New Member

[Guest guest]

<<if the Interferon will be able to bring it back down to a safe level.>>

There are no " safe " levels of viral load. If you are positive, ie, above zero,

then you are active and you could have a low viral load and still have

cirrhosis, or a high viral load and no fibrosis at all. Go figure. There's

nothing linear about this either way.

Some " think " if the virus is kept low then the damage will progress slower, but

there's no proof. One can hope tho.

Alley

[Guest guest]

Right Alley. I always support people once the decision is made to start

treatment but my first thought is always don't jump too fast. I do believe the

poison is the only way to clear the virus, but I know many that cleared and were

left with many disabling after effects. It's only a very few that clear and walk

away healthy. New and better things are on the way so wait on treatment if you

can. Just my opinion.......ric

Lots of people are gamblers, me included. I've tried treatment 3 times. hasn't

worked and I still feel good with few symptoms. But the odds are less than 50%

you'll go SVR and be unharmed. It's a individual decision, but so far we are

just guinea pigs working against the odds.

[Guest guest]

Welcome, Sharon!

It sounds like you have a great sense of humor and a good outlook on

life - good for you!

-rose.ennui.

> Hello,

>

> My name is Sharon. I am 62 and have had HCV for 30 years. My

> genotype is 2a and I have stage 1 liver fibrosis. I assume that

> this thing was given to me through transfusions I received in 1976,

> since I simply do not fit in any other at risk group.

>

> I found out I had hcv in 1999 and about 2 years later, had the first

> round of tx with Scherring Plough drugs, length of tx, 6 months. I

> relapsed 4 months later. I have just started my second round of tx

> with Roche drugs. I am 1 month into a 28 week term of treatment.

>

> The sides, at least at this early time, are not severe. I made it a

> bit worse when I forgot I was out of thyroid meds and did not take

> them for several weeks. It finally dawned on me and I got my script

> filled and am beginning to feel a little better. CRS, I come by it

> naturally, being Norsky (lol) and 62 (arrgghh) and on drugs! lol

>

> I like to keep as upbeat as I can, but depression has been a close

> friend since childhood. Usually, I just joke my way through a

> situation and will continue to fight the BUG for all the years I

> have left, which I have planned to be MANY!

>

> That's my story and so what's yours?

>

> Sharon

>

>

>

>

>

> It's a pleasure having you join in our conversations. We hope you have found

the support you need with us.

>

> If you are using email for your posts, for easy access to our group, just

click the link-- http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Hepatitis_C_Central/

>

> Happy Posting

>

[Guest guest]

I discovered 's podcast on Itunes last week and after listening to

24 chapters, I am amazed at how logical her ideas are! It's like

entering a dark room and someone flips the light switch on -- making

everything so clear! I have been practicing the concepts in my own life

and I am astounded how so many of my problems stem from limiting

beliefs! Thank you, !

[Guest guest]

Way to go " ilovemovies1956 " !! lol.

Just remember to always stay positive! I am always positive and now

the weight is melting off super quick!

Good Luck!

-Jess

http://groups.myspace.com/insideoutweightloss

>

> I discovered 's podcast on Itunes last week and after

listening to

> 24 chapters, I am amazed at how logical her ideas are! It's like

> entering a dark room and someone flips the light switch on --

making

> everything so clear! I have been practicing the concepts in my own

life

> and I am astounded how so many of my problems stem from limiting

> beliefs! Thank you, !

>

[Guest guest]

Yes, remember, Hettinger's original research shows that simply using

about 60-70% of max works quite well. No need to blow a gasket.

> >

> > Hi All,

> >

> > I'm looking forward to joining this newsgroup! I'm thinking about

> > getting back into the Bullworker thing after an hiatus of a

number

> of

> > years, but I've got a couple of questions and concerns.

> >

> > My first Bullworker I believe was called the " Bullworker 2 " ---

it

> had

> > green handles and round cables. I bought it in 1972, and it

lasted

> > for five years until I snapped one of the cables. I think I may

> even

> > have the original " Len Sell " wall posters kicking around somewhere

> > (they adorned my dorm room walls my freshman year in college). I

> > remember looking at one of the photos of Gert F. Kolbel in the

> manual

> > back then, and wondering if he was a reformed SS type or something

> > from the Second World War!

