RE: & Dylan

[Guest guest]

Olivia is hot blooded, so she never wore

shirts over her casts. Not even in the winter. I think that’s why I

got so creative in the decorating process. The casts werent ever hidden

by shirts, so people were always staring. You’re right, after a few

years, the stares aren’t as bothersome. But, in the beginning, I

would get enraged. Ignorance on my part, I suppose. I surely cant

expect everyone to be politically correct, all the time……

Glad everyone seems to like the info card

idea.

HRH

From: infantile_scoliosis [mailto:infantile_scoliosis ] On Behalf Of Dolley

Sent: Tuesday, December 09, 2008

12:56 PM

To: infantile_scoliosis

Subject: Re:

cast experiences

I think the info card might be useful for those parents who do not

appreciate the staring or who might not always want to give the long

explanation. My son was a preemie and prior to the casting had to wear

the helmet for plagiocephaly and for a brief time period used a walker to help

with walking. So, by the time we got to the cast, I didn't really care

about people's staring too much Truthfully I don't think many people

noticed when we were out and about, because underneath the clothes it wasn't

too obvious. Occasionally we would get a comment like " he's a sturdy

boy " , but I usually didn't even bother explaining he had a cast. I

have actually noticed more looks with the brace than I did with the cast,

because the way his brace was cut the tail end would often peek out below the

shirt and people would see it. No one ever made a rude comment and I

don't even really remember any questions about it, but I did get some stares

occassionally. I often wondered if they were thinking that he had been

injured because I was neglectful, etc. Especially. when he was being a

rowdy boy at the time they were starting at him I would usually just

smile at the person starting and they would either smile back or look

away. But, I never bothered offering any info unless someone asked.

From: hrhandco

<heatherinfantilescoliosis (DOT) org>

To: infantile_scoliosis

Sent: Tuesday, December 9, 2008

2:19:36 PM

Subject:

cast experiences

Those last posts reminded me of an issue that pops-up

on the group a

few times a year. And, that is the way strangers respond to seeing

our children in plaster casts...

My reaction to the way strangers acted after seeing my toddler in a

cast was so much better, if they respond positively. In the beginning

of Liv's casting experience (age 2.10) I would react horribly, if

someone was staring or pointing…..To the point of confrontation (bad,

I know.....)! After 5 years of serial casting, my response improved a

bit (ha-ha) and I would say something inviting to break the ice, like

" cool cast, huh,? " or " want to touch it? " Even the adults

would smile

and want to learn more. I know many of us have gone through

this………

Rochelle & Shara (and a few other members over the years) came up with

a good suggestion that would act as an ice breaker and ET/scoliosis

awareness tool. ISOP could provide small cards that would explain the

ET casting process and the importance of it in simple, brief terms.

The info card would include the website addy and would invite the

curious to learn more about it. The info card could also put to

rest any suspicion strangers may have that your child has been hurt.

Honestly, it's happened to us more than once. Some (ignorant) people

have been downright rude and mean and I think it's because they

suspected I was a neglectful mother and hadn't cared for Olivia

properly… Perhaps, she had fallen down the stairs, had a horrible

accident, or worse….(?)

Have any of you experienced anything similar to this? If so, please

share and let me know your recommendations on the info card.

Thanks a lot!

HRH