tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46788624027634950462024-02-18T21:25:06.930-05:00Scoliosis LivingOur family lives in the New England area and our daughter wore a Boston Brace for her scoliosis. She started in 2014, wore it 18 hrs/day for a year, then 8-10 hrs for 6 mo. She is now brace-free. We refer to her as Dancer Girl. Her younger sister was also diagnosed with scoliosis (2016). She is referred to as Cello Girl. So far, she does not need a brace. We are not doctors or specialists, and nothing on this page should be taken as medical advice. We are simply sharing our journey.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678862402763495046.post-18809671707135944912019-03-12T21:55:00.000-04:002019-03-12T21:55:10.501-04:00Moving OnDancer Girl is graduating from high school in a few months. How did we get here so fast?! She will be heading off to college to pursue a BFA in 2D Studio Art with a minor in dance.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh66IATLSBIi0VrvoHxKWhFdPjxKdE7GVNQPHso2Vk0djwQRCIHirmAFL91sqqz3xcR_L4dgXtEz-80-tqGq26cnnA3RwFwAlnqh6Jdu1c9rfIQILgMM-Bc1rKrfQAtjckFVa838ll9bkE/s1600/IMG_2770.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="927" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh66IATLSBIi0VrvoHxKWhFdPjxKdE7GVNQPHso2Vk0djwQRCIHirmAFL91sqqz3xcR_L4dgXtEz-80-tqGq26cnnA3RwFwAlnqh6Jdu1c9rfIQILgMM-Bc1rKrfQAtjckFVa838ll9bkE/s1600/IMG_2770.jpg" width="258" /></a>The Boston brace seems like a distant memory in some ways, but scoliosis rears it's head now & then to remind us of that time in her life. Her back occasionally hurts when she tries something new in dance, but for the most part she is able to anticipate and avoid extra stress on her curve. She now manages her scoliosis rather than letting it control her. (Cello Girl is a sophomore in high school. She has had no further progression and will not need to wear a brace. She also continues to dance).<br />
<br />Recently, as part of an art project, Dancer Girl did a series of paintings depicting the beauty in a variety of disabilities & difficulties. One of them was of a Boston back brace. It brought me to tears that she could make something so beautiful out of a painful time in her life, that she could learn from it and even be inspired to create a work of art.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3hiyDQz5gJ_qcooHFi1lfmC30NC4ZDWehtigQMjj4-bFlTX2QPaWYp0aTLXH0-KBaR9uHGqGcQSQPMGmO077p7QWdc9NsGICqJ0TExy2pb6_CSpvYqbL49n2bOBwpq88DORkkJUph7s/s1600/IMG_2769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="935" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3hiyDQz5gJ_qcooHFi1lfmC30NC4ZDWehtigQMjj4-bFlTX2QPaWYp0aTLXH0-KBaR9uHGqGcQSQPMGmO077p7QWdc9NsGICqJ0TExy2pb6_CSpvYqbL49n2bOBwpq88DORkkJUph7s/s320/IMG_2769.jpg" width="256" /></a><br />
Another favorite was of a ballet dancer that has a prosthetic leg. She dances en Pointe. The painting is based on a real person Dance Girl heard about. If that's not inspirational, I don't know what is!<br />
<br />
We won't be posting here anymore but we will keep it available in case someone stumbles across it and finds it helpful. We were thankful for those before us who shared their experiences and are happy to be able to do the same in some small way.<br />
<br />
We wish you peace and joy, even in the midst of the pain and difficulties that can come with scoliosis. You can come through it stronger than before. I've seen it happen in our own home...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678862402763495046.post-74915828981046307612017-01-06T15:59:00.001-05:002017-01-06T21:08:52.415-05:00UpdatesIt has been a while since we posted anything - busy life is to blame I guess.<br />
<br />
We appreciate the occasional comments from people who stumble across our little blog and we hope that in some small way something here is helpful.<br />
<br />
Some updates...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp4us5NcOjVFEkHxNnMFOZtxtIRgUqxIWcd_HHToTCK0tgkhDqNbBrtckao3Py-RBwNpCi5QckmLNlOJpiHUqBQvRrgMmv_nt1HuQ87Vpoenv9RLX3vpUkqAAZ_2AfjLtWZi1KCLoiy-Q/s1600/schroth.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="95" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp4us5NcOjVFEkHxNnMFOZtxtIRgUqxIWcd_HHToTCK0tgkhDqNbBrtckao3Py-RBwNpCi5QckmLNlOJpiHUqBQvRrgMmv_nt1HuQ87Vpoenv9RLX3vpUkqAAZ_2AfjLtWZi1KCLoiy-Q/s200/schroth.jpeg" width="200" /></a><b>Schroth method </b>- both girls are still doing their exercises...mostly...! We have appointments every few months to check in and they get re-inspired to do them regularly. Both girls are keeping steady with their curves it seems, both show improvements in lung capacity which can be negatively impacted by scoliosis, and both have improvements in various smaller areas (the uneven hips are more even, the smaller curve in the upper back is less pronounced, etc). Very encouraging!<br />
<br />
<b>Pain</b> - back pain for Dancer Girl remains drastically reduced from her pre-brace, pre-Schroth days. It does pop up now & then but she is also pushing herself as a dancer so that is probably to be expected. Cello Girl rarely complains of back pain.<br />
<br />
<b>Dance</b> - both girls continue to dance. A lot. It seems that the only real issues, particularly for Dancer Girl, are with any "acro" types of movements. Their Schroth specialist (who is also a dancer) has told both girls to avoid that style as much as possible - hyperextensions of the lower back, particularly if they are repetitive or last for extended periods of time, put too much stress on their biggest curves.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5-klmucK78mitKOtO5Shr69wBEj8SDThbuXQV9fMrvvWc7eKMXY5054f61ou3Enj4G-FtGxOk2iwr02weFcOIT2To4_iSekKv8Hi7CuzzcQiIK8VA1bRI786IYhfUQG3_A4PvR6RJdZo/s1600/Pointe-shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="99" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5-klmucK78mitKOtO5Shr69wBEj8SDThbuXQV9fMrvvWc7eKMXY5054f61ou3Enj4G-FtGxOk2iwr02weFcOIT2To4_iSekKv8Hi7CuzzcQiIK8VA1bRI786IYhfUQG3_A4PvR6RJdZo/s200/Pointe-shoes.jpg" width="200" /></a>Both girls are en pointe now and show no particular difficulty with it related to their scoliosis. Sometimes there are some movements in modern dance or African jazz that put strain on Dancer Girl's lower back, but she is learning to anticipate those moments and adjust accordingly.<br />
<br />
<b>Brace</b> - Dancer Girl remains brace-free and is not expected to need it again as she has officially stopped growing. Because her curve is at 28 degrees though, we will keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't get worse as she gets older.<br />
<br />
Cello Girl had a growth spurt but her curve seems to be holding steady. Her recent x-ray showed a slight improvement actually, although it is within the margin of error. Still, even if it's an error, it's in the right direction! So, no brace for her either!<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678862402763495046.post-89852128047172452722016-04-30T09:54:00.003-04:002016-04-30T10:06:48.503-04:00Scoliosis Take 2<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfBNlib-vSeqx1rS7sbAIPsrGE2HPKy87jlai7WSE6ftUJHh_uxuXUDpfhBaF4baZ3LxWRvRr0ODAhfVIilnTlnuquE01KDBHiTuq0cJUW58_ydHU2QtnKssuDOeKPsbDmRqQ-5BXzbz0/s1600/MeghanBack+April2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfBNlib-vSeqx1rS7sbAIPsrGE2HPKy87jlai7WSE6ftUJHh_uxuXUDpfhBaF4baZ3LxWRvRr0ODAhfVIilnTlnuquE01KDBHiTuq0cJUW58_ydHU2QtnKssuDOeKPsbDmRqQ-5BXzbz0/s320/MeghanBack+April2016.jpg" width="179" /></a>Dancer Girl's younger sister saw the back doctor this week...<br />
<br />
and...<br />
<br />
she has a lower back curve in a similar location as Dancer Girl.<br />
<br />
It is 18 degrees.<br />
<br />
She has had a huge growth spurt recently which seems to be slowing down so hopefully things won't progress as quickly from here as they did for her sister. We will go back in 6 months for another x-ray.<br />
<br />
In the meantime we are going to start her on the same type of <a href="http://scoliosisliving.blogspot.com/2015/05/diving-in.html" target="_blank">Schroth program</a> as Dancer Girl to see if we can slow/halt any progression. She has her first appointment with them in a few weeks.<br />
<br />
Now I guess we need a blog name for her...<br />
<br />
She is a dancer like her sister, but we can't really call her "Little" Dancer Girl as she is standing close to 5' 5" at age 12!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7qZl_wXZ9qAlU1-q8gkGREtkeDlUrZzwtlsvAe_yWNwPLrNxsyQ9IaYLdvFR70PXQkf5sRq1_GbUEtaDh-qJH7-SzRZOQaxCsnLhDbJEv3z8VWKrrk1Fe2D3JgK6q0KruULdx9vkAWMw/s1600/cello2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7qZl_wXZ9qAlU1-q8gkGREtkeDlUrZzwtlsvAe_yWNwPLrNxsyQ9IaYLdvFR70PXQkf5sRq1_GbUEtaDh-qJH7-SzRZOQaxCsnLhDbJEv3z8VWKrrk1Fe2D3JgK6q0KruULdx9vkAWMw/s200/cello2.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