> >

> > My second Bullworker was purchased some time in the 1980s --- I

> > believe it might have been the " X-5 " , which came with printing on

> the

> > handles (?) and nylon straps rather than cables. It had a blue

> canvas

> > carrying case. I remember the literature/brochure/manual

(whatever)

> > that came with it had a picture of a longer-haired guy who looked

> like

> > he couldn't break a string of spaghetti trying to compress the

> > Bullworker. This Bullworker lasted for about a decade, until the

> > spring broke and the apparatus came apart into two pieces.

> >

> > In the meantime, I had purchased the original Soloflex in 1983,

and

> > for a time would alternate days training between the Soloflex and

> the

> > Bullworker. The Soloflex still exists, but is used mostly as a

> > clothes rack these days (my fault!). It was a lot of fun doing

all

> > this training, and running as well, and competing in road races.

> >

> > That was a different life. Now approaching my mid-fifties, with a

> > destroyed ACL in my left knee, a diskectomy in my L5/S1 lower

back,

> > and a blown cervical disk C5-C6 in my neck, along with an extra

> thirty

> > or forty pounds....my workouts " ain't what they used to be! "

When I

> > exercise, it tends to be walking 3 or 4 miles at a time (inside or

> > out, at a speed of about 3 to 4 miles and hour), and lifting light

> > weights (18lbs. dumbbells), and using a grip strengthener for

golf.

> >

> > My dilemna is this: I'd love to supplement what I'm doing with a

> new

> > Bullworker regimen, since I have such fond memories, but I have

some

> > concerns. My general health is good --- low BP, cholesterol; and

> I've

> > passed several treadmill stress tests with thallium scans with no

> > issues. But I've read some comments over the past few years

saying

> > that isometric exercises can be potentially quite dangerous ---

akin

> > to taking your heart and squeezing it like a tennis ball.

Possibly

> > bringing on faintness, arrythmias, and even a coronary! As I

> recall,

> > I was a bit concerned about this; at the end of my Bullworker X-

5's

> > life I tended to do more isotonic motions with reps, rather than

> > single maximum compressions.

> >

> > Can anyone enlighten me on all this? Opinions? I'd love to get

> back

> > into the Bullworker thing again, but I don't want to end up

flopping

> > around on the floor.

> >

> > Tim

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Something else about breathing during the exercises. The BW stuff

recommended breathing in during compressions and out during the hold.

I followed this for a long time but have just realised that I'm just

breathing normally all the time, although a bit more shallow.

This is a bit more difficult during the stomach exercises, but it is

possible.

I like to maintain each hold for 10 seconds and find it very

difficult to breathe out slowly during exertion.

Also, surely breathing out very slowly is almost as bad as holding

your breath?

Fult.

> > >

> > > Hi All,

> > >

> > > I'm looking forward to joining this newsgroup! I'm thinking

about

> > > getting back into the Bullworker thing after an hiatus of a

> number

> > of

> > > years, but I've got a couple of questions and concerns.

> > >

> > > My first Bullworker I believe was called the " Bullworker 2 " ---

> it

> > had

> > > green handles and round cables. I bought it in 1972, and it

> lasted

> > > for five years until I snapped one of the cables. I think I

may

> > even

> > > have the original " Len Sell " wall posters kicking around

somewhere

> > > (they adorned my dorm room walls my freshman year in college).

I

> > > remember looking at one of the photos of Gert F. Kolbel in the

> > manual

> > > back then, and wondering if he was a reformed SS type or

something

> > > from the Second World War!

> > >

> > > My second Bullworker was purchased some time in the 1980s --- I

> > > believe it might have been the " X-5 " , which came with printing

on

> > the

> > > handles (?) and nylon straps rather than cables. It had a blue

> > canvas

> > > carrying case. I remember the literature/brochure/manual

> (whatever)

> > > that came with it had a picture of a longer-haired guy who

looked

> > like

> > > he couldn't break a string of spaghetti trying to compress the

> > > Bullworker. This Bullworker lasted for about a decade, until

the

> > > spring broke and the apparatus came apart into two pieces.

> > >

> > > In the meantime, I had purchased the original Soloflex in 1983,

> and

> > > for a time would alternate days training between the Soloflex

and

> > the

> > > Bullworker. The Soloflex still exists, but is used mostly as a

> > > clothes rack these days (my fault!). It was a lot of fun doing

> all

> > > this training, and running as well, and competing in road races.

