The five emotions of raising a child with infantile scoliosis

One night, while doing our son’s usual bath routine, I saw what looked like a hump on his back. Avery was 6 months old at the time. At first, I thought that it was just something I was imagining, but the hump never went away. In fact, it seemed to get worse. When Avery was 13 months old, he was officially diagnosed with infantile scoliosis, a rare form of scoliosis that occurs in children under 2 years of age. The first hospital we were referred to would not even consider treating Avery until he was at least 18 months, and that was not a guarantee, so after doing some research, we came to Boston Children’s Hospital for a second opinion. We were referred to Dr. Michael Glotzbecker, one of the surgeons in the Spinal Program at Boston Children’s Orthopedic Center that specializes in early onset scoliosis. After a clear MRI and more x-rays, Dr. Glotzbecker recommended EDF (Elongation, Derotation, Flexion) casting treatments. He told us that our son would be wearing a plaster cast that covers his torso to correct the curve of his spine. The casts must be changed every two to three months in an operating room while Avery is under anesthesia. Having a child in a cast can be a life changer, as it is not an easy process. The experience has brought on so many emotions for me – both good and bad. Sadness The first time I held Avery after his first procedure, I wanted to break down and cry. I could not feel the softness of his body in my arms. I could not rub his back to ca...
Source: Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Diseases & Conditions Our Patients’ Stories Michael Glotzbecker Orthopedic Center scoliosis Spinal Program Source Type: news