She also plays and loves the cello so I guess we will go with<br />
"Cello Girl ".<br />
<br />
Cello Girl handled this all very well. I think it helped to have seen her sister go through this but also to see that her curve is not as far along as Dancer Girl's was at her age. She was certainly relieved that there wasn't an immediate need for a brace.<br />
<br />
We will be keeping an eye on this over the next few months...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678862402763495046.post-70619434084894211952015-11-23T13:07:00.000-05:002015-11-23T13:23:52.245-05:00Six months post braceA few weeks ago Dancer Girl had a follow up appointment at the Schroth clinic.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT8JDDPTbQeN3a21Oud96A5cAQW-YU0yoRCxXVNsl0rS8q8JPhQKezmdye1escp6y_eudDSbEpCw2yXdXl_qVfOX62bkAQAh3S4FibA6uLsuLdkDhPT0tkMlOAWCA5Gl7ZGSHH-c_FsyY/s1600/nervousemoji.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT8JDDPTbQeN3a21Oud96A5cAQW-YU0yoRCxXVNsl0rS8q8JPhQKezmdye1escp6y_eudDSbEpCw2yXdXl_qVfOX62bkAQAh3S4FibA6uLsuLdkDhPT0tkMlOAWCA5Gl7ZGSHH-c_FsyY/s200/nervousemoji.png" width="199" /></a>She was a little nervous.<br />
<br />
Not because of the clinic itself, but because she hadn't been particularly faithful in sticking to the plan they had laid out for her back program. She was very nervous that they would see some progression of the curve.<br />
<br />
The last thing she wanted to hear was that she might need to go back into a brace.<br />
<br />
It turns out the appointment was very positive.<br />
<br />
There was no progression.<br />
<br />
It was holding steady.<br />
<br />
Whew!<br />
<br />
It also helped that all the staff there are so incredibly supportive.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVCEMXILz4Nzja-MlMG_jTNJazSZjrXU7qUkKV37omW_1WCC4eN1-0U7VDDJOPmZ5XFKwc5KjhKd_pDfTKwiVqc-y0Iw-AK1AFrkFf5MP_WuRBAzf5PLeB-mkJS0FkdBxgme_yMaPo808/s1600/smiling-face-with-open-mouth.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVCEMXILz4Nzja-MlMG_jTNJazSZjrXU7qUkKV37omW_1WCC4eN1-0U7VDDJOPmZ5XFKwc5KjhKd_pDfTKwiVqc-y0Iw-AK1AFrkFf5MP_WuRBAzf5PLeB-mkJS0FkdBxgme_yMaPo808/s200/smiling-face-with-open-mouth.png" width="200" /></a>The therapist had her walk through all the specific exercises again to make sure she was remembering them correctly. Together they chose the ones that seemed to work best and that Dancer Girl was most likely to commit to doing regularly. We worked out a plan to ease back into a regular routine and went away happy.<br />
<br />
It appears Dancer Girl really has stopped growing. The exercises should help support her back, and if done correctly and routinely, could even result in some correction.<br />
<br />
While this program is expensive we would recommend that it is considered as part of a program for scoliosis as you search for the best option for your back or your child's back. We were impressed by the research behind it, the staff are supportive at the clinic we used, the choice of strategies were clearly specific to Dancer Girl's curves, and it is entirely do-able once you are set up and in your routine.<br />
<br />
It is a program for life. Hopefully one free of serious back pain, free of curve progression, with no more bracing required!<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678862402763495046.post-79053605221616088862015-08-04T08:55:00.001-04:002015-08-05T07:34:14.584-04:00Life post-braceBrace-free days...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR6eGP82Ha4wuDuYDVJeFggtxYw2HfBF13zpxTa_SuwJ4JJIwNBxBXo-u0CS5oO6f5H_4Ddz80qZ9GfeQpZwip9S0VQT302XWgHMk8jmrBgVqAeasKzjoJsn8bH_kP_owwZrsCkaF0vjY/s1600/calendar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR6eGP82Ha4wuDuYDVJeFggtxYw2HfBF13zpxTa_SuwJ4JJIwNBxBXo-u0CS5oO6f5H_4Ddz80qZ9GfeQpZwip9S0VQT302XWgHMk8jmrBgVqAeasKzjoJsn8bH_kP_owwZrsCkaF0vjY/s320/calendar.jpg" width="320" /></a>At our last appointment with the back doctor Dancer Girl had another x-ray. She was a bit disappointed to find there has been some progression since coming out of the brace a couple of months prior. However, it was only 1 or 2 degrees and the doctor was not concerned. He felt it was due to settling that occurred once the back was free of the restrictions of the brace rather than any real progression of the curve.<br />
<br />
He basically said she is done with seeing him regularly. We thanked him and told him that we hoped to never see him again (nothing personal - he's a great guy)! He totally understood the sentiment. :)<br />
<br />
Dancer Girl still has to deal with some back pain, although it is much less frequent and less painful than before bracing. Yay!<br />
<br />
She also has daily Schroth exercises to do. These are specific to her back curves and were learned from a specialist (<a href="http://scoliosisliving.blogspot.com/2015/05/diving-in.html" target="_blank">see previous posts for more information</a>). She can select from a variety of ones but has to do some every day.<br />
<br />
During the summer, when our schedule is less structured, this has proven more difficult than we expected. You would think with more free time there'd be more opportunity for these things but because every day is different it's hard to remember to fit them in.<br />
<br />
Once the fall schedule kicks in we can get better at making sure they are fit into our regular routine. The goal is to keep progression from happening and to stabilize the back.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Si_8c7d9sLSRNQHQLoeto-icZrEzqYiof_n4RVPferPrZnZYW_wTT_WsQv30Ew9Wp8Mme_KOkR7WRBbygWPr0vepVXQIdBZ55fpfGrazMm-zRQQ25dq-ynN7gNmsuznkAx5FxNaAc6Y/s1600/IMG_5608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Si_8c7d9sLSRNQHQLoeto-icZrEzqYiof_n4RVPferPrZnZYW_wTT_WsQv30Ew9Wp8Mme_KOkR7WRBbygWPr0vepVXQIdBZ55fpfGrazMm-zRQQ25dq-ynN7gNmsuznkAx5FxNaAc6Y/s200/IMG_5608.jpg" width="200" /></a>She is also finding that some of the clothes she bought to fit over her brace still work fine without the brace. Some of it is too big of course, especially the pants and shorts, but at least we can still use some of it. Nice for the budget!<br />
<br />
We are so thankful to everyone who helped Dancer Girl through her brace-wearing days... her pediatrician, back doctor, physical therapists, Schroth therapists, other bloggers' helpful information and advice, family members, and friends.<br />
<br />
What seemed at the time like a long road has had this chapter come to an end. We are hopeful that we have come to a place where her scoliosis can be managed well and not pose continued issues for her.<br />
<br />
And she can still dance!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678862402763495046.post-57885096368640176612015-05-11T10:28:00.001-04:002015-08-05T07:34:32.872-04:00Diving InLast week Dancer Girl began her intensive therapy sessions for her back using Schroth techniques at <a href="http://scoliosis3dc.com/" target="_blank">Scoliosis 3DC</a>. We met for the initial 2-hour session where we were a bit overwhelmed with all the information, but in a good way. It is clear they take each person case by case to figure out the best exercises, stretches, breathing techniques, and ADL adjustments. This is not a one size fits all program.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfYyJkLaNoEvOP0PypwUUwSZUDhvYEJQ-mcs9DZvh3s5Dmdw3SuY551q-wgqYQI-QNxf9REfQJSZrdKagAiIe2IdDf-vnJbRV9TwsihDBnedm9eYDhs9jFquHBvEKUtN1zX8M9RskU5XU/s1600/Schroth+SL+muscle+cylinder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfYyJkLaNoEvOP0PypwUUwSZUDhvYEJQ-mcs9DZvh3s5Dmdw3SuY551q-wgqYQI-QNxf9REfQJSZrdKagAiIe2IdDf-vnJbRV9TwsihDBnedm9eYDhs9jFquHBvEKUtN1zX8M9RskU5XU/s320/Schroth+SL+muscle+cylinder.jpg" width="320" /></a>They took pictures of everything and we will end up with a binder full of personalized instructions at the end of the program. They will also take video & send that home with us upon completion of the sessions.<br />
<br />
