Is this cast our last????

Greetings and a Reminder:

I write this blog as we go through ET Mehta Casting with our daughter Olivia. The blog is intended to inform, possibly inspire, and raise awareness of Infantile Scoliosis and its treatment/cure. Please share our story. For more information please check out http://www.infantilescoliosis.org/ 

It may be!!!! We received great news yesterday morning when we went in for Olivia's fifth cast. They will be x-raying her in May and fitting her that day for a brace for at least the summer! That means no cast in May, and this may be her last cast!!! (Trying not to get too excited, but it's still exciting to at least have a break)

Here are the scenarios that can happen.

1.) If her x-ray shows her curve is under 15 degrees they will monitor her in the brace to make sure she can maintain that straightness. If she does then she can stay in the brace until next June and be done with it.

2.) If her x-ray shows her curve is under 15 degrees, but gets worse in the brace then we will discuss going back to casts in the fall. 

3.) If her x-ray shows that she is more than 15 degrees then we'll discuss casting again in the fall. 

So, think positive straight thoughts for her big x-ray in May!

Here is some information on the next phase of our journey, bracing. She will be put in a Boston Brace. It is called a Boston brace because it was created at Boston Children's Hospital! This is a commonly used brace across the country. It is made of foam and plastic and is personally tailored to Olivia. She will be measured for hers at our next appointment when this cast comes off. It takes about two weeks to make the brace so she'll get a nice, cast and brace free, break. We will then go back and have her brace fitted. She will then wear this brace 20-22 hours a day allowing for baths and full tummies after meals! We were also told that if there are days that we need her out of the brace a little longer, say a beach day, that it would be acceptable! This will be her only brace for the course of the year if she doesn't go back to casts, and she will be checked out by Dr. G every 3 to 4 months. Here is a video about the brace. Though it's older children it's relatively the same process. 

So......YAYAYAYAYAY!!! There's a light at the end of the tunnel.

Monday night we enjoyed one last bath, and our hospital report time was 8:30 for a 10:00 "surgery." Traffic was fun, but we got there. Olivia's an old hat and knew where to go and what to do! Everyone comments on how calm and chill she is. Olivia's new friend Joyce checked her out, and we played the waiting game. 

Dr. G came in, gave us the good news about May, and told us about how this cast would be a little different. Instead of building the shirt into the cast they are leaving it in one piece and loose from the cast. This means that her whole torso is covered. He says that this works much better for the sensitive skin and will reduce the rubbing. We signed all our usual paperwork, took our usual picture and were on our way the the O.R.

Olivia got to bring her bear in with her this time and with a little song from Mommy and a cuddle from bear she fell asleep without a struggle or a peep. When it was time for us to see her in recovery she was already up and enjoying an apple juice. 

We checked out her cast and we were a little concerned about the snugness of the left hip. They called the cast tech and she came by and trimmed it without question. This is the cast tech we've had for Olivia's last three casts and I'm happy to say things have become much more pleasant. She also brought us an extra shirt if we need to change the shirt for whatever reason. I guess there are Youtube videos on how to do this, so I will have to do my homework. We've never had this option before. I have to say I'm really liking it so far. We also taped up her cast right in recovery.

Sadly, Olivia was not feeling well and had many unpleasant diapers throughout the day following surgery. Also, she has now developed a cold. It's been an interesting 24 hours. I did inform the nurse who called to check in this morning. I'm glad that it developed after the cast so we didn't have to delay anything. I feel badly that she's sick though. 

Last night we were a little worried about the way the cast was pressing on her lower back and she seemed to be complaining about it. I emailed Dr. G and heard back within the half hour that if we needed to trim some more we could come in on Friday. My mother found a grain of plaster between the cast and the shirt and we think that's what was bothering her. So far today she didn't complain at all and her skin is looking good. 

Overall, we are feeling really good about everything. Thank you all for all your support and positive thoughts. Our next stop before her cast comes off is Disney!!!! I will be sure to post about that! Here are some pictures of her finished cast. She lifted her shirt on her own to show all of you. :-)