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my daughter will get her first Boston Brace tomorrow

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  • my daughter will get her first Boston Brace tomorrow

    This is my first posting. Both my 11 yr. old daughter and my 13 yr. old son have been diagnosed a couple of weeks ago. My 11 yr. old has 35 degrees on both sides and will be braced tomorrow, while her brother has around 8 and 10 degrees and is being "watched" as he grows (rapidly).

    As I read everyones' postings, it's difficult not to notice the tears streaming from my eyes. I know that we're lucky to have caught the curvatures at this point in time, and we're doing the right thing by bracing my daughter's back... but it's intimidating to think of the long haul ahead of us.

    I am quite concerned about the prospect of x-rays... the initial x-rays precluded protection of the ovaries and the breasts with lead aprons. The orthopaedist has indicated that we need to re-scan my daughter regularly once she is in the brace. How do we protect her from over-exposure to radiation?

    I'm also planning to take her out shopping to get a wardrobe to fit over the brace... any suggestions? She's been wearing the low-cut jeans and short cotton skirts until now... this is going to be quite a challenge for my fashion-conscious daughter.

    Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

  • #2
    Hi...

    Many scoliosis specialists use shields on the x-ray equipment to shield the breasts and ovaries. If your doctor doesn't do that, you might want to consider finding another doctor who does.

    Regards,
    Linda
    Never argue with an idiot. They always drag you down to their level, and then they beat you with experience. --Twain
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Surgery 2/10/93 A/P fusion T4-L3
    Surgery 1/20/11 A/P fusion L2-sacrum w/pelvic fixation

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    • #3
      first time boston brace patient

      I have considered contacting another specialist, but we have already measured and ordered the brace... as the need for bracing is clear. Also: it took three months to get the appointment with this dr., and we do not want to spend another 3 months of potential growth (and increase of the angle of scoliosis) without a brace just waiting for another specialist. I am going to make a call tomorrow morning, though, to another one to see if we can get her in once the brace is on. Thanks for the advice.

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      • #4
        Hi...

        That's good. Also, speak up about it to the specialists. Ask for shields on the x-ray equipment, or on your daughter.

        Regards,
        Linda
        Never argue with an idiot. They always drag you down to their level, and then they beat you with experience. --Twain
        ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Surgery 2/10/93 A/P fusion T4-L3
        Surgery 1/20/11 A/P fusion L2-sacrum w/pelvic fixation

        Comment


        • #5
          MZl,
          Our orthotist (brace maker) and orthopedic doctor are totally seperate. As a matter of fact, I chose to change orthopedic docs after my daughter was braced. I had a doctor in mind that I had researched. I actually asked the orthotist "If your daughter had scoliosis to this degree who would you be taking her to?" He thoughtfully gave me his answer and it was the doctor who I had researched already. I don't know what kind of insurance you have but if you have options, assert yourself in seeing who you want. You will have greater peace of mind.
          Kim
          Kim

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          • #6
            I called the other specialist's office this morning - this practice specializes in scoliosis and has an orthopaedist and a physiatrist.

            I am getting my daughter's brace fitted this afternoon, as scheduled, through a brace-maker who was recommended by the original orthopaedist, but we are then going to this physiatrist for followup and management of the bracing. I know it's a lot of moving around and chasing of paperwork of details, but my gut feeling about the original orthopedist's office was uncomfortable... especially because of the lack of shielding during x-rays.

            Thank you for encouraging me to speak up. Fortunately we live in New York and are not beholden to a limited number of doctors... that can be a double-edged sword, though, but there must be a comfort level to maintain.

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            • #7
              Hi mzl,

              You are right to trust your mother's instincts. We were given them for a reason. Are you comfortable sharing the name of your doctor, both the one you're leaving, and the new one you will be seeing? We have initial surgical consults with several doctors in NY in the next month or so, and I value your insight. Feel free to PM me if you're not comfortable sharing on the public board.

              Also, the clothing issue, I have heard that a great life saver is a pair of soft stretchy "bike shorts" that can be worn under the brace. They keep the brace from rubbing her skin. Try to find a pair with a high lycra content, so the clothing and the brace slides against the fabric instead of hitching up. Then she can pull her skirt over the brace. Another trick is to get jeans with a little stretch. These will give just enough to slide over the brace. She will need to wear her shirts a little longer, and might feel comfortable with a longer sweater or hooded sweatshirt that's a little loose so it disguises the brace. A lot depends on how sensitive her skin is, and how worried she is about the brace showing. Many of our kids seem to be very tactile which makes the brace wearing a bit of a challenge.

              Keep in mind that anything she wears under the brace needs to come off quickly and easily for a trip to the ladies room...

              Anyhow, welcome to the board. The support here is a life saver!

              Susanna
              Susanna
              ~~~~~~
              Mother of a 17 year old daughter. Her "S" curve was 40 degree thoracic from T3 to T9, and a 70 degree rotatory thorcolumbar from T9 to L4. She was operated on March 9th, 2005 by Dr. Boachie-Adjei at the Hospital for Special Surgery in NYC. She was fused from T11 to L3, using an anterior approach, and the major curve corrected to 20 degrees. She's doing great!

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