> > >

> > > That was a different life. Now approaching my mid-fifties,

with a

> > > destroyed ACL in my left knee, a diskectomy in my L5/S1 lower

> back,

> > > and a blown cervical disk C5-C6 in my neck, along with an extra

> > thirty

> > > or forty pounds....my workouts " ain't what they used to be! "

> When I

> > > exercise, it tends to be walking 3 or 4 miles at a time (inside

or

> > > out, at a speed of about 3 to 4 miles and hour), and lifting

light

> > > weights (18lbs. dumbbells), and using a grip strengthener for

> golf.

> > >

> > > My dilemna is this: I'd love to supplement what I'm doing with

a

> > new

> > > Bullworker regimen, since I have such fond memories, but I have

> some

> > > concerns. My general health is good --- low BP, cholesterol;

and

> > I've

> > > passed several treadmill stress tests with thallium scans with

no

> > > issues. But I've read some comments over the past few years

> saying

> > > that isometric exercises can be potentially quite dangerous ---

> akin

> > > to taking your heart and squeezing it like a tennis ball.

> Possibly

> > > bringing on faintness, arrythmias, and even a coronary! As I

> > recall,

> > > I was a bit concerned about this; at the end of my Bullworker X-

> 5's

> > > life I tended to do more isotonic motions with reps, rather than

> > > single maximum compressions.

> > >

> > > Can anyone enlighten me on all this? Opinions? I'd love to

get

> > back

> > > into the Bullworker thing again, but I don't want to end up

> flopping

> > > around on the floor.

> > >

> > > Tim

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Dave,

I would encourage you to seek a consultation with the doctor in Rochester that does the casting procedure. There should be a list in the group foldersthat has his contact info. There is a large percentage of early onset scoliosis that resolves on it's own. The biggest indicator for whether a child has the type of scoliosis that will resolve or not is the RVAD (rib vertebrae angle difference). A doctor who has experience with infantile scoliosis will know how to use this measurement along with the COBB angle and rotation of the spine to tell if the scoliosis is likely to resolve or not. Some other things you will want to find out or whether or not there are any congential reasons for the scoliosis (i.e. tethered cord, etc.) or if it is truly idiopathic (meaning there is no known cause). Usually, a MRI is done to rule out tethered cords, etc. My son had idiopathic infantile scoliosis and we did the

casting treatment. We caught it early and got casted fairly early on and after 8 months of casting his spine was perfectly straight. So, I most definitely recommend looking into this treatment option for your son. Also, a big plus with having a consultation with one of the casting doctors is that they have had a lot of experience with infantile scoliosis. My pediatrician also had never seen a case of it and our local ortho had only seen one case before and based on what he told us about that case, I believe that child had the type that was not progressive and resolved on it's own. Our casting doctor though has had several patients with infantile scoliosis.

To: infantile_scoliosis Sent: Wednesday, August 12, 2009 11:20:17 AMSubject: New Member

Hello Everyone,To introduce myself to the group, my name is Dave and my wife and I just received news that my 5 month old son has a 40 degree curve in his spine; I am sorry but I don't understand the specifics of that curve yet. My first son had some issues so we noticed early on that had torticolis, which he has been receiving physicial therapy for. At 3 months, his pediatrician suggested that we see a pediatric orthopedic surgeon to make sure that everything was ok and he sent us for the x-ray. Once getting news that the curve was 40 degrees, the surgeon informed us that the situation was too severe for him to handle so he referred us to a spinal surgeon. We have scheduled two appointments, one with a Dr Vitale (ped ortho surgeon) and a Dr Errico (spinal surgeon) both in NYC. The appointments are approaching but neither my pediatrician nor the radiologist have ever seen this before and of course they do not have any real

information. I washoping to reach out to the group for any advice and to hear back in case anyone has had a similar situation. It sounds like the casting has worked for some of you and I am not sure (1) whether my doctor will do it (2) whether I should do it immediately rather than waiting to see if the curve worsens; and (3) what the percentage of early onset patients is whose curve resolves on its own. I would appreciate any help.Thanks!Dave F

[Guest guest]