The therapist was wonderful - informative, friendly, funny, and thorough. She also happens to be a dancer! This was nice for Dancer Girl, plus the therapist was able to use dance terminology for various body movements and positions as a way to help her learn the best ways for her to sit, stand, move, etc.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgazrTt09bg-EtFVdg2Tp79HMQzoYrS1B1d5zWsa7DUBRUDcz6dbNRnrBwFbb_q-z9kL3V4tWGbGCsq6QeUuzwAQ722_yVP8A7baSTWyBR5hCpg2NDYafI2lEQM6UmgxOUKIW3T3IY5Vt4/s1600/ADL-incorrect-and-correct.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgazrTt09bg-EtFVdg2Tp79HMQzoYrS1B1d5zWsa7DUBRUDcz6dbNRnrBwFbb_q-z9kL3V4tWGbGCsq6QeUuzwAQ722_yVP8A7baSTWyBR5hCpg2NDYafI2lEQM6UmgxOUKIW3T3IY5Vt4/s320/ADL-incorrect-and-correct.png" width="320" /></a>It turns out that she has been doing most activities of daily living (ADLs) wrong. Sigh. The way that is most comfortable for her body is typically not what is best for her back. The new ADL techniques will help counteract the curve rather than play into it.<br />
<br />
The picture isn't Dancer Girl but it is similar to her curve issues and shows what we get - photos with instructions for how to sit, stand, lie down, reach, carry, etc. You can see in the left picture that the girl is leaning with/into her curve as she sits creating an increased lumbar concavity. A simple correction for picture two shows how she has gone against the curve and reduced the lumbar concavity as a result.<br />
<br />
We will go back three times a week, two hours at a time, for the next three weeks. I was so proud of how Dancer Girl took everything in, paid attention, demonstrated that she was learning and listening, and didn't get overwhelmed at having to adjust nearly everything she is doing in her daily routines. It has been an amazingly positive experience so far and we are quite certain that we will come away with a variety of useful strategies to help Dancer Girl keep her back curves from getting worse.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678862402763495046.post-45218614416630706612015-04-20T22:15:00.004-04:002015-04-21T08:27:03.959-04:00Sometimes you just have to dance<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieJhEukWUjIcNzygyXv2EjNvkcxQgZQ9jpWJwgvyv-rYqO3Q9vl58z8W1s1KI1LNi2KthmGH6INrnM-CvqGB4kgadHNtbdkS3FZke9eR05wcblZVfp3KGc-swy6-urveIcOhoSmDdRGA8/s1600/IMG_1205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieJhEukWUjIcNzygyXv2EjNvkcxQgZQ9jpWJwgvyv-rYqO3Q9vl58z8W1s1KI1LNi2KthmGH6INrnM-CvqGB4kgadHNtbdkS3FZke9eR05wcblZVfp3KGc-swy6-urveIcOhoSmDdRGA8/s1600/IMG_1205.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a>Spring has finally arrived in New England after a colder than usual winter.<br />
<br />
Well, today it is cold, wet, and windy (sigh) but for the past week it has really been quite nice.<br />
<br />
Yesterday Dancer Girl and her sister just had to take the opportunity to dance outside. <br />
<br />
We had an impromptu photo shoot of sorts and it was such fun to see them enjoying themselves. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiQBHiNYGpAvAxorzLrdBGVuUM32H2oeAd4STYoibgf9LNDcc50DrZyboTlEV-CzPLigAV4IuHmEA41Nr9n_E4LMvex4GMJMFfP6nCIZ6t5kD-Ykd3MzrLtFnEIGZk4boq8eGn8uqNy60/s1600/IMG_0617.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiQBHiNYGpAvAxorzLrdBGVuUM32H2oeAd4STYoibgf9LNDcc50DrZyboTlEV-CzPLigAV4IuHmEA41Nr9n_E4LMvex4GMJMFfP6nCIZ6t5kD-Ykd3MzrLtFnEIGZk4boq8eGn8uqNy60/s1600/IMG_0617.PNG" height="150" width="200" /></a>Big Brother wasn't into the dancing but he rode his bike & shot some hoops while the girls leapt and twirled around him. He's such a good sport with all the dancing that goes on in the house.<br />
<br />
For part of the time Dancer Girl even put on her pointe shoes - the picture shows why it was good that she chose the old ones to wear outside!! Yikes!<br />
<br />
So this isn't really a scoliosis related post so much, but dancing is such a big part of life here that we decided to post it as a celebration of the joys we can find in life, even if it's just dancing on a warm, sunny day.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678862402763495046.post-59562395034160069272015-04-12T18:17:00.001-04:002015-08-05T07:34:47.224-04:00Schroth introductionWe had our first meeting with the doctor who runs the clinic closest to us (<a href="http://scoliosis3dc.com/about-us/dr-moramarco/" target="_blank">Dr. Marc Moramarco at Scoliosis 3DC</a>). People come from all over the world to get treated here so we are fortunate to live very close - a 15 minute drive in fact!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo2Em5fGb7UW5rJi07AXLKhrqq9Ur8_l5iNoXIBs8wJ6yGkQCryqUgaZ_JXk30fX3Fpq9hqme8qNRIYsMvH5DxfWyZHpMI6Xp8dLV3wxBiEYPGRDonhyphenhyphenPTGFDYHcvKzV-Qg7ESQi2UsGA/s1600/IMG_2116+-+Version+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo2Em5fGb7UW5rJi07AXLKhrqq9Ur8_l5iNoXIBs8wJ6yGkQCryqUgaZ_JXk30fX3Fpq9hqme8qNRIYsMvH5DxfWyZHpMI6Xp8dLV3wxBiEYPGRDonhyphenhyphenPTGFDYHcvKzV-Qg7ESQi2UsGA/s1600/IMG_2116+-+Version+2.jpg" width="200" /></a>Everyone was incredibly friendly, making every effort to be sure Dancer Girl wasn't nervous. In fact, they assured her so often not be nervous that she began to think there must be something to be nervous about!! (There wasn't...)<br />
<br />
This was the initial assessment. He took a good look at her most recent x-ray and then examined her back, taking photos so he and the other therapists in the clinic can be sure to be on the same page if we were to continue with treatment.<br />
<br />
We learned so much in just one visit!<br />
<br />
We learned more about her specific curve than we had before - in fact, she has four curves! The main one is at 28 degrees and is the one we knew about. The others are much smaller and are essentially compensatory as her body tries to have her stand straight. (He said having 4 curves is better than 3 because that last small curve at the top is what makes her look like she is standing up straight, making the scoliosis essentially invisible to the casual observer).<br />
<br />
He showed us specifics about her curves and how they impact her posture, talking about each one individually. He showed us how one small movement could make her back shift more into place right before our eyes.<br />
<br />
Basically the program is designed to give you techniques for stabilization and activities of daily living to put less strain on the curves. They provide you with individualized techniques for your specific curves to help strengthen muscles and improve lung capacity which is likely impacted by the scoliosis.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinv2xZPcf55IuG-ol1EC7s1MlDIrmS1YBGOq1pYVShuhthSRBd88AaaMcNEMcnRIdKzHMRp69SCLpgoswdhIAFpKQlJEASZsGdykusKbF8Sjn3WJY4aN6nRDbZkduGA5JF9zqCrELXNGI/s1600/30degrees.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinv2xZPcf55IuG-ol1EC7s1MlDIrmS1YBGOq1pYVShuhthSRBd88AaaMcNEMcnRIdKzHMRp69SCLpgoswdhIAFpKQlJEASZsGdykusKbF8Sjn3WJY4aN6nRDbZkduGA5JF9zqCrELXNGI/s1600/30degrees.png" /></a><br />
He said that a person that goes into adulthood with less than a 30 degree curve is less likely to have it worsen with age. Over 30 and it is more likely to progress. Dancer Girl, at 28 degrees, is right on the edge of that magic number.<br />
<br />
This program targets the specifics of each individual person's case with an intensive plan.<br />
<br />
This program can and does get correction, but it is not guaranteed. <br />
<br />
This program is generally not covered by insurance.<br />
<br />
This program is expensive because it is intense and specialized.<br />
<br />
The question then was whether or not to do it - Dancer Girl needs to be fully committed for it to work and it is a financial investment.<br />
<br />
In the end, she was quite impressed by what we learned during our assessment visit and we have decided to go ahead and give it a try. A new brace is also expensive, and while this costs more than a brace, if it means she can stay free of a brace from here on out then she is all for it!<br />
<br />
We have scheduled her intensive sessions beginning in May - three weeks, 3x a week, 2 hours each time - and will let you know how it goes!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678862402763495046.post-27740374209030260772015-03-16T14:10:00.000-04:002015-08-05T07:35:04.287-04:00Trying something new<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDEAa1lT0IsA-SeEvDpM_u_u5Z8QzoP89upBPeCQb3oOMjv-3ZPfxCC_-H4yZe-zrNaNIpENY6qXUDG-5JZMkzFO7LpmMiwjmxnGp1-Nzv9nJm6mPQ7TtAE3jzD02NKaIAht7mQHWhgmw/s1600/spine-pic-200x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDEAa1lT0IsA-SeEvDpM_u_u5Z8QzoP89upBPeCQb3oOMjv-3ZPfxCC_-H4yZe-zrNaNIpENY6qXUDG-5JZMkzFO7LpmMiwjmxnGp1-Nzv9nJm6mPQ7TtAE3jzD02NKaIAht7mQHWhgmw/s1600/spine-pic-200x300.jpg" width="133" /></a>Many people have offered welcome, and sometimes unwelcome, advice and suggestions about scoliosis over the course of our experience with it. Some are based on real life experiences, others based on hearsay, or "a friend of a friend...". It has reminded me of when I was pregnant - everyone had an opinion or story to share! <br />
<br />
