RE: Krista & Jack

[Guest guest]

Yes, we definitely need to clarify the

differences between infantile & adolescent! Good point. I can almost

guarantee that everyone on this group has heard “I got scoliosis as a teenager

and I am just fine.” Ugh……

In regards to flying, I agree….SLC is very

thorough in their security check. I laugh now, but its hard to appreciate

while you’re child (who has just had back surgery) is going through all the

security checks.

HRH

From: infantile_scoliosis [mailto:infantile_scoliosis ] On Behalf Of Krista Sloan

Sent: Tuesday, December 09, 2008

2:22 PM

To: infantile_scoliosis

Subject: Re:

cast experiences

My experiences are probably similar to Tasha's. I

take this time to educate people. Living in California, it is just so

hot, therefore Jack does not wear anything over the cast it is always

exposed, so I I get a lot of, " wow, looks like you got your hands

full. " (that's when I want to say yeah, want to let me go ahead of

you in the ck out line, he weighs a ton!) I don't say it, but I

always tell my husband I want to! I also get a lot of very sweet

comments like one women came up to me and said, " your son is going to

have great cardiovascular health, from wearing that cast. " Or my

Japanese neighbor said to me that, " Jack will be well equipped to deal

with frustration, this will be a good thing for him later in

life. " However one neighbor, after I explained to her that Jack

has infantile scoliosis, and I felt took it all in....a few days later

stopped my husband and said, " Isn't he a little young for

scoliosis? " Lady you are watching too much Mason!! I

think that is the first time I thought that someone might actually think

there was an injury involved. I am amazed at how many, even health care

professionals, see the fiberglass casting material and ask, " is is

removable? " I can understand other thinking that, but nurses

asking that is weird to me.

I really feel that this may be a good time to

warn/educate parents that fly with their child in a cast, that you may be put

through a little more during the security process. I have flown with

Jack, back from SLC and a trip up to Northern Cal and all 3 times his cast

was swabbed for explosives and my bags were thoroughly searched. Just

be prepared. I hurts, but just stay calm and you will get on

through. I was sort of surprised with SLC, thinking, Shriners is a big

deal in that town and they may see this more often,but no, not the

case.

As for the card, great idea. I mentioned the

pamphlet idea a few months back, I will gladly hand it to anyone,

please let it have some information about the difference between adolescent

and infantile and about how to donate to ISOP. Hope all is well

with everyone! ~Krista

From: hrhandco

<heather@infantilesc oliosis.org>

Subject: [infantile_scoliosi s] cast experiences

To: infantile_scoliosis @yahoogroups. com

Date: Tuesday, December 9, 2008, 1:19 PM

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