Dave,

When you request the MRI make SURE they do the head and spine. Problems can be found such as a chiari malformation that would not be diagnosed if the head is not done as well. Just an FYI....

mom to Isaiah 46 degree curve age 1 treated at ish Rite, Dallas Tx

Subject: Re: New MemberTo: infantile_scoliosis Date: Wednesday, August 12, 2009, 11:10 AM

Dave,

I would encourage you to seek a consultation with the doctor in Rochester that does the casting procedure. There should be a list in the group foldersthat has his contact info. There is a large percentage of early onset scoliosis that resolves on it's own. The biggest indicator for whether a child has the type of scoliosis that will resolve or not is the RVAD (rib vertebrae angle difference). A doctor who has experience with infantile scoliosis will know how to use this measurement along with the COBB angle and rotation of the spine to tell if the scoliosis is likely to resolve or not. Some other things you will want to find out or whether or not there are any congential reasons for the scoliosis (i.e. tethered cord, etc.) or if it is truly idiopathic (meaning there is no known cause). Usually, a MRI is done to rule out tethered cords, etc. My son had idiopathic infantile scoliosis and we did the

casting treatment. We caught it early and got casted fairly early on and after 8 months of casting his spine was perfectly straight. So, I most definitely recommend looking into this treatment option for your son. Also, a big plus with having a consultation with one of the casting doctors is that they have had a lot of experience with infantile scoliosis. My pediatrician also had never seen a case of it and our local ortho had only seen one case before and based on what he told us about that case, I believe that child had the type that was not progressive and resolved on it's own. Our casting doctor though has had several patients with infantile scoliosis.

From: D Fleishman <difleishman@ yahoo.com>To: infantile_scoliosis @yahoogroups. comSent: Wednesday, August 12, 2009 11:20:17 AMSubject: [infantile_scoliosi s] New Member

Hello Everyone,To introduce myself to the group, my name is Dave and my wife and I just received news that my 5 month old son has a 40 degree curve in his spine; I am sorry but I don't understand the specifics of that curve yet. My first son had some issues so we noticed early on that had torticolis, which he has been receiving physicial therapy for. At 3 months, his pediatrician suggested that we see a pediatric orthopedic surgeon to make sure that everything was ok and he sent us for the x-ray. Once getting news that the curve was 40 degrees, the surgeon informed us that the situation was too severe for him to handle so he referred us to a spinal surgeon. We have scheduled two appointments, one with a Dr Vitale (ped ortho surgeon) and a Dr Errico (spinal surgeon) both in NYC. The appointments are approaching but neither my pediatrician nor the radiologist have ever seen this before and of course they do not have any real

information. I washoping to reach out to the group for any advice and to hear back in case anyone has had a similar situation. It sounds like the casting has worked for some of you and I am not sure (1) whether my doctor will do it (2) whether I should do it immediately rather than waiting to see if the curve worsens; and (3) what the percentage of early onset patients is whose curve resolves on its own. I would appreciate any help.Thanks!Dave F

[Guest guest]

Hi Dave,

Welcome! It looks like other parents have already mentioned Rochester NY as your closest option for Mehta casting. If you'd like to see video footage of this hospital performing a casting...just visit www.infantilescoliosis.org and scroll down to the bottom of the home page. I hear that both of the ortho surgeons in Rochester are top notch in this treatment method.

My son, Noah, also was born with Torticollis. You'll find there are a lot of us parents on this board with children that have/had both Tort and scoli.

As far as resolving vs. progressive - I'd imagine that they'll wait a bit to take a second set of x-rays to see whether or not there is progression. My advice would to be to move forward with the scheduling in Rochester if you can. It might be a bit before they can get you in and it would be about that amount of time in between x-rays anyway.

Up to 90% of Infantile Scoliosis cases resolve on their own. I hope your son is one of them. I'm currently waiting to find out if our 2nd child has the progressive version (like her brother) or if it will resolve. I think waiting is the worst part.

Ask any questions - anytime. This group is a great resource.