Some were helpful, others... not so much!<br />
<br />
Over the past few months a number of people have asked us if we had ever heard of a specific method for treating scoliosis. It seems to hit on an area we were curious about, and is called the Schroth Method.<br />
<br />
What we like about it, and what has prompted us to explore it as an option in addition to the bracing strategy (<i>not instead of</i>), is that it purports to target the specific muscles and curves of each patient with individualized stretches & exercises, rather than just the general core strengthening exercises we were getting from the PT.<br />
<br />
Dancer Girl already has a strong core - she's a dancer after all! What seemed to be missing in the PT program was exercises directly related to her specific curves. It just seemed to make sense to us that it would help to be more specific, but we weren't sure where to look.<br />
<br />
So when this one came up a few times in short succession we looked it up and contacted her doctor. It turns out there is a center very close to us! An initial interview is where we will begin and we figured it can't hurt to at least find out more about the program. Her back doctor is supportive, although was quick to say they can't guarantee correction.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaleO_gP9V_pldKrA1Jy1WZYG19sExMwyE_sSv7zYviaLo6zQGjrtGhyphenhyphen8pTotn3_9WMlBPFRFuwSqe58c7_85bJ5MU5ZYZSa6wrVDa6u_5fSryXVe2vOgF4H-_lp2HUIU5uEMPBV0JhLU/s1600/Schroth1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="92" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaleO_gP9V_pldKrA1Jy1WZYG19sExMwyE_sSv7zYviaLo6zQGjrtGhyphenhyphen8pTotn3_9WMlBPFRFuwSqe58c7_85bJ5MU5ZYZSa6wrVDa6u_5fSryXVe2vOgF4H-_lp2HUIU5uEMPBV0JhLU/s1600/Schroth1.jpeg" width="320" /></a>I don't think we are looking for correction so much as a program that will help stabilize her back and give her the tools to manage the curve she has as she goes through life. Correction of any amount would certainly be a wonderful bonus, but we know it may not happen.<br />
<br />
I just got off the phone with the doctor who runs the clinic and he was very helpful, friendly, and informative while also being very low-pressure. He just gives us the information and lets us make the decision about whether or not to move forward. He also made sure to mention that Dancer Girl is going to need to be motivated for it to work - having supportive parents is nice, but she is the one that needs to want to do the program!<br />
<br />
So far it has been very positive - we will post updates as we explore this option. Any helpful comments about direct experience with this method, or similar methods, would be welcomed!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678862402763495046.post-19272015446132249092015-03-05T18:15:00.001-05:002015-03-16T13:47:53.217-04:00Emotional Day!It has been a while since we posted anything. <br />
<br />
Mostly because things were sort of coasting along as far as the scoliosis and the brace, but also because we have been buried under snow and our routine has been challenged time after time with snow days and rescheduling!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRg_HaCNKQROMF5rY2-qToy7QF7Qm31e_SjE9tRiphCk0cudaBSoRrIgYJvi4NIXi4gKdpHjq1ri9HpeuUS4ciS9fw-9UVVsD8m3P6C4vvrvUjR-B1KAIhruzCGfHvTASNDhHmjqZoBsM/s1600/Boston_brace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRg_HaCNKQROMF5rY2-qToy7QF7Qm31e_SjE9tRiphCk0cudaBSoRrIgYJvi4NIXi4gKdpHjq1ri9HpeuUS4ciS9fw-9UVVsD8m3P6C4vvrvUjR-B1KAIhruzCGfHvTASNDhHmjqZoBsM/s1600/Boston_brace.jpg" height="200" width="127" /></a>Recently though, Dancer Girl had been complaining of her brace not fitting correctly and things just not feeling right. We made an appointment to hopefully get things adjusted to relieve the discomfort.<br />
<br />
We are looking at the real possibility of being brace-free by June so obviously didn't want to hear that she needs a new brace.<br />
<br />
The news was not what we hoped...<br />
<br />
Dancer Girl has grown about another inch, despite us all thinking she had stopped. Her brace clearly doesn't fit properly anymore and can no longer be worn effectively. The brace guy said he would recommend a new brace to her back doctor. <br />
<br />
Sigh.<br />
<br />
We set up an appointment for two weeks out to let things sort out with getting the doctor's order, insurance coverage, etc.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtnSxg4eB7PHb4nYVV2h5vW1bLFC6nvBycClq8E1svJU9GYsRSP5MEufOkgIsaOdTtBrC5Ro9LvrP3eoarUTKNFLosWLLGxXUNitp0TvQEzJoqdrlfXE230J1TTliFPckPierLzu9VE4/s1600/yogurt-vanilla-topped-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtnSxg4eB7PHb4nYVV2h5vW1bLFC6nvBycClq8E1svJU9GYsRSP5MEufOkgIsaOdTtBrC5Ro9LvrP3eoarUTKNFLosWLLGxXUNitp0TvQEzJoqdrlfXE230J1TTliFPckPierLzu9VE4/s1600/yogurt-vanilla-topped-2.jpg" height="126" width="200" /></a>Dancer Girls wasn't happy. So, we went out for frozen yogurt and did some shopping - seemed to help us both just a little bit!!<br />
<br />
When we got home there was a message from the brace guy - he had talked to her back doctor who seemed to think that there really wasn't any point in getting a new brace since she was to be out of it by June. By the time we got the brace fitted properly she'd practically be done with it!<br />
<br />
So...basically she is done! He said that IF she can wear it at all between now & our June appointment to go ahead...<br />
<br />
Right. Like that's going to happen!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZA_SPGPxRMAoJ2yuGmrlvYGTAZzY66FVExOYHRSmuyjH723KZWsNGrh_ZD8CnJHcobtOVQQ1kFyR7DRT2LiLrzd2Mcmq_eugIY3t-W-iLVmDO9w31K34De14jFkz0F5w5ua8jfoW9X-c/s1600/Smiley_Face_by_hourglassthorne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZA_SPGPxRMAoJ2yuGmrlvYGTAZzY66FVExOYHRSmuyjH723KZWsNGrh_ZD8CnJHcobtOVQQ1kFyR7DRT2LiLrzd2Mcmq_eugIY3t-W-iLVmDO9w31K34De14jFkz0F5w5ua8jfoW9X-c/s1600/Smiley_Face_by_hourglassthorne.jpg" height="154" width="200" /></a><br />
She is thrilled! No more brace!!<br />
<br />
I am happy for her but also wary - what if, when we get to the June appointment, her doctor says that the last three months brace free weren't good for her back, it was too soon, and she does in fact need a new one? That will be devastating. We will deal with that if it happens, (and will be praying that it doesn't) but for now Dancer Girl is looking forward to sleeping well again!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678862402763495046.post-71810683687035149422015-01-18T11:50:00.000-05:002015-01-18T11:50:21.735-05:00Nights it is...Dancer Girl really wanted to try and go without the brace at night when her hours were reduced. We tried for a number of weeks to make it work but we both quickly realized that we were juggling her busy schedule and brace-free activities so much she was in it most nights anyway to get her hours in.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBGdiQtediP9pW-DVKFwOwepK2PFQCk2nKI72pkMbjHwrdKzKeDkt81DWFBAFjkUhKeXDilonEY0KMoIdYh4NbYEJQwygwMsF2C21Bor2Fd68FJpFs_MqVFscFnzNJWpY9JIdqMCAcwQ/s1600/IMG_0429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBGdiQtediP9pW-DVKFwOwepK2PFQCk2nKI72pkMbjHwrdKzKeDkt81DWFBAFjkUhKeXDilonEY0KMoIdYh4NbYEJQwygwMsF2C21Bor2Fd68FJpFs_MqVFscFnzNJWpY9JIdqMCAcwQ/s1600/IMG_0429.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a>So she wears it only at night now. It seems to be working alright most nights. And, she even got a weekend free of the brace at a youth retreat up in New Hampshire recently.<br />
<br />
Now that she is in it mostly at night her need for clothes that fit over the brace has been reduced. The ones she has still fit fine though so if she needs to she can wear it during the day and still have it be nicely concealed. (The line at her waist on the photo is from a belt, not from the brace. The sweater was found at TJ Max).<br />
<br />
Maybe our next post though will be what she chooses to wear over it at night... haven't done the pajama post yet!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678862402763495046.post-14373774407376985892015-01-03T09:45:00.000-05:002015-01-03T09:45:00.825-05:00Happy New Year!We hope that everyone reading this finds peace and joy in the coming year, even as you are likely dealing with scoliosis and a back brace, or know someone who is. We know it can be difficult, frustrating, and sometimes physically painful, but we also know that you can come through it with grace and strength.<br />
<br />
