We had Makenna's follow up appointment last Thursday in Cincinnati and we couldn't be more pleased. Her x-rays showed improvement yet again. To recap, last October she measured at 22 degrees (essentially back where we started in 2009). She was then molded for a new brace and seen again in April of 2013. At that point she measured 18 degrees. Small improvement, but still improvement. Then last week, she measured 11 degrees. Over the course of one year, we have seen an 11 degree correction. Simply Amazing.
Makenna was molded for a new brace which she was adamant would have the straps in the front! She wants to be able to get in and out of it on her own. I understand why they don't want them to be able to do that... but she's six and would like to independently get dressed in the morning. I can't really blame her and they were kind enough to grant her request! We had yet another fascinating experience of brace molding. Makenna has been molded for 5 different TLSO braces and each one has been done differently.
The first was done standing. She was 2. They wrapped her with molding material and had her stand with her arms out to her side until it dried.
The second was done during her final casting. She was 3. She was under anesthesia on a traction casting table and the mold was made while her spine was corrected.
The third was made on a casting table. She was 4. This time she was not under anesthesia and full traction was not applied, but the forces of gravity were taken out of the equation.
The fourth was made on a exam table. She was 5. No casting table was available. They wanted to make it while she was standing, but I had such a bad concept of this method that I persuaded them to do it while she was lying down. It was molded in two parts, front and back.
The fifth was just done last week. She is 6. She was standing and wrapped with fiberglass casting tape.
I have grown very comfortable with and confident in the bracing staff at Cincinnati. I like orthotic professionals who work hand in hand with the doctor. Payson does clinic visits with Dr. Sturm. He understands the underlying principle of harnessing the growth of young spines to "teach" them to grow straighter. That buy in is important. Payson wrapped Makenna with the fiberglass casting tape; just like a Mummy. Then as it dried, he gently molded her spine to a straight position, applying pressure where he will add pressure in the brace.
The first was done standing. She was 2. They wrapped her with molding material and had her stand with her arms out to her side until it dried.
The second was done during her final casting. She was 3. She was under anesthesia on a traction casting table and the mold was made while her spine was corrected.
The third was made on a casting table. She was 4. This time she was not under anesthesia and full traction was not applied, but the forces of gravity were taken out of the equation.
The fourth was made on a exam table. She was 5. No casting table was available. They wanted to make it while she was standing, but I had such a bad concept of this method that I persuaded them to do it while she was lying down. It was molded in two parts, front and back.
The fifth was just done last week. She is 6. She was standing and wrapped with fiberglass casting tape.
I have grown very comfortable with and confident in the bracing staff at Cincinnati. I like orthotic professionals who work hand in hand with the doctor. Payson does clinic visits with Dr. Sturm. He understands the underlying principle of harnessing the growth of young spines to "teach" them to grow straighter. That buy in is important. Payson wrapped Makenna with the fiberglass casting tape; just like a Mummy. Then as it dried, he gently molded her spine to a straight position, applying pressure where he will add pressure in the brace.
We were also able to meet up with some old friends! Max and Makenna met up at the brace shop ~ they shared a few casting dates when they were both casting! Max's mom, Cara, was my lifeline at the beginning. I really don't know how I would have made it through that first day with out her!
We also had a visit from the Marcano family. Sebas didn't want in the picture, but here are Abby and Makenna with Sebas' older sister Natalia! Sebas was successfully treated by serial casting. His spine is regularly monitored for regression and/or changes.
All in all, I am overwhelmed with the blessings we have found along the way. Great doctors, fabulous care, bonds with families and friends that can't be broken and HOPE. There is always hope.