degrees. He was

put back in a brace for 12 hours each night, and now 4 months later

the curve has increased to 28 degrees. We are now to increase the

brace to 16-20 hours per day, with a recheck in 4 months. I asked

him about casting, and he said he knows about it, and occasionally

does it for noncompliant families. He did agree to cast him if the

curve is any worse next time. I'm " kind of " ok with that, because I

can't imagine him being casted in the summer (but of course I would

if it would help him).

Does anybody know how old is " too old " for casting to help? Or what

the smallest curve these doctors feel needs casted? is pretty

small for 6.5 years, at 38 pounds and 44-45 inches. We've also

noticed that he's been tilting his head to right a lot, which I was

told is his way of compensating and helping his balance.

also has significant heart and lung issues, and has had 3 heart

surgeries and one lung surgery. He has a feeding tube to help with

his weight, although he eats quite well most days. He is very

intolerant to heat, and is miserable wearing his brace more during

the day, even with our AC blasting.

Any thoughts, suggestions, experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,