We are almost at the one year mark in the brace and are looking toward Dancer Girl being free of it this year, hopefully by the time the warm summer weather rolls around. But, nothing is certain yet so we take it one day at a time.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1gMMKOxt2t5c6p_qd2fEotpVhU9k5tIn4mZ_fiIMGvyxAMp37Q8P1YgkZqGx49YpoB85xMCs_djl0M3Yoea9kmQyirO2ymgAFaGqKRafs6OZ8Y5yY4w0QYLs-xFg_U59lj19GBrze__I/s1600/friends_slice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1gMMKOxt2t5c6p_qd2fEotpVhU9k5tIn4mZ_fiIMGvyxAMp37Q8P1YgkZqGx49YpoB85xMCs_djl0M3Yoea9kmQyirO2ymgAFaGqKRafs6OZ8Y5yY4w0QYLs-xFg_U59lj19GBrze__I/s1600/friends_slice.jpg" height="136" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
My prayer for Dancer Girl this year is that she will realize how strong she is, how much she has grown, and how much her friends & family love her. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfk73YBFqVBLgd8GpJXG-EDGz7DPOa6SDaoLBtj-a5JMCfr1_w57iQwVSkMPNc_DryBgfXp6FqQkWe5jP6_TujCICNxG5vzSwSDujTDckYXgvYd__9kcAF1mie_VSw2N8YyPiJLAz1OrQ/s1600/praying+hands2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfk73YBFqVBLgd8GpJXG-EDGz7DPOa6SDaoLBtj-a5JMCfr1_w57iQwVSkMPNc_DryBgfXp6FqQkWe5jP6_TujCICNxG5vzSwSDujTDckYXgvYd__9kcAF1mie_VSw2N8YyPiJLAz1OrQ/s1600/praying+hands2.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>My prayer for us is that we will realize the same - that Dancer Girl is growing up and is able to handle more than any of us may think, and that she is surrounded by wonderful people. For that I am truly thankful.<br />
<br />
My prayer for those of you reading this who are struggling with scoliosis is that you will discover your strength and that you will be surrounded by loving, understanding people who will walk with you through this journey.<br />
<br />
And, my prayer for those of you reading this who know someone with scoliosis is that you will know how to be supportive and encouraging in the pains and the triumphs in the coming year.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678862402763495046.post-11727002519977797912015-01-01T15:06:00.001-05:002015-01-03T20:37:18.622-05:00Under the brace, for boys...Someone asked a question on one of our posts about what to do about clothes for boys in a brace since most of the information found online is for girls. Great question...<br />
<br />
She was specifically asking about what to wear under the brace. I suggested looking for "seamless tops for boys" and stumbled across a few ideas that I thought I would post for others who may be struggling with this as well.<br />
<br />
<br />
Look for ...seamless or minimal side seams<br />
<br />
....tight fitting style so it doesn't bunch under the brace<br />
<br />
....not too thick because it will be warmer in the brace already<br />
<br />
....tanks are probably best but short & long sleeves may also work in colder weather depending on what is going over the brace<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8KORsWKPJ8qQu2YWfBRbS1AveFS0Dr44_OAVmW7yETlMAZ4vqKQtnheVpx-ag4Pkur5mCJFVtmU61wKNjcnQhEVwL_NhG20l2QV__JGUyq9WODykgfI7p0q-LL3oi4S4Yicvo7VQVyqg/s1600/boy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8KORsWKPJ8qQu2YWfBRbS1AveFS0Dr44_OAVmW7yETlMAZ4vqKQtnheVpx-ag4Pkur5mCJFVtmU61wKNjcnQhEVwL_NhG20l2QV__JGUyq9WODykgfI7p0q-LL3oi4S4Yicvo7VQVyqg/s1600/boy.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a>Here is what we found so far - we will keep looking! (most of these are t-shirts rather than tank tops)<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u>Boys sizes</u></b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.smartknitkids.com/Products/compresso_t.html" target="_blank">Smart knit kids</a> (t-shirt)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://funandfunction.com/sens-ational-hip-hugging-tee-short-sleeves.html" target="_blank">Fun and Function tees</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u>Teen/Men's sizes</u></b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.jockey.com/catalog/product/jockey-seamfree-crew" target="_blank">Jockey Seam-free crew</a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrM6l9t5KcbrM4Bb9bOYLVG3cLeRWnJaf2DLe7qztWs3nee-AxI18KobGJ0wjgLExrEdgCXEB-bdjinw3USnZPpt2EGPYSURXJ-ki3O5yD144A_Vz4PYuUj5yGaQ6aPKptv_U7rKx4szU/s1600/teen+boy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrM6l9t5KcbrM4Bb9bOYLVG3cLeRWnJaf2DLe7qztWs3nee-AxI18KobGJ0wjgLExrEdgCXEB-bdjinw3USnZPpt2EGPYSURXJ-ki3O5yD144A_Vz4PYuUj5yGaQ6aPKptv_U7rKx4szU/s1600/teen+boy.jpg" height="200" width="68" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.sierratradingpost.com/terramar-dri-release-t-shirt-lightweight-short-sleeve-for-men~p~2691k/?colorFamily=07&merch=prod-rec-prod-2691K" target="_blank">Sierra Trading post t-shirt</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u>Expensive, but...</u></b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.winterkids.com/kids-6-16/kids-first-layers-ages-6-16/boys-first-layers/boys-first-layer-tops/2011-boys-seamless-compression-top-black-dark-shadow" target="_blank">Winter Kids base layer, long-sleeved top</a> (boys/teens)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.hisroom.com/spanx-602-zoned-performance-moderate-control-tank.shtml" target="_blank">Spanks control tank</a> (men)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/one-flat-jack-mens-underwear-body-shaper-seamless-sleeveless-undershirt?ID=568767&CategoryID=57&zone=PDP_ZONE_A&choiceId=cidA40011-8f730ebe-845d-44e5-b367-59e3ec6be272@H7@Customers%20Also%20Shopped$57$568767&LinkType=PDPZ1_Pos2" target="_blank">Macy's One Flack Jack seamless tank</a> (men)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/one-flat-jack-mens-underwear-body-shaper-seamless-v-neck-t-shirt?ID=568764&CategoryID=57#fn=sp%3D1%26spc%3D2%26kws%3Dseamless%20tops%20for%20men%26slotId%3D1" target="_blank">Macy's body shaper seamless t-shirt</a> (men)<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u>NOTE</u></b>: I realize this last group is pricey but it made me think that you might be able to find something similar but cheaper in the performance wear section of a sports store, especially on the sale rack, or a similar section in discount stores like TJ Max or Marshall's...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Please feel free to comment with your own ideas if you have come across better options!</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i><br /></i></b><b><i><br /></i></b></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678862402763495046.post-44722695880790488822014-12-23T10:40:00.000-05:002014-12-23T10:50:54.641-05:00Finding the new normDancer Girl was able to reduce the hours in her brace recently. This is great news because it means that the brace is doing it's job and we are heading towards a brace-free day!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82WHy_lmnM2NJ0TWvsFW5v78y2Pw3ahHWNalhjj4LCM_BK6bH3qzsN0jbCUy0VY1l8oS4fQOlskSvTtOYCJjoS9MmQjm2Aonx8b6WJZwt7UH4WK8ibfz_jUlPVW4PhelukrN3NKEGtEE/s1600/cantsleep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82WHy_lmnM2NJ0TWvsFW5v78y2Pw3ahHWNalhjj4LCM_BK6bH3qzsN0jbCUy0VY1l8oS4fQOlskSvTtOYCJjoS9MmQjm2Aonx8b6WJZwt7UH4WK8ibfz_jUlPVW4PhelukrN3NKEGtEE/s1600/cantsleep.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a>However, it means adjusting our routine and we are finding it harder to do than we thought!<br />
<br />
Dancer Girl prefers to get her hours in during the day and avoid sleeping in the brace. She hasn't ever fully gotten used to sleeping in it. Many girls do, maybe even most, but for Dancer Girl it has ben a struggle. She wasn't a good sleeper before the brace though...<br />
<br />
So, to get her hours in during the day she literally has to wear it pretty much every waking hour. That is where the problem arises.<br />
<br />
She dances. A lot.<br />
<br />
She has youth group where she'd rather not wear the brace.<br />
<br />
And church where she often helps in the nursery.<br />
<br />
And outings with friends.<br />
<br />
And homeschool classes or field trips.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYLD4KTcq3r_pm7puim71e_DPGDWUx_neecL5dtuW2cehA46s9nRfvNL10WLzZhEw4we4Rr9mPyI08W9WzInF6ofso9iTX9CoytkYx1EcYl94dAMjSeUmVzqscR4x0z09tKFndEn4AV4E/s1600/mastering-time-1-1024x863.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYLD4KTcq3r_pm7puim71e_DPGDWUx_neecL5dtuW2cehA46s9nRfvNL10WLzZhEw4we4Rr9mPyI08W9WzInF6ofso9iTX9CoytkYx1EcYl94dAMjSeUmVzqscR4x0z09tKFndEn4AV4E/s1600/mastering-time-1-1024x863.jpg" height="168" width="200" /></a>You get the idea. <br />
<br />
Suddenly getting 10-12 hours into the day isn't so easy. So we are trying to plan ahead & juggle days and nights in the brace to get her the hours during the day while reducing the number of nights she wears it.<br />
<br />
