From: bounce-scoliosis To: scoliosis-digest@ai.mit.edu Subject: scoliosis V1 #1073 Reply-To: Errors-To: bounce-scoliosis Precedence: bulk scoliosis Thursday, 14 January 1999 Volume 01 : Number 1073 Today's subjects for scoliosis, scoliosis-medical, scoliosis-child and scoliosis-teens: Re: To KKruger [summer7 ] Re: JK Barnes [summer7 ] attachments??? [Leah640@aol.com] Copes Brace [Prichard Daniel R ] New [Miguel Antonio Alvarado ] Re: morphine pump or electric cord stimulation ? [Alyssa ] sit ups [novem@yada-yada.com] Welcome [cubfan@icss.net (John Hamilton)] Re: morphine pump or electric cord stimulation ? ["Gail " ] Re: NEW TO THE LIST [Jennifer Parker ] Re: Is it hereditary? ["Margie Stelzer" ] Re: shoulder blades [HugEBear36@aol.com] Re: surgery & shampooing [Larry and Elaine Murphy ] Re: JK Barnes [NBiagini@aol.com] Re: shoulder blades [NBiagini@aol.com] Spinal Fusion : One month post-op [MadelineH1@aol.com] Re: shoulder blades [RAHannig00@aol.com] Re: shoulder blades [Joel M Smith ] Re: shoulder blades [RSMVMD@aol.com] Re: JK Barnes [JK Barnes ] Re: shoulder blades [JK Barnes ] Re: shoulder blades [Leah640@aol.com] Re: Spinal Fusion : One month post-op [Leah640@aol.com] Re: Copes Brace [hmc ] Re: Copes Brace [Pegclay123@aol.com] Re: Copes program [Luver2me@aol.com] Re: Copes program [Luver2me@aol.com] Re: Copes Brace [Luver2me@aol.com] New [Meggie0099@aol.com] Scoliosis ["Ronald J. Robertson, Jr." ] Re: Scoliosis [Miguel Antonio Alvarado ] Was it just a bad day? [WinBai@aol.com] Re: Was it just a bad day? [hmc ] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- From: summer7 Date: Wed, 13 Jan 1999 08:35:00 -0500 Subject: Re: To KKruger summer7 wrote: > > How's it going??? We sent off our braces on Monday for the air > bladders!!! Thank goodness it wasn't as long as they anticipated. I > ... ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: summer7 Date: Wed, 13 Jan 1999 08:34:33 -0500 Subject: Re: JK Barnes summer7 wrote: > > My curves are upper thoracic 22, mid thoracic 41 and lumbar 18. My > daughter's are upper thoracic 7, mid thoracic 10 and lumbar 4, she is > ... ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: Leah640@aol.com Date: Wed, 13 Jan 1999 08:41:28 EST Subject: attachments??? Hi everyone, I have a question, has anyone ever seen an attachment come through on the list? I had tried twice to send my cast pictures to it and never saw it come up. Richard, is there some kind of rule here that I don't know about? If anyone knows please let me know. Also if anyone else wants my pictures sent write me and I will send them to you. Ruth, Did you ever get to see my pictures when I sent them again? If not let me know, I now can send them on a JPG file, which is smaller so should work. Leah ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: Prichard Daniel R Date: Wed, 13 Jan 1999 08:24:33 -0600 Subject: Copes Brace Hi! I'm back to the forum after a few months away. My daughter, Cara, was diagnosed with scoliosis last May (45 thoracic), as is currently wearing a TLSO. We have been considering the Copes program, but haven't committed yet because of the reasons many have mentioned in this forum (lack of peer review, cost, long term benefits, etc.). A couple of weeks ago, we did visit a Copes trained chiro who happened to have a brace in his office from a patient who had outgrown it. The brace is different in a couple of ways (other than the air bladders) from what Cara is now wearing. First, the plastic was about twice as thick, making the brace much more rigid. Second, where Cara's current brace is trimmed to below the breast area, the Copes brace extends much higher, and has a cutout in the chest area. This also makes the brace much more rigid in the upper area, which means that the brace should work better for higher curves. Regardless of the viability of the rest of the Copes program, it seems the brace may have a couple of significant improvements over the status quo. ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: Miguel Antonio Alvarado Date: Wed, 13 Jan 1999 08:33:33 -0800 (PST) Subject: New Hello, I just found this list while doing a search on the Internet. I am Miguel Antonio Alvarado. I am 17 years old, and I live in Mexico City, Mexico. I have scoliosis, and I have been wearing a Milwaukee brace for more than a year now. I would like to hear from any members on this list. Miguel Antonio Alvarado _________________________________________________________ DO YOU YAHOO!? Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: Alyssa Date: Tue, 12 Jan 1999 23:54:45 -0600 Subject: Re: morphine pump or electric cord stimulation ? Hi Clelia, Interesting - I'm vaguely familiar with these techniques but have never heard of them being used for flatback. What I know about this you can fit on the head of a pin, but since no one else responded, I'll share what little I know. I saw a television news magazine item several months ago on a man who had an electrical stimulator implanted in his spinal canal for chronic pain from an injury. (The power and control unit was implanted in his abdomen and could be adjusted with a device held over the unit). He said that it dramtically reduced his pain (about 85% as I recall) and permitted him to return to a reasonably normal life. To me one of the negatives was that the surgery had to be done awake so that the patient could provide feedback while they were placing the electrodes. I think there was the potential for additional surgery to relocate the electrodes if the benefit diminished over time. I think the show was Dateline so they may have some information at the MSNBC website. A few years ago I saw a documentary on pain management which included information about morphine pumps injecting morphine into the spinal canals of cancer patients. The patient who was interviewed was very pleased. I believe with the pumps you can sometimes get a kink in the tubing (just like a garden hose) and need surgery to correct that. I warned you that my knowledge on this topic would fit on the head of a pin! I (and I'm sure many others with flatback) will look forward to hearing what you discover regarding these procedures. Alyssa ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-medical-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: "Ronald J. Robertson, Jr." Date: Wed, 13 Jan 1999 12:00:26 -0500 Subject: NEW TO THE LIST Hello to the list members, I just joined this list. My 15 year old son has scoliosis and has been fitted with a Milwaukee Brace. This is all new to our family and especially my son. Any advice the members of this list can provide to me will be appreciated. Thank you. Ronald J. Robertson, Jr. ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: novem@yada-yada.com Date: Wed, 13 Jan 1999 09:48:41 -0600 Subject: sit ups I'm a 16 year old girl with a double curve, 27 lumbar, 17 thoraic. I do sit ups regularly but my sister's back hurts when she does sit ups (even though her curves are 15 and 10 but she has a bit of a hunchback-thing). The doctor recommended her not to do them but he didn't say anything about me. I'm just wondering if sit-ups or even push-ups are bad for people with scoliosis. Sincerely, Novem ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Novem Personal Homepage http://www.come.to/novem _____________________________________________ Get your free personalized email address at http://www.MyOwnEmail.com For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-teens-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: cubfan@icss.net (John Hamilton) Date: Wed, 13 Jan 1999 11:53:54 -0600 Subject: Welcome Welcome!!!!!!!!!! all you new list joiners. Im sure you can find some answers here. Everyone is willing to share information and be very surportive. Welcome aboard again!!!!!! Tina ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: "Gail " Date: Wed, 13 Jan 1999 14:29:42 -0400 Subject: Re: morphine pump or electric cord stimulation ? Hi, I had a morphine pump last year when I had surgery. I was on it longer than most postop patents primarily since I was in the ICU for a longer period of time than most. This was NOT scoliosis surgery. I found it extremely helpful and there were times I even forgot to push it. This was quite a pleasant change from postop situations where you have to call the nurse every 4 hours and wait. I was in charge of my own pain meds and it was the best experience of any postop situation I have ever had. I highly recommend it. I went from the morphine pump to percocet and was off that in another month and the transition was not difficult. Regards, Gail ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-medical-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: "Chris Michelet" Date: Wed, 13 Jan 1999 10:39:29 -0800 Subject: shoulder blades Amanda my 13 year old daughter with curves of 45º & 40º and has been wearing a brace for 6 months and is currently experiencing a lot of back pain. The doctor has sent her to physical theraphy. Her PT was amazed at how far out her shoulder blades stuck out in the back, he had never seen anyone like that. I just assumed that it is common to have protruding shoulder blades with scoliosis. My question is: Is my daughter unusual or is it common with scoliosis