spinecor

[gerbo]

we all do it all the time, look, judge, think it looks good, think it looks bad, try not to look, curse ourselves for not doing something, worry ourselves for doing the wrong things, not trying this or that, not being stronger about how often this brace is being worn, etc, etc,....

xray days are extra scary; we are desperate to hear some good news, we are dreading bad news

we are up for judgement again this wednesday.......

...and do feel a bit scared again

[RugbyLaura]

Immy's first follow up is on Friday & I too am nervous, but also excited! I assume it'll be too early to have any real feed-back.

One thing; people on this and other forums often talk about rotation, sometimes giving a measurement. Rotation has never been mentioned by anyone treating Imogen other than her hard-brace orthotist. This ortho was a bit concerned about it. How is rotation measured and is it something to ask Mr Mills about on Friday?

Laura

[gerbo]

he will measure it friday by asking her to bend forward and use this thing called a scolimeter to measure the "rotation" or "ribhump"

[RugbyLaura]

Thanks Gerbo. So when Cheryl says

Her rotation is still about 5 to 7 in brace.

and Jennie on That-Other-Forum says that Em is "80% and still twisting" are these the same methods of measurement or different? Both Messrs Mills & Cole used that spirit level thing on Imogen's back. At the top it was significantly unbalanced and near the bottom it was very slight, in the other direction. Presumably this means they have measured, but not told us.... Is it important?

[gerbo]

sorry do not know what the 80% means. Is it important?; it is another measure of "progress" (or improvement). Though I would imagine the cobbangle on xray to be more important. (somebody is going to argue with me about this i suspect)

[RugbyLaura]

Is it important?

Ok, fairly silly question, it's obviously important or they wouldn't have measured it. I guess I meant why is it important? And is it another thing for me to worry/obsess about?!!

Hope all goes well on Wednesday.

[cherylplinder]

Gerbo,
You always have a way of expressing things that hits the nail on the head! But it's nice that I'm not the only one that obsesses about this exactly as you described!. We'll pray for good news Wednesday.
Hugs,
Cheryl

[cherylplinder]

Laura,
I don't know what the 80% is. The other instrument you described is a scoliometer. Readings can go from 0 to 30 degrees and right or left. Rachel reads 5 to 7, sometimes 10, in brace, on the scoliometer.
I won't be surprised if you see a good bit of improvement on Friday and am praying you will follow Rachel's course with that.
Gerbo or Celia, I know, would be better than me at explaining the effect of rotation on the curve.

[MATJESNIC]

I have been told that some smaller curves can have a lot of rotation and that some larger curves can have a smaller amount of rotation. Rotation is always a big concern. Some are more concerned with that than with the size of the curve. When Nicole bends down she has a rib hump on her right side. When I see it, it really upsets me because it looks like such a deformity. When she stands up, her back looks great from a distance. Anyway, I asked about her rotation and they said it was moderate.

[Sherie]

Cheryl and Gerbo

I hope you have good news, I know how it feels waiting for those xray results. But so far, it's been good for your girls and will hopefully stay that way. I wish we had started the Spinecor much ealier than we did, maybe we wouldn't be facing surgery at this point.

Good luck

[christine2]

Hi Everyone

We have our next appointment in Montreal Aug 9. I am a bit worried. My daughter has been out of brace more due to swimming, it has been sooooo hot. Also on the way back from the appointment we pick up our new puppy. a little Brittany.
Christine

[RugbyLaura]

Christine, amazing correction! I can't remember how long this took.... I could look and will do if you don't repond I wish Imogen could get something even remotely like it.

I have never heard of Brittany dogs but have had a look on the web & they look gorgeous! We have a chocolate Labrador (Lottie) & while they are hard work in the first couple of weeks, dogs are a great addition to the family. Have fun!

Laura

[RugbyLaura]

Hi again, I'm such a duh-brain, as Immy would say! Your signature says the time-frame. What I'd love to know is: what was the 1st correction, 1 month follow up, 3 months, etc.

Laura X

[Olivia'smother]

I am sending positive vibes for you and your children Cheryl and Gerbo. I do hope everything goes well.

I hate to be pseky, but I have been trying desperately to get in touch with the doctors in Montreal about the spinecor with no success. I emailed Dr. Rivard last friday and have left 2 messages on the answering machine (I had 2 different numbers and they both had an answering machine in french only). I decided to email Dr. Colliard today as well. I don't know what else to do. I feel like Montreal may be my only option as I am very close (a 2 1/2 to 3 hour car ride) and simply cannot afford to travel to NYC (8 or 9 hours away).

I know that time is very important and I am desperate to do something before this curve progresses. I'm very upset with myself as I now know that my daughter's curve is worse than orginally thought. The orthepedic specialist said that it was 27/20 when we spoke, but I happened to look at her report and it is 27/30! I did not misunderstand him as Olivia heard the same numbers, but I should have reviewed the paperwork earlier myself and did not. Now I am in panic mode and do not know what to do.

I still do not feel like the hard TLSO brace is an option for her, but it is the only local option we have and I have to do something soon.

Please let me know if anyone has any other suggestions as to how and contact the doctors in Montreal or alternative quality spinecor practitioners that may be closer (Burlington Vt? Syracuse NY?)??? We have talked about the possibility of vertebral stapling but feel it is only an option if the spinecor brace does not pan out.

Any suggestions or information would be welcome.

Thanks,
Amy

[RugbyLaura]

Sherie, not meaning to cause offence, just feeling a little superstitious. I know you don't know the rest of us so well, but could you please wish us all good luck?

Amy - Keep going. I have no practical advice as I live in the UK but I know how you feel - impotent. Keep pushing, you'll get there.

Laura XX