It doesn't always work, and can result in frustrations, but we are getting better at finding our new norm.<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678862402763495046.post-39929569505213418952014-12-12T23:50:00.002-05:002014-12-12T23:50:44.053-05:00Redecorating the braceThe stickers and rub-ons lasted much longer than we expected (see <a href="http://scoliosisliving.blogspot.com/search/label/Decorate%20It" target="_blank">previous post about decorating the brace</a>) and Dancer Girl decided it was time to try something new.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZai20Q1JWsw54YYXuBSCHgMyP0NNWCkVid3l8AVdkG0mB_95pkm8ArSi3bxiTjlKMNQLgjH3EZXz-Sb50nuDOWZhUeRmljEN5WkT2xABmKMxnyuQpIvID9plDdCXjkWowGuZuIjCu-o/s1600/IMG_4077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZai20Q1JWsw54YYXuBSCHgMyP0NNWCkVid3l8AVdkG0mB_95pkm8ArSi3bxiTjlKMNQLgjH3EZXz-Sb50nuDOWZhUeRmljEN5WkT2xABmKMxnyuQpIvID9plDdCXjkWowGuZuIjCu-o/s1600/IMG_4077.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a>We had tried Sharpie pens earlier but she wasn't happy with how the colors went on - too dull I think was the verdict. This time she decided to just go for black line drawings and skip the color.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvpeBlUFeH-skytMPEaygIJToVHOXntQ-rJMDv4xVqsdx025lubCxwwHOFEsstqcb_SghWMbzmF5PgelfoB6yhLNJ3apLBNqTgDlHSrM715XiQMnsepbZa36tdg1ilTgd5m_K71VvVeu4/s1600/IMG_4078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvpeBlUFeH-skytMPEaygIJToVHOXntQ-rJMDv4xVqsdx025lubCxwwHOFEsstqcb_SghWMbzmF5PgelfoB6yhLNJ3apLBNqTgDlHSrM715XiQMnsepbZa36tdg1ilTgd5m_K71VvVeu4/s1600/IMG_4078.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a>Those of you who are fans of Hunger Games & Divergent books will recognize the icons she chose to try. I think they turned out quite well!<br />
<br />
We covered them with clear tape to see if that helped it last longer. The smudging is from the original drawing process - one of the problems with using any pen on the plastic brace is that it doesn't dry as quickly as on paper and smudges are hard to avoid.<br />
<br />
Someone suggested trying crafting vinyl paper. It comes in a variety of colors with an adhesive back and can be cut into any shape you want so it might be a very nice option. If anyone has tried it we would love to see photos!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678862402763495046.post-45107877466162236232014-12-10T09:56:00.004-05:002014-12-10T09:56:51.914-05:00Reduce those hours!This morning Dancer Girl had a check-up with her back doctor. They took an x-ray out of the brace (after having not been in it for about a day) to compare it to the pre-brace curve.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilq9IQq0L8XPBJMbkmsySTTPSQ-KyuiQSe87_EuDb3Aw7w6utMkXiGgWBtyo1LNCY09_Am4d-mVtfrlaqDZrIYCU0cXjPSyiSl4zttkcVLF9EIgyC4bn-A1NlYJYy1xSrNyjN7rZtEWpk/s1600/IMG_2116+-+Version+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilq9IQq0L8XPBJMbkmsySTTPSQ-KyuiQSe87_EuDb3Aw7w6utMkXiGgWBtyo1LNCY09_Am4d-mVtfrlaqDZrIYCU0cXjPSyiSl4zttkcVLF9EIgyC4bn-A1NlYJYy1xSrNyjN7rZtEWpk/s1600/IMG_2116+-+Version+2.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>The goal of the brace is to slow or stop progression. (Correction out of the brace is a bonus if it happens but it is not actually expected).<br />
<br />
Basically, the curve is holding steady to pre-brace levels at around 27 degrees. Coupled with the fact that Dancer Girl has essentially stopped growing this was great news and has allowed her to reduce her hours in the brace. Yay!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLSO-i_7uKB-mNzNxtCPLMFGFW3eOxFNNR7hyphenhyphenLs0TvJv6AWBQXVgT2tu9EqiiHub3t7HskuHXnZdGDH95d8klInXdtF2dw7RQEySGAVtcKt7j5cTKh9L037sSnaSSEJ1i7ANlCRvvEqNI/s1600/clock.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLSO-i_7uKB-mNzNxtCPLMFGFW3eOxFNNR7hyphenhyphenLs0TvJv6AWBQXVgT2tu9EqiiHub3t7HskuHXnZdGDH95d8klInXdtF2dw7RQEySGAVtcKt7j5cTKh9L037sSnaSSEJ1i7ANlCRvvEqNI/s1600/clock.jpeg" height="200" width="200" /></a><br />
She can now wear it "only at night" or for about 10-12 hours a day if she prefers the daytime. She does. Sleeping in it has never become fully comfortable. She wasn't a great sleeper before the brace. Many girls get used to sleeping in it, some fairly quickly it seems, but Dancer Girl has never really managed it.<br />
<br />
So there were tears of joy as she learned that the brace is doing its job, she can reduce her hours, and that she will go back in 6 months for another out of brace x-ray to see if she can be rid of it altogether at that point!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678862402763495046.post-82654711883798786482014-11-17T22:18:00.000-05:002014-11-17T22:18:57.337-05:00The rotuineDancer Girl has now been in the brace for 10 months of the "about a year" time frame. We have a routine fairly set now and most days she gets her hours in. <br />
<br />
She wears it to bed most nights, takes it off first thing in the morning for a bit of a break for a shower, & during breakfast. Then it goes back on.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZU_LQDHAdz9mmaFH-5BnRerDou4RQe2V4Sm7pr7nBtruefw4BMBLL8C0ID-idbSovdRQJRAObypUu4SUx9y3sKQwB0_OXI-1DYuOmr6ZGWvqtPzCHE1XsqlDzeQPFxAoI8l3JgR96_ys/s1600/calendar.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZU_LQDHAdz9mmaFH-5BnRerDou4RQe2V4Sm7pr7nBtruefw4BMBLL8C0ID-idbSovdRQJRAObypUu4SUx9y3sKQwB0_OXI-1DYuOmr6ZGWvqtPzCHE1XsqlDzeQPFxAoI8l3JgR96_ys/s1600/calendar.jpeg" height="211" width="320" /></a>We homeschool, so most of her brace hours end up being at home which is nice for her. But, we do still have many days where she needs to wear it out to classes & groups, on errands, shopping, to church, etc.<br />
<br />
On days that are heavy with after-school activities we need to be sure to get those hours in during the day.<br />
<br />
There are days now & then when 18 hours doesn't happen - extra dance rehearsals for example, or a special outing or event, being sick & curled up in bed, or an 8-hour visit to the ER for possible appendicitis (it wasn't the appendix but was still very painful)...<br />
<br />
In a few weeks she will go to her back doctor for a series of x-rays to see how she does without the brace on compared to when she is in the brace.<br />
<br />
She is hoping to be able to reduce her hours in the brace at that point. A lot. The doctor told her last time he was hopeful she could reduce it enough to wear it "just at night". For her that was not good news - she would rather wear it during the day and not at night! I don't blame her actually...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678862402763495046.post-46318109478120767902014-11-03T22:06:00.002-05:002014-11-05T17:50:17.642-05:00Just Keep Dancing...Dance has taken over our lives. But it's all good. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2CMqzQNozRHS4g0CITNiHOBvqzWH7ywcM5J4kP2XlBpjuolUNjGrafYRDDuBHduf8OX4wNN9sq7IoSNQDg33JhPlE2ns56-FoNjRa9ajZZqXiUeIgD0FEDQbuJxvIihPci0wCGCQ7cqU/s1600/dancer-silhouette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2CMqzQNozRHS4g0CITNiHOBvqzWH7ywcM5J4kP2XlBpjuolUNjGrafYRDDuBHduf8OX4wNN9sq7IoSNQDg33JhPlE2ns56-FoNjRa9ajZZqXiUeIgD0FEDQbuJxvIihPci0wCGCQ7cqU/s1600/dancer-silhouette.jpg" height="200" width="132" /></a><br />
Dancer Girl has picked up additional ballet and modern classes at a second dance studio, both of which are taught in different styles than she is used to. This has proven to be a bit of a challenge and it is exciting to see her be pushed to take her strong foundational skills and use it in different ways. <br />
<br />
The director has been wonderfully accommodating of the scoliosis and has been checking in regularly to make sure that she is not pushing Dancer Girl beyond her limits physically, while still pushing her as a dancer.<br />
<br />
I think it has been good for Dancer Girl to see that other teachers will accommodate her back pains and limitations - that it's not just those who know her well that are willing to work with her through this.<br />
<br />