to have shoulder blades that poke out severely? Question 2: Any ideas on how to make it more comfortable for a child to sit on a hard chair, at a desk, wearing a brace, for long periods of time, day after day while at school? Remember she is 13 and doesn't like to be different that the rest of the kids. Thanks, Chris ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: Jennifer Parker Date: Wed, 13 Jan 1999 12:03:41 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: NEW TO THE LIST Welcome to the list. I am a 26 year old female and I wore a Milwaukee Brace from the time I was 10 until I was 18. I now have no major health problems and I live a very productive life and have a beautiful 10 month old daughter. Tell your son that he should listen to his doctor and wear the brace when he is supposed to/ Sometimes it is difficult but in the end it is worth it. If you need any advice feel free to e-mail me. Good luck! Jennifer P. - ---"Ronald J. Robertson, Jr." wrote: > > > Hello to the list members, > ... especially > my son. Any advice the members of this list can provide to me will be > appreciated. Thank you. > > ... _________________________________________________________ DO YOU YAHOO!? Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: "Margie Stelzer" Date: Wed, 13 Jan 1999 14:07:52 -0600 Subject: Re: Is it hereditary? We had a surprize pregnancy during Spencer's diagnosis. Having recently gone through surgery with Spencer, we would not have planned it this way but thank God it slipped out of our control. I may have never felt ready for a second yet here we are with a beautiful, straight spined, anomaly-free baby girl. Here's what "Moe's Textbook of Scoliosis and other Spinal Deformities" has to say: INFANTILE IDIOPATHIC SCOLIOSIS Infantile idiopathic scoliosis is more common in Europe and occurs more frequently in boys, with the left thoracic curve predominating. In a family study conducted in Edinburgh by Wynn-Davies, she found a genetic tendency, but thought the cause to be multifactorial...The scoliosis was not present at birth and developed within the first 6 months of life. This sugests a postural causation of..the scoliosis. CONGENITAL SCOLIOSIS Relatively little has been reported concerning the genetic nature of congenital spinal deformites. Wynne-Davies analyzed the families of 337 patients with congenital spinal anomalies... She found that an isolated hemivertebra or similar localized defect was a sporadic lesion that carried no risk to subsequent siblings or offspring. Patients with multiple anomalies ..carried a 5 to 20 percent risk to subsequent siblings. We have not noticed this relationship at our center except in 2 children of 1250 seen..At our center, only about 1 percent of our patients with congenital spinal deformity have a known relative with the problem. In eight families, siblings were involved. In two families, a child and parents were involved. In three families, first cousins were involved." Margie (mother of Spencer 3 yrs. old Hemi-vertibrae resection and fusion March 1998) ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-child-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: HugEBear36@aol.com Date: Wed, 13 Jan 1999 15:37:46 EST Subject: Re: shoulder blades Hi Chris, Just to let you know I have protruding shoulder blades and I am 34 yrs old, had them all my life as long as I can remember. Straight hard chair are very hard to sit in. She may want to get up often and maybe take a trip to the ladies room as often as she can. A pillow is good but like you said that would be different. Hope that helps. Cathy ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: Larry and Elaine Murphy Date: Wed, 13 Jan 1999 17:13:04 -0500 Subject: Re: surgery & shampooing DZP40@aol.com wrote: > > Elaine, > > ... Mary Lou, Thanks for the info. I found the contraption in a catalog. I feel better already since I cant stand oily stringy hair. We're leaving for Florida tomorrow. Sure won't be doing any traveling after the surgery for a while. Hope to put this achy back in some warm beach sand. We live in Oscoda, Mi. and have been having way to much snowy bone chilling weather. I'll catch up on the es when we return. Elaine ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: NBiagini@aol.com Date: Wed, 13 Jan 1999 17:27:27 EST Subject: Re: JK Barnes In a message dated 1/13/99 6:12:39 AM Pacific Standard Time, summer7@RHTC.Net writes: << I know that with surgery there is typically progression > of the curve down the road >> This is not a true statement. Nor is it a true statement that Copes costs 1/10th that of surgery. Absolutes do not help here, and that describes both these statements. I realize that for some surgery will never be an option. Emotions run high when none of us have all the answers. That does not, in my opinion, excuse absolute statements as fact. It may well be that one treatment is preferred over another. So be it. I feel it is a big mistake to never, ever consider surgery because one thinks, in part, that the majority of surgical patients have had a bad time of things. It just isn't so. ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: NBiagini@aol.com Date: Wed, 13 Jan 1999 18:09:02 EST Subject: Re: shoulder blades In a message dated 1/13/99 11:53:55 AM Pacific Standard Time, cmichelet@otn.net writes: << Any ideas on how to make it more comfortable for a child to sit on a hard chair, at a desk, wearing a brace, for long periods of time, day after day while at school? Remember she is 13 and doesn't like to be different that the rest of the kids. >> Chris: I was gonna suggest bring a pad with her to sit on - one that covers the seat & back of the chair. It's "different" though. Still, it might be "cool" if the pad was like those used in stadiums for sporting events - or the type found in camping supply stores. Perhaps one with a football logo of a favorite team (pro or otherwise)? If it works at her school (=especially if sports are a big deal with outdoor bench style seating), perhaps even suggesting developing them for the school team as a fundraiser - and she has one too? That makes her a trend leader...... Otherwise, I'd suggest that she wear sweaters/cardigans/jackets that are "thick" to provide the padding necessary for comfort. This can help with the "different" thing. I'm not sure about the shoulder blade thing - excessive sticking out is a subjective thing. With a rib hump, one shoulder blade was always more prominent than the other for me. Beyond that, I'm not sure - maybe someone else can help here? Good luck to you & hope others have better suggestions, Nancy ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: MadelineH1@aol.com Date: Wed, 13 Jan 1999 14:46:03 EST Subject: Spinal Fusion : One month post-op I had a spinal fusion one month ago. I had 40 and 56 degree curves on top and bottom. It was not a clean cut case, I had 2 MRI's, a CAT scan, and finally a painful myelogram the day before the operation to make sure I wouldn't be at high risk for paralysis because something was funny with my spine, it split ? im not sure about what that was. But everything was fine, I was out of the hospital in four days, in agony, off the Vicodin in a week, off codeine in two, and now I take no medication. I don't need a brace or body cast and I returned to school more than a week ago. I can climb the five flights of stairs without even losing my breath.I am not in pain at all. I even bowled with my friends by picking up the ball (disregarding doctor's orders) and throwing it. And I did very well, I can throw straight now that my body is straight! I grew an inch taller and my posture is great. For anyone who is considering surgery, I say give it a chance. The brace might be a longer and more enduring 'pain' than what I went through. I feel better than I ever have before. I can do almost everything normally. I recommend this to anyone who is able to handle severe pain for a while, it is all worth it. It really does get better every day. ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: RAHannig00@aol.com Date: Wed, 13 Jan 1999 18:30:46 EST Subject: Re: shoulder blades Hi Chris, My shoulder blades stick out, and I think it's fairly common. Of course my curve was much worse and after the surgery (in 1971), I still have a 50 thoracic 20 lumbar curve, so they still stick out. I know she doesn't want to be different, but.... for the first year after each of my surgeries (eigth and eleventh grades) I had a lot of pain. My mom arranged for special permission for me to get up and stand/walk around in class if I had too much pain from sitting. I also had permission to leave school early anytime the pain got too bad (I'd have to check out with the nurses' first). I took advantage of leaving early when I needed it. I didn't do the standing or walking in class for just the reason you mentioned: didn't want the kids to make any more fun of me than they already were. I never wore the brace so I have no other suggestions about the comfort things. I hope someone else has good suggestions for you. Hope this helps, Robin. ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: Joel M Smith Date: Wed, 13 Jan 1999 18:40:14 -0500 Subject: Re: shoulder blades This is a multi-part message in MIME format. - --------------396C37972C5195DECB1561F8 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I'm 18, and have had back pain since 11th grade (I'm in college now). My shoulder blades hurt alot, but I found that sliding forward relieved some of the pressure, because the blade sits flatter against the back of the chair. In winter I would just stick my jacket or sweater behind me so it wasn't so bad on my posture. Joel NBiagini@aol.com wrote: > In a message dated 1/13/99 11:53:55 AM Pacific Standard Time, > cmichelet@otn.net writes: > > ... - --------------396C37972C5195DECB1561F8 Content-Type: text/x-vcard; charset=us-ascii; name="vcard.vcf" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Description: Card for Smith, Joel Content-Disposition: attachment; filename="vcard.vcf" begin: vcard fn: Joel Smith n: Smith;Joel org: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology adr;dom: Box 872;;5500 Wabash Ave.;Terre Haute;Indiana;47803; email;internet: Joel.M.Smith@rose-hulman.edu tel;home: (812)877-8819 x-mozilla-cpt: ;0 x-mozilla-html: FALSE version: 2.1 end: vcard - --------------396C37972C5195DECB1561F8-- ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: RSMVMD@aol.com Date: Wed, 13 Jan 1999 19:01:00 EST Subject: Re: shoulder blades Chris, You didn't mention what type of brace your daughter is wearing (TLSO, Milwaukee, Copes, etc.); however, when it comes to comfort and wearing a brace for scoliosis there is very little one can do that would not be "different" from non-brace wearers. If her classmates and teachers understand the issues, that could help. I know what it's like being a teenager and wearing a brace as I wore both a Milwaukee and a TLSO from age 16 to age 21 (I'm 39 now)!! One suggestion that I can make to help your daughter feel less different is for her to subscribe to the teens list by sending an email to "scoliosis- teens-request@ai.mit.edu", put a dash ("-") in the subject area, and "subscribe" in the message area. The teens lists is FOR teens to discuss issues having to do with scoliosis. Also, there is a Scoliosis Club that was started on AOL; however, there are many non-AOL members. For information on the club, send an email to Jodi at JazzMeToo@aol.com. I hope these suggestions help! Richard S. ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: JK Barnes Date: Wed, 13 Jan 1999 16:09:47 -0800 Subject: Re: JK Barnes NBiagini@aol.com wrote: > In a message dated 1/13/99 6:12:39 AM Pacific Standard Time, summer7@RHTC.Net > writes: > > ... I must agree with that! Every case is different My son has Idiopathic Scoliosis Surgery has saved his life. His curve is unusual in that its a c-curve 90 degrees, Instrumentation took him back to 55 degrees.Without surgery he would of crushed his internal organs and he would not be with us today! Surgery is a last option for most, but you must face this disease head on and do what's right for your situation. ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: JK Barnes Date: Wed, 13 Jan 1999 16:16:48 -0800 Subject: Re: shoulder blades NBiagini@aol.com wrote: > In a message dated 1/13/99 11:53:55 AM Pacific Standard Time, > cmichelet@otn.net writes: > > ... A teen I know has a pillow in every class at her desk, this way she doesnt have to carry one from class to class and feel different than any other students at school. Her friends and classmates support her. A good Idea is to have your child along with a teacher talk to the class explaining about scoliosis, so they may understand better how to support the Scoliosis patient in the classroom. ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: Leah640@aol.com Date: Wed, 13 Jan 1999 19:46:37 EST Subject: Re: shoulder blades Chris, My shoulder blades stuck out alot before my fusion, it was what caught my parents attention. (I had long hair and it was hidden until I moved it for my dad to scratch my back one day.) After fusion one still sticks out, but not too badly. One (My right) was always out more. As for a pt that never saw this before, is Amanda his first scoliosis patient? I find it hard to believe he never saw it before. As for sitting in school, my school set me up with one of those folding type chairs with the desk attached, with my cast I could not fit into the desks ( They were not a desk and chair but a combined thing, and to sit like that hurt, my cast dug into my legs, and I got stuck in a desk) Hope she finds something to help her. Leah ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: Leah640@aol.com Date: Wed, 13 Jan 1999 19:58:42 EST Subject: Re: Spinal Fusion : One month post-op In a message dated 