~Noah 4 years old9 months of casting in SLC; Currently on month 18 of bracingAnd Mariella 6 months old currently waiting and watching at 11*

To: infantile_scoliosis From: difleishman@...Date: Wed, 12 Aug 2009 08:20:17 -0700Subject: New Member

Hello Everyone,To introduce myself to the group, my name is Dave and my wife and I just received news that my 5 month old son has a 40 degree curve in his spine; I am sorry but I don't understand the specifics of that curve yet. My first son had some issues so we noticed early on that had torticolis, which he has been receiving physicial therapy for. At 3 months, his pediatrician suggested that we see a pediatric orthopedic surgeon to make sure that everything was ok and he sent us for the x-ray. Once getting news that the curve was 40 degrees, the surgeon informed us that the situation was too severe for him to handle so he referred us to a spinal surgeon. We have scheduled two appointments, one with a Dr Vitale (ped ortho surgeon) and a Dr Errico (spinal surgeon) both in NYC. The appointments are approaching but neither my pediatrician nor the radiologist have ever seen this before and of course they do not have any real information. I washoping to reach out to the group for any advice and to hear back in case anyone has had a similar situation. It sounds like the casting has worked for some of you and I am not sure (1) whether my doctor will do it (2) whether I should do it immediately rather than waiting to see if the curve worsens; and (3) what the percentage of early onset patients is whose curve resolves on its own. I would appreciate any help.Thanks!Dave F

Get free photo software from Windows Live Click here.

[Guest guest]

Dave,Welcome to CAST!  I am so glad you found our group because there are so many doctors out there that don't know what to do with this condition and others who will try to treat and don't know what they are doing.  I don't know if they will cast your son yet because he is so young but you need to be seen by a doctor that does the Mehta casting and only that and there aren't many in the US that do this casting.  First, you will be required to get an MRI to find out if this is congenital or idiopathic because congenital cases are handled differently. There are 2 doctors in Rochester that do the Mehta casting and I would advise getting an appointment right away.  I see one of the docs and he's really good!  (If insurance is a problem, then the closest place to you

would probably be the Erie Shriner's.) If you need a contact to my doc just let me know.  They will tell you the soonest that casting can begin because children have to be put under anesthesia for the casting.   I want you to see the right doc for this because your son's curve is pretty high already but he's young like they need them to be to get full correction.  Please let us know what you decide or if you need any more information. Patty, mom of Isabella, 23 months old, in 1st cast (Rochester)To:

infantile_scoliosis Sent: Wednesday, August 12, 2009 11:20:17 AMSubject: New Member

 

Hello Everyone,

To introduce myself to the group, my name is Dave and my wife and I just received news that my 5 month old son has a 40 degree curve in his spine; I am sorry but I don't understand the specifics of that curve yet. My first son had some issues so we noticed early on that had torticolis, which he has been receiving physicial therapy for. At 3 months, his pediatrician suggested that we see a pediatric orthopedic surgeon to make sure that everything was ok and he sent us for the x-ray. Once getting news that the curve was 40 degrees, the surgeon informed us that the situation was too severe for him to handle so he referred us to a spinal surgeon. We have scheduled two appointments, one with a Dr Vitale (ped ortho surgeon) and a Dr Errico (spinal surgeon) both in NYC. The appointments are approaching but neither my pediatrician nor the radiologist have ever seen this before and of course they do not have any real information. I was

hoping to reach out to the group for any advice and to hear back in case anyone has had a similar situation. It sounds like the casting has worked for some of you and I am not sure (1) whether my doctor will do it (2) whether I should do it immediately rather than waiting to see if the curve worsens; and (3) what the percentage of early onset patients is whose curve resolves on its own. I would appreciate any help.

Thanks!

Dave F

[Guest guest]

Hi Dave!

I'm new to the group too, so I won't have a lot of information. My son was also diagnosed with a 37 degree curve at 6 months. He is one now.

You are going to feel like there is a lot of information to process at first and you are going to be scared. At first I was scared to know he has scoliosis. Then I was hoping that it was all he had. It takes time to accept everything.

Normally they do an MRI. Unfortunately for ours we had to wait 3 months. At first we were told it was clean but then the neurosurgeon determined he had a tethered cord and decided to do the surgery. A TC could be the cause, but it's hard to tell. We already went through the surgery.

As somebody suggested, please try to get an MRI of the brain too. Just because they will put your baby to sleep anyway, and it's better if they don't have to do it twice. We did it and it was all fine.

