Infantile Scoliosis-A Dreaded Check-up

Today is one month until Ryan's next check-up.  A very dreaded check-up for his spine.  You can read about his last appointment HERE .  It wasn't the best news and certainly not what we were praying for.  When you have a child with Infantile Scoliosis you never know what will happen as your child hits each growth spurt. 

And at a young age you never know the deep down feelings they may have about their treatment.  Last week I made room on a bookshelf for all our photo albums that have been in a box since we moved(almost a year ago).  One of those albums is full of pictures from Ryan's casting days.  He was in a series of 6 casts over a 14 month period starting at the age of 15 months old.  He sat looking at each picture not remembering much from that time.  He was amazed that he never took a real bath for 14 months.  And that he wore corrective plaster casts for so long.  He looked through the album with new eyes.  Eight year old eyes.  He looked at the pictures that were taken in the operating room....I had the doctor take pictures while Ryan was under anesthesia while they were applying a new cast.  I wanted to see what was going on in there and his doctor was gracious enough to oblige.  Those pictures were very interesting and a treasure to Ryan to say the least!  He was in awe of the casting table and his little body being wrapped. 

While he looked at his album we talked a little about the upcoming appointment.  I try to keep it light, but never sugar coat it at all.

Last night Brant and I looked at his spine.  To me it just doesn't look good.  His rib hump looks worse although he will probably always have a rib hump.  It's hard to tell with the naked eye if there has been progression of his curve.  Only an xray can show that.

Mentally I am trying to think positive and ignore the fact that he very well could have to go back into a brace.  Now don't get me wrong, it would not be the end of my world.  But for a very active eight year old boy it would be devastating!

Brant asked him last night what he would do if they say he has to wear a brace again.  He said, "I'll do what they say, but I still want to be active."

Wearing a skin tight body sock and hard plastic brace around your torso does not sound fun to me.  Typically for anywhere from 12-23 hours a day!  And not to sound rude, but please don't tell me it will help his spine!  I already know that and am aware of it, but it sure doesn't make it any better!!!  Watching your child suffer just plain hurts.  It makes my heart ache and my stomach cringe.  And I really don't care (I really do) if it is going to help his spine!  When and if I hear those words ("he needs to go back into a brace") I just want to make sure I have let it all out ahead of time.  He will need me if he hears those dreaded words.

He will freak out at first, cry I am sure (as I know I will too!), have lots of questions about playing and sleeping, get angry, come to grips with it, realize it will prevent him from having surgery and go into a depressed mood for a bit. 

I will hold him, love on him and be as positive as I can be at that particular point in time. .

And then probably go buy him and his brother the beloved hospital popcorn and a Coke.  We'll likely visit the hospital gift shop and buy cheap junk toys and anything else they want just in hopes to make him feel better!

BUT, that is only if the xray shows more progression of his spine.  We'll still get the popcorn and Coke though.  OK, probably a toy too!  I think positive, but always plan for the worse.  I tend to be cautiously optimistic with each visit. 

He is aware the appointment is coming up.  He is totally aware this appointment is very important.  He knows the xray will show what his spine has been doing since February.  And he knows there is a good chance he will have to wear a brace again. 

But for now we wait and see.  If you are so inclined to pray for Ryan I so covet your prayers.  My specific prayer always is God's will be done.  But as a selfish human Momma I pray, "God, please spare him some pain and let him continue living a carefree little boy life."

For more information of Progressive Infantile Scoliosis visit The Infantile Scoliosis Outreach Program .