1/13/99 6:41:58 PM Eastern Standard Time, MadelineH1@aol.com writes: << I even bowled with my friends by picking up the ball (disregarding doctor's orders) >> Glad you are doing so well. And you are lucky that things are so much easier noe than in my time ( 24 years ago) But please, don't bowl, keep score if you want to go but you don't reolize that you can totaly screw your fusion up this early by doing that. you don't reolize how jarring and twisting a motion it is on your spine. Just wait 6 months to a year, it is not worth it. ( I did my share of stupid things after my fusion too, but I was in a cast) Just think about it, I do know how hard it is to wait but it is worth it. I knew someone who messed up her fusion by going skiing before she should have, she is fine but had to have a second fusion to repair her first because she twisted or something ( I don't know what, she said she did not fall) Just please be careful. Leah Another fusion and glad person ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: hmc Date: Wed, 13 Jan 1999 19:26:34 -0500 Subject: Re: Copes Brace I'm a bit confused on the post describing some of the differences between a reg. brace and the Copes brace. Bith the literature and Copes have told me that the brace is thinner (approx. 4 mm. total thickness) and lighter than a reg. brace, plus it is somewhat flexible. Yet this post said Prichard Daniel R wrote: First, the plastic was about twice as thick, > making the brace much more rigid. Have I misunderstood somewhere along the line? - --hmc. ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: Pegclay123@aol.com Date: Wed, 13 Jan 1999 22:24:50 EST Subject: Re: Copes Brace My seven year old has been in it for about a year. It is pretty rigid. The plastic is about 4mm thick. It is very light. It is not really very flexible. You can pull open the split in the back to get in pretty easily, but that is really it as far as flexibility. The cut of it does allows great freedom of movement, however. It doesn't cut into you when you sit etc. But the brace itself does not yeild - you couldn't slump if you tried. I would think that without the rigidity it wouldn't be doing its job. The fit seems to be the thing that makes it more comfortable and easier to wear (this is from both people I know that have tried both kinds of brace, and also from Chiro who has had patients in both kinds) ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: Luver2me@aol.com Date: Wed, 13 Jan 1999 22:54:46 EST Subject: Re: Copes program I went to this address but I can't find it. ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: Luver2me@aol.com Date: Wed, 13 Jan 1999 22:53:56 EST Subject: Re: Copes program I am happy for you and your daughter. Wish you guys the best of luck..:-) ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: Luver2me@aol.com Date: Wed, 13 Jan 1999 23:13:33 EST Subject: Re: Copes Brace How noticeable is the Copes Brace? ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: Meggie0099@aol.com Date: Wed, 13 Jan 1999 23:20:32 EST Subject: New Hi! I'm new to this I've been the list for a month or so, but I've never replied to anything. I'd like to know if anyone has gone skiing post op? I never went skiing before and I'd like to try it. I had my 4 years spinal fusion years ago. Anyone who has please tell how your experience was? Thanks - Meg aka Twisty ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: "Ronald J. Robertson, Jr." Date: Thu, 14 Jan 1999 00:01:32 -0500 Subject: Scoliosis Since joining this list, I have read quite a bit about the Copes Brace. My son was fitted with the Milwaukee Brace. He is not at all happy with the appearance of the Milwaukee Brace, and the fact that he has to wear it all the time. What my son really dislikes about the Milwaukee Brace is the neck ring. Ronald J. Robertson, Jr. ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: Miguel Antonio Alvarado Date: Wed, 13 Jan 1999 21:33:06 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: Scoliosis Mr. Robertson, I am Miguel Antonio Alvarado. I live in Mexico City, Mexico. I am 17 years old and have been wearing a Milwaukee Brace for a little over one year now. If you son would like to write to me about the Milwaukee Brace, I will be more than happy to give him advice and information. Sincerely, Miguel Antonio Alvarado - ---"Ronald J. Robertson, Jr." wrote: > > > Since joining this list, I have read quite a bit about the Copes Brace. My > son was fitted with the Milwaukee Brace. He is not at all happy with the > appearance of the Milwaukee Brace, and the fact that he has to wear it all > the time. What my son really dislikes about the Milwaukee Brace is the neck > ring. > > Ronald J. Robertson, Jr. > ... _________________________________________________________ DO YOU YAHOO!? Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: WinBai@aol.com Date: Thu, 14 Jan 1999 00:54:44 EST Subject: Was it just a bad day? Hi All, I have to ask you for your thoughts on this ....or I'll go crazy waiting until next week to see what the doc says. I finally, after 5 months of trying, 2 ortho-surgeons, and 2 neuro-surgeons later have an authorization to see an SRS doc. So I called to make an appointment. The receptionist said I could come in on the 20th and then stopped herself and asked if I was in pain she might get me in earlier. I said, " I'm in enough pain that I haven't been able to work." At that point the Office Manager interrupted and began telling me that Adult Scoliosis does not cause pain, that my pain must be from something else, and that I need to get that something else fixed before the Dr. will see me. ( I'm 33 and have a 64 degree thoracic/lumbar curve discovered last august.) Otherwise I'm wasting everyone's time. I was crushed. I've been working VERY hard on my HMO to get to a SRS doc and they don't want to see me??? I told her that I needed to hear that from the DR., that I didn't think SHE could OR SHOULD diagnose my pain over the phone, AND that she will see me next Wednesday! Do you think I made an enemy in that office?? LOL Anyway, now I'm worried that she may be right. Could she be?? Or was she just having a bad day? Please tell me that some of you had pain before surgery and are doing well now !!! Another doc wanted to do surgery but he wasn't SRS and he wouldn't answer questions. I don't think that I have any nerve or disks involved. It feels like muscular fatigue, cramping and spasms. I guess only an MRI can tell. BUT SOMEONE HAS TO ORDER IT !!! All the other docs didn't want to go near me when they saw my Xrays. Has anyone encountered something like this. Anyone have any ideas on what I should say to the doctor if he too says he can't help me BECAUSE I'M IN PAIN !!?? Sorry for shouting. Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated. My husband says, "stop worrying" but I can't. Thanks for listening, Tonia ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ From: hmc Date: Thu, 14 Jan 1999 01:11:10 -0600 Subject: Re: Was it just a bad day? Tonia-- This "scoliosis doesn't cause pain" thing is something that pops up now and again on this list. Personally, I lump it in with "Common Misconceptions" (like scoli is caused by bad posture -- HA!), but I have no scientific basis for this -- just personal experience. And it is SO diconcerting (sp?) when someone we hold as a "professional" tells us the pain is unrelated (or worse -- doesn't exist). I don't think you can assume that the Office Manager or secretary (let me get this straight -- they ask you if you are in much pain-- to get you in earlier -- and then they tell you to go away when you give them an affirmative?! WHOA.) speaks for the Dr.s philosophy, though she may. Hopefully, you will be pleasantly surprised and the Doc will be much more understanding than she was). Anyway, it sounds like you handled the situation very well (way to stick up for yourself! yea!) and I wish you luck in the Doc's office. I do't know how difficult it will be with the HMO, but keep pushing for what you know your body needs. Hang in there! - --hmc. ______ For help on using this list (especially unsubscribing), send a message to "scoliosis-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". ------------------------------ End of scoliosis V1 #1073 ************************* You're reading a composite here: the scoliosis-digest is a daily encapsulation of messages sent to four different mailing lists: scoliosis, scoliosis-medical, scoliosis-child and scoliosis-teens. If you're responding, you can determine which list message above was posted to by looking at the message footer. To post your own email to scoliosis, send it to "scoliosis@ai.mit.edu". To post your own email to scoliosis-medical list, send it to "scoliosis-medical@ai.mit.edu". To post to scoliosis-child, send your message to "scoliosis-child@ai.mit.edu." To post your message to scoliosis-teens, send it to "scoliosis-teens@ai.mit.edu". Be sure to see the scoliosis web page at "http://www.ai.mit.edu/extra/scoliosis/scoliosis.html". For help on using the scoliosis-digest, (especially unsubscribing) send an electronic mail message to "scoliosis-digest-request@ai.mit.edu" with one line of text: "help". Spammers and promotional posts not allowed.