Once you know if there is an obvious cause or not, then you can look for treatment. I'm still in that process. ANd I'm from Canada, so I can't give you much information.

But my son is getting a cast on Friday. It's not a Mehta cast (it's not done with the required table), but the doctor believes he will get some correction and will keep the cast for three months. So that will give us some time to find a place where they do the Mehta casting and hopefully the cast will correct or at least hold the curve. We should have probably moved faster, but at this point, I don't want to cancel the appointment without knowing how much finding another place will take.

My advice is, if you can get an appointment with one of the Mehta trainned doctors, that will save you a lot of time.

Please look in www.infantilescoliosis.com for all the info about Mehta casting (probably you don't understand everything we are saying - it happenned to me too).

Good luck!!!

To: infantile_scoliosis Sent: Wednesday, August 12, 2009 11:20:17 AMSubject: New Member

Hello Everyone,To introduce myself to the group, my name is Dave and my wife and I just received news that my 5 month old son has a 40 degree curve in his spine; I am sorry but I don't understand the specifics of that curve yet. My first son had some issues so we noticed early on that had torticolis, which he has been receiving physicial therapy for. At 3 months, his pediatrician suggested that we see a pediatric orthopedic surgeon to make sure that everything was ok and he sent us for the x-ray. Once getting news that the curve was 40 degrees, the surgeon informed us that the situation was too severe for him to handle so he referred us to a spinal surgeon. We have scheduled two appointments, one with a Dr Vitale (ped ortho surgeon) and a Dr Errico (spinal surgeon) both in NYC. The appointments are approaching but neither my pediatrician nor the radiologist have ever seen this before and of course they do not have any real

information. I washoping to reach out to the group for any advice and to hear back in case anyone has had a similar situation. It sounds like the casting has worked for some of you and I am not sure (1) whether my doctor will do it (2) whether I should do it immediately rather than waiting to see if the curve worsens; and (3) what the percentage of early onset patients is whose curve resolves on its own. I would appreciate any help.Thanks!Dave F

Yahoo! Canada Toolbar : Search from anywhere on the web and bookmark your favourite sites. Download it now!

[Guest guest]

Hi. My son is 19 months and has a 23 degree curve (down from a 47 degree curve)

and is now in his second curve. We go to Rochester and love it. I know they

can get you in within the month usually. At least Dr. R can. His secretary is

amazing and can answer so many questions. We were actually able to send our

x-rays over 1st to get their opinion. We ended up seeing DR. S there and he is

also amazing. He is usually booked a bit further out I think. I know it is

probably usually best to get the MRI done 1st but since it was going to take

them 2 months to get ours scheduled in Albany we were able to get the cast on

first and then take the MRI in cast. I know it was also a possibility with Dr.

R to get the cast on and do the MRI the same day so you only have to do the

anesthesia once.

I would absolutely schedule an appointment with a Mehta trained doctor as soon

as possible. The earlier they are treated the less time you will have to spend

in a cast. I have both of the numbers for the Rochester doctors if you want

them. Just email me and I can give you whatever information you need -

jennifer.leggett@... .

Good luck,

Jenn

Mommy to Cole, 19 months, 2nd cast from rochester, 23 degrees curve down from 47

>

> Hello Everyone,

>

> To introduce myself to the group, my name is Dave and my wife and I just

received news that my 5 month old son has a 40 degree curve in his spine; I am

sorry but I don't understand the specifics of that curve yet. My first son had

some issues so we noticed early on that had torticolis, which he has

been receiving physicial therapy for. At 3 months, his pediatrician suggested

that we see a pediatric orthopedic surgeon to make sure that everything was ok

and he sent us for the x-ray. Once getting news that the curve was 40 degrees,

the surgeon informed us that the situation was too severe for him to handle so

he referred us to a spinal surgeon. We have scheduled two appointments, one

with a Dr Vitale (ped ortho surgeon) and a Dr Errico (spinal surgeon)

both in NYC. The appointments are approaching but neither my pediatrician nor

the radiologist have ever seen this before and of course they do not have any

real information. I was

> hoping to reach out to the group for any advice and to hear back in case

anyone has had a similar situation. It sounds like the casting has worked for

some of you and I am not sure (1) whether my doctor will do it (2) whether I

should do it immediately rather than waiting to see if the curve worsens; and

(3) what the percentage of early onset patients is whose curve resolves on its

own. I would appreciate any help.

