From:      bounce-scoliosis
To:        scoliosis-digest@ai.mit.edu
Subject:   scoliosis V1 #342
Reply-To:  
Errors-To: bounce-scoliosis
Precedence: bulk


scoliosis                 Friday, 17 January 1997      Volume 01 : Number 342


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From: KEBREYETTE@aol.com
Date: Thu, 16 Jan 1997 07:35:47 -0500 (EST)
Subject: Re: Compliance with Brace Wear?

>From age 6 months to age 6 years my daughter wore the brace 23 hours a day.

As an infant, while on a monitor, with bouts of respiratory distress
requiring intervention to prevent respiratory failure, the pediatrician
coldly stated, "she'll probably choke to death and die in her sleep, I
wouldn't worry about the brace."

She got a two or three day break there so that I could clear her and perform
cpr as needed.  

I had an RN for a six month period so that I could go back to work.  She did
not believe in bracing, did not follow dr's orders, and I arrived home one
day to discover Christine not in her brace.  I quit my job and stayed home
for three years to keep Christine in her brace.  Her spine deteriorated very
quickly during that time, and I don't know if it was the nurse not following
the plan, or whatever caused the curve in the first place.

My belief is that each case and each underlying cause is so different, that
it would be impossible to make blanket speculations about the effectiveness
of bracing.  My feeling is this:  If you are going to try bracing, embrace it
100% so that if it is going to be effective it will be as effective as it can
be.  If you are not going to go the 23 hours, then probably look for a
different course.  In my daughter's case,  the brace did not help stop the
curving, but it must be effective in other cases or it wouldn't be used.  The
brace was most practical following surgeries for protection until the fusion
was solid, and we followed doctors orders on that, too.  Even after she was
allowed out, we'd use it when she roller skated or for gym gym class for
extra protection.

It sounds like 23 hour bracing is the norm, and there must be good reason for
it.  An hour out allows time for a bath and a massage, and I would think that
those are the reasons for an hour out.  I don't think they say 23 hours
thinking it will be less.  I'm always interested to hear how you are doing
with your daughter.

Karen


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End of scoliosis V1 #342
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