We are seeing that many of the stretches for dance have been good for her back and the routine core work will only help to strengthen her overall. And so, while it is not without it's pains, it seems as if dance has been good for her so she will keep it up. And we are thrilled that she can keep going because it brings her such joy. It brings us joy as well as we see her grow and develop from the little girl who likes to dance, into a true "dancer" who shares her passion with others.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678862402763495046.post-19087225339099991972014-10-23T20:18:00.000-04:002014-11-05T15:40:44.713-05:00Songs of Hope and Encouragement, part 2<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-OnksTLf_Q8eAa-kbnLCBC9XkfPrnPf2n9vC01Fr99neXdBcrTY5TaFh_frRi-J9H-Bu1dOEgZIvns5ZSpGhsf6j_Qik6QMAp07QOVAdvsi2rTTnI0ur-4ZctBhcHvjki9VEy_K3sSGg/s1600/listen_to_music.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-OnksTLf_Q8eAa-kbnLCBC9XkfPrnPf2n9vC01Fr99neXdBcrTY5TaFh_frRi-J9H-Bu1dOEgZIvns5ZSpGhsf6j_Qik6QMAp07QOVAdvsi2rTTnI0ur-4ZctBhcHvjki9VEy_K3sSGg/s1600/listen_to_music.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a>We have added to <a href="http://scoliosisliving.blogspot.com/2014/03/scoliosis-hope-and-encouragement.html" target="_blank">our original list of songs</a> that bring us hope and encouragement through their lyrics. Songs are chosen because they might be...<br />
<br />
- a song of friendship<br />
- a song of finding hope in hard times<br />
- a song encouraging you to push past difficulties in life<br />
- a song of faith<br />
- a song of turning to God for strength<br />
<br />
The first one is the song Dancer Girl has chosen to use for her very first competition solo this year. The rest are either recent finds or rediscoveries of old favorites...<br />
<br />
<br />
We hope you find that some of these speak to you, offering encouragement in some small way.<br />
<br />
"<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVZF5C6SZYo" target="_blank">Unwritten</a>" <a href="http://boyceavenue.com/" target="_blank">Boyce Avenue</a> with Diamond White <br />
<a href="http://mikeschair.com/music/" target="_blank">"A Beautiful Life"</a> <a href="http://mikeschair.com/" target="_blank">MIKESCHAIR </a> <br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/53160877" target="_blank">"Home"</a> <a href="http://www.phillipphillips.com/behind-the-light" target="_blank">Phillip Phillips</a><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXmgbTeY0xU" target="_blank">"Do Life Big"</a> <a href="http://jamiegrace.com/" target="_blank">Jamie Grace</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.vevo.com/watch/katy-perry/Firework/USCA31000112" target="_blank">"Firework" </a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katy_Perry" target="_blank">Katy Perry</a><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akUTPWiyGJk" target="_blank">"Where I Belong"</a> <a href="http://www.jennysimmons.com/" target="_blank">Jenny Simmons</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Id2u3osFcp8" target="_blank">"Glorious Unfolding"</a> <a href="http://stevencurtischapman.com/" target="_blank">Steven Curtis Chapman </a> <br />
<a href="http://www.francescamusic.com/album/if-were-honest-30961#" target="_blank">"He Knows My Name"</a> <a href="http://www.francescamusic.com/" target="_blank">Francesca Batistelli </a> <br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMBPkXFK_ck" target="_blank">"You"</a> <a href="http://www.brittnicole.com/" target="_blank">Britt Nicole </a> <br />
<a href="http://www.francescamusic.com/album/if-were-honest-30961#" target="_blank">"Hands of God"</a> <a href="http://www.francescamusic.com/" target="_blank">Francesca Batistelli</a> <br />
<a href="http://jamiegrace.com/fighter-official-lyric-video/" target="_blank">"Fighter"</a> <a href="http://jamiegrace.com/" target="_blank">Jamie Grac</a>e <br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIZitK6_IMQ" target="_blank">"Just Be Held"</a> <a href="https://www.castingcrowns.com/" target="_blank">Casting Crowns </a> <br />
<a href="http://www.francescamusic.com/album/if-were-honest-30961#" target="_blank">"Run to Jesus"</a> <a href="http://www.francescamusic.com/" target="_blank">Francesca Batistelli </a> <br />
<a href="http://www.whitneyhouston.com/us/music/i-look-you" target="_blank">"I Look to You"</a> <a href="http://www.whitneyhouston.com/us/home" target="_blank">Whitney Houston</a> <br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678862402763495046.post-71195382410056114222014-10-07T08:06:00.000-04:002014-10-13T13:50:57.277-04:00Scoliosis InternationalOne very interesting thing about doing this blog is that we can see where people are finding our site from in the stats section. It turns out the search for information about scoliosis is an international activity.<br />
<br />
We have had searches find our site from 20 different countries all over the world just in the past month! (Make that 21 - just added Poland to the list!).<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Australia</b></span> <span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"> United Kingdom</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Singapore </i> <span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oman </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Serbia</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">India</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Germany</b></span> <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Cyprus</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Canada</u></b></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-style: italic;">Finland </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Malaysia</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Philippines</i></span> <span style="font-size: large;">France <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Honk Kong</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Turkey</span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b> The Netherlands</b></span> <span style="font-size: large;">Romania</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Saudi Arabia </span> <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Taiwan</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Poland</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> <b style="text-decoration: underline;">United States</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUtlnz_MY4fdmfeQpvbIzNHTCW7u6XeMvcU2sZyNJzA1FwHeHasvhK4ZxzWaD9fLzykBHKjYCVSHq9YQ6NcTtbKcPesq9f-PlwMeqX1iBNJB9CFapydpQ4TJv_Ht12zVgLGoCMX8R6W0I/s1600/world-map.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUtlnz_MY4fdmfeQpvbIzNHTCW7u6XeMvcU2sZyNJzA1FwHeHasvhK4ZxzWaD9fLzykBHKjYCVSHq9YQ6NcTtbKcPesq9f-PlwMeqX1iBNJB9CFapydpQ4TJv_Ht12zVgLGoCMX8R6W0I/s1600/world-map.png" height="190" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">By far, the most hits have come from the US, with Finland and Romania coming in 2nd and 3rd respectively. Canada, Saudi Arabia, Cyprus, and the Netherlands are all close together in 4th, 5th, 6th, & 7th with the rest getting only two or three hits per country.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The most popular posts appear to be about fashion - what to wear both over and under the brace. The next most popular ones seem to be those related to dancing with scoliosis.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">We are pleased that our blog makes its way onto the list of many blogs out there that offer some great advice on these topics and share personal experiences with others to help them through this part of their lives.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I know we have found a number of very helpful sites (our sidebar links you to some of them) and are thankful to those who posted and have helped Dancer Girl deal with some of the daily pains and logistics of wearing the brace.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678862402763495046.post-16119283328535111452014-10-06T08:15:00.002-04:002014-10-06T09:55:25.452-04:00The Boston brace - our basic info<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1OwuE_cJgsAkrTFqKj8lzYijyIT6vXm2DVPCi9zN9mW4tDc9vNrkol7DLi-GJm4pxa3HUBum7Cr8yfFq_srPp9JCNcDiPy2LRb0h4OvgYKpZRzTE2xSSOK4wzhdL4XgswvgyhdMtFpo/s1600/sideview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1OwuE_cJgsAkrTFqKj8lzYijyIT6vXm2DVPCi9zN9mW4tDc9vNrkol7DLi-GJm4pxa3HUBum7Cr8yfFq_srPp9JCNcDiPy2LRb0h4OvgYKpZRzTE2xSSOK4wzhdL4XgswvgyhdMtFpo/s1600/sideview.jpg" height="200" width="127" /></a>Some friends of ours recently commented that they are never sure when Dancer Girl is wearing her brace and couldn't think of a time when they noticed her in it. This means she has managed to find clothes that help conceal it. But, it also means that many of our friends have very little idea about just what it is Dancer Girl is trying to hide because they have never seen it!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg95-UBvTgBVYg5ABUIfMgxHlYLNQXGfJWBafZs_k0hU_0YxC-YsmTGIFwAL7Og9ggHclKVbeb2VqJphlFcmyxoRoJAVC85jO_WEv6qoVze0XnS-XQlaFuqc47eTmvSAsO3ExTz3fxWEX0/s1600/IMG_1649+-+Version+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg95-UBvTgBVYg5ABUIfMgxHlYLNQXGfJWBafZs_k0hU_0YxC-YsmTGIFwAL7Og9ggHclKVbeb2VqJphlFcmyxoRoJAVC85jO_WEv6qoVze0XnS-XQlaFuqc47eTmvSAsO3ExTz3fxWEX0/s1600/IMG_1649+-+Version+2.jpg" height="137" width="200" /></a>Each brace will look a little different depending on the individual's bracing needs, but the basic frame of a Boston brace is similar from brace to brace. It is essentially a solid plastic body that wraps around the torso. Cut-out areas are created to allow for relief of pressure and to create some give in order to be able to get it on & off. Often those cut outs are covered with a stretchy fabric to provide some support.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmnmSWyqC_vpeOn8zOgHwrp-NfBjIKWtHzGGbOLStsh_Z4fNXZ6d41cYDIAaDXNjvfgdzg6qffA3uVW13mytlUCQ5b14acWMDKV-gcnnPA1tUR28PByAdSPZFlOrnlML_MjLOXzbIL0fQ/s1600/IMG_1650+-+Version+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmnmSWyqC_vpeOn8zOgHwrp-NfBjIKWtHzGGbOLStsh_Z4fNXZ6d41cYDIAaDXNjvfgdzg6qffA3uVW13mytlUCQ5b14acWMDKV-gcnnPA1tUR28PByAdSPZFlOrnlML_MjLOXzbIL0fQ/s1600/IMG_1650+-+Version+2.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><br />