>

> Thanks!

>

> Dave F

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Dave,

Welcome! You have already gotten some great advice. Yes, 90 percent of infantile scoliosis cases are self resolving, but in the 10 percent that aren't, time is vital.

You do need to get an MRI of the spine and brain, preferably at the same time, as soon as possible, at a place that does a lot of anesthesia on small children. At the same time that you are scheduling that, please contact Rochester or another Mehta trained casting MD as soon as possible.

You want to get the appointments set, just in case your child is progressive and can benefit from casting. Spinal surgeries on young children and babies should only be done if absolutely necessary. There are many, many (horrible) complications with these procedures in young children. Surgeons will likely be "pro" surgery, especially if they do not have experience with this life saving method that is a CURE for IS, if caught in time.

The fact that your child is so young is a big advantage, but I would say that curve sounds high for such a young age. The best chance for a complete cure is to begin casting under 50 degrees and under age 2. My advice is do not wait.

Our child progressed from 34 to 61 degrees in a period of 6 weeks. Had we not gotten all of our MRIs and other appointments moved up (into cancellation slots), we could have missed the window for casting. He will now be cured before or around pre-school, but had we gotten the right information earlier, we would have saved a year or more of treatment. Please ask any and all questions of this great group! It is very scary to get all of this info at once, we've all been there.

If you'd like to read a short version of our child's story so far, it is on the web site www.breezymama.com under "Crooked Love". There are some photos there as well. At the bottom of the home page, click on older entries and it should be on page 2 or 3.

I have been told the spinal hardware surgeries have up to a 100 percent complication rate, so if you can avoid it by using this gentle method, I can't recommend it highly enough. So many parents wish they had this information sooner. All best to you and your family!Heidi, Bexon's Mama, (2 years old, in 3rd cast from Salt Lake City Shriners, currently down from 61 degrees to 25)

Subject: Re: New MemberTo: infantile_scoliosis Date: Wednesday, August 12, 2009, 12:26 PM

Hi. My son is 19 months and has a 23 degree curve (down from a 47 degree curve) and is now in his second curve. We go to Rochester and love it. I know they can get you in within the month usually. At least Dr. R can. His secretary is amazing and can answer so many questions. We were actually able to send our x-rays over 1st to get their opinion. We ended up seeing DR. S there and he is also amazing. He is usually booked a bit further out I think. I know it is probably usually best to get the MRI done 1st but since it was going to take them 2 months to get ours scheduled in Albany we were able to get the cast on first and then take the MRI in cast. I know it was also a possibility with Dr. R to get the cast on and do the MRI the same day so you only have to do the anesthesia once. I would absolutely schedule an appointment with a Mehta trained doctor as soon as possible. The earlier they are treated the less time you will have to spend in a

cast. I have both of the numbers for the Rochester doctors if you want them. Just email me and I can give you whatever information you need - jennifer.leggett@ gmail.com .Good luck, Jenn Mommy to Cole, 19 months, 2nd cast from rochester, 23 degrees curve down from 47>> Hello Everyone,> > To introduce myself to the group, my name is Dave and my wife and I just received news that my 5 month old son has a 40 degree curve in his spine; I am sorry but I don't understand the specifics of

that curve yet. My first son had some issues so we noticed early on that had torticolis, which he has been receiving physicial therapy for. At 3 months, his pediatrician suggested that we see a pediatric orthopedic surgeon to make sure that everything was ok and he sent us for the x-ray. Once getting news that the curve was 40 degrees, the surgeon informed us that the situation was too severe for him to handle so he referred us to a spinal surgeon. We have scheduled two appointments, one with a Dr Vitale (ped ortho surgeon) and a Dr Errico (spinal surgeon) both in NYC. The appointments are approaching but neither my pediatrician nor the radiologist have ever seen this before and of course they do not have any real information. I was> hoping to reach out to the group for any advice and to hear back in case anyone has had a similar situation. It sounds like the casting has worked for some of you and I am not sure (1) whether my

doctor will do it (2) whether I should do it immediately rather than waiting to see if the curve worsens; and (3) what the percentage of early onset patients is whose curve resolves on its own. I would appreciate any help.> > Thanks!> > Dave F>