Dancer Girl's goes up into her armpit and down below the hip on one side. The other side is essentially at her hip and stops below her armpit. It falls in the mid-pocket area in the back so when she sits down it is just above the chair. Similarly in the front it sits just above her lap when she is seated.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwGEGDDbwD5qM0CGRQJD2x4m6N-pC0h5HvI6BIh3LtPJWchhV-1IIvSXOyj42jSfBw77-50TeWvrYEMY8GwG7hKO1pRGTmqyHPq1mzR75SHiDG5W0sTT4trCCtZlzzBfUcFCtZiy4rwjY/s1600/puttingonthebrace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwGEGDDbwD5qM0CGRQJD2x4m6N-pC0h5HvI6BIh3LtPJWchhV-1IIvSXOyj42jSfBw77-50TeWvrYEMY8GwG7hKO1pRGTmqyHPq1mzR75SHiDG5W0sTT4trCCtZlzzBfUcFCtZiy4rwjY/s1600/puttingonthebrace.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a><br />
The front is fairly smooth with a few contoured lines that could produce a small bump in a tight fitting top. The back though is the tricky part to hide. There are three large velcro straps that do not lie nice & flat, especially after repeated use. <br />
<br />
She wears a seamless tank top underneath since seams can create areas of skin irritation and then another fitted tank over it to keep the straps as flat as possible and protect her clothing from the velcro. We have a number of posts about various clothing items she has found that work well over the brace. If you are curios, just click on the Fashion tab at the top of the page, or click on a photo on the left side bar.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678862402763495046.post-19655625821750861722014-10-02T13:17:00.000-04:002017-12-12T21:05:22.694-05:00Cute tops over the brace<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMbHDub5T23QqVcJerVv3cz4WdnuPkRGH2KjH_1oHzcI78w-3W2EUCagWy8tXTynJj12O4ACU29Bg4bfTKaH4mcaZRCAUU1LV2_79oOZGadd8yLF_1L8jSt_CIQuZaQZk4iw-aWhmx3Mw/s1600/IMG_0121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMbHDub5T23QqVcJerVv3cz4WdnuPkRGH2KjH_1oHzcI78w-3W2EUCagWy8tXTynJj12O4ACU29Bg4bfTKaH4mcaZRCAUU1LV2_79oOZGadd8yLF_1L8jSt_CIQuZaQZk4iw-aWhmx3Mw/s1600/IMG_0121.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy7CZZIUzEa1viE7fPpWNq52d95wWJhKING3oTFuCdz5vrL_24IDpcGb_ACKVmKTtz9VSIa6pQePx1mfwCFOxacNygN70zEVmNoOIWcIFWH2wOUjogx-BpoW5a97jV7nLqFI952jIbEQo/s1600/IMG_0120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy7CZZIUzEa1viE7fPpWNq52d95wWJhKING3oTFuCdz5vrL_24IDpcGb_ACKVmKTtz9VSIa6pQePx1mfwCFOxacNygN70zEVmNoOIWcIFWH2wOUjogx-BpoW5a97jV7nLqFI952jIbEQo/s1600/IMG_0120.jpg" width="150" /></a>Fall is here and so different clothes are in order. Most of what Dancer Girl wore last year still fits although she has outgrown some of it so needed a couple of replacements. The trick with this time of year is that the temperatures can change a lot from morning to afternoon to evening so lightweight long sleeves, or 3/4 length, and layers are alway good.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
This first top we found at T J Max and is a fun, casual hoodie style that is not too heavy. The pattern really hides the brace lines in the front and back but the style still retains some figure to it's form. It hangs down past the hips and the shirt underneath and the patterns on the back pockets help hide any brace lines on the pants.</div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil5SX1SMHod167Wh-6P3zUZOkRk6pDR25yIJC9pA25nT5tWHnrk5drCfa2eL6MW4Udt2SzzRh-nkr06jmKBW4NrPfsSEB9Ouz82LA92K-BDH9y5d-KkunGXO1WEvd-5inbmCmQPiO8KW4/s1600/IMG_0138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil5SX1SMHod167Wh-6P3zUZOkRk6pDR25yIJC9pA25nT5tWHnrk5drCfa2eL6MW4Udt2SzzRh-nkr06jmKBW4NrPfsSEB9Ouz82LA92K-BDH9y5d-KkunGXO1WEvd-5inbmCmQPiO8KW4/s1600/IMG_0138.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgczZeRuVyEuFS0OteXWeL0qn7nFZtNzR5hc3t0tFABz0l5MpkVfhSdvwI4DT-1pdgrnIv1wnvC8IzSq4HAAFgrTsgcuMrzKTlPpKuF01bBmksh51r-UlxceiGcovGFg1kGBG-iuo0NAMA/s1600/IMG_0139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgczZeRuVyEuFS0OteXWeL0qn7nFZtNzR5hc3t0tFABz0l5MpkVfhSdvwI4DT-1pdgrnIv1wnvC8IzSq4HAAFgrTsgcuMrzKTlPpKuF01bBmksh51r-UlxceiGcovGFg1kGBG-iuo0NAMA/s1600/IMG_0139.jpg" width="150" /></a>The second one is also lightweight and we found this at Nordstrom's Rack. It is a looser fit and a little shorter but not quite a crop top. Dancer Girl can get a casual sort of style with a tank over the brace without revealing any of the brace. Because of the loose fit it hangs in the back in such as way as to hide the brace lines.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
She is wearing a <a href="http://sugarlips.com/seamless-tank-top.html" target="_blank">Sugar Lips seamless tank</a> under her brace with both tops. She is also wearing Everyday camisole from Kohl's over the brace to protect her clothing from the velcro straps and give the layered look. That exact style is no longer available but this is similar, <a href="https://www.kohls.com/product/prd-1694177/apt-9-solid-seamless-camisole-womens.jsp?pfm=rrrecs-pdp-gtab1" target="_blank">Women's Apt. 9 Essential Seamless Camisole</a>, and is seamless so might work under the brace for some.<br />
<br />
She actually fits the top of the brace in between the camisole and the shelf bra which ends up hiding the part of the brace that fits under her arm as well as providing a bit of protection for her underarm - very clever, I thought. These come in all sorts of colors and are often on sale so stock up when you have the chance!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Also, check out the latest fashion posts on "<a href="http://cingcurvesdifferently.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">c-ing curves differently</a>"</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>- she's got some great ideas for clothes to wear over a brace!</i></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678862402763495046.post-38505901635695563192014-09-02T10:20:00.000-04:002014-09-02T10:20:32.853-04:00Keep Dancing<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ftzb6tXzlKy5koedgJJNTBjfOGU-jrbPGm9-uKaa_-mvc1swwlWtzelDkGHo3aSBdxlcH45LNswMNhsHRHEtfAfugUgNMc3Fz3wtJFYkLqcs2JdvIcwXQii1kyTC8IttjZVSZgX1qhs/s1600/dance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ftzb6tXzlKy5koedgJJNTBjfOGU-jrbPGm9-uKaa_-mvc1swwlWtzelDkGHo3aSBdxlcH45LNswMNhsHRHEtfAfugUgNMc3Fz3wtJFYkLqcs2JdvIcwXQii1kyTC8IttjZVSZgX1qhs/s1600/dance.jpg" height="200" width="169" /></a>Along with classes beginning for school, dance classes start up this week as well. Dancer Girl and Dancer Sister are both very excited.<br />
<br />
Dancer Girl is adding pointe to her schedule, following some summer introductory private lessons. It has been going well and she is thrilled that there doesn't seem to be any additional stress on her back or increased discomfort due to pointe work.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG9Wmceb4eFakXh_pKMIIsQbsgIRDYLxvbyCavmL1OKQBY883mH9wqC7453Chbnibf7oBd5XJLNjwN60bX32wul8AO3LrV7B4NnX1-BZQ0sUuiYLsPmknNj6FAzfWDrq7l5YlKI28JBRw/s1600/pointerainbow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG9Wmceb4eFakXh_pKMIIsQbsgIRDYLxvbyCavmL1OKQBY883mH9wqC7453Chbnibf7oBd5XJLNjwN60bX32wul8AO3LrV7B4NnX1-BZQ0sUuiYLsPmknNj6FAzfWDrq7l5YlKI28JBRw/s1600/pointerainbow.jpg" height="190" width="200" /></a>We have spread out her classes over more days to reduce the amount of time she is in dance class each day. This means more driving for me but less stress on her back. For now it is a good compromise. I may feel differently in the middle of winter when I am driving to dance multiple times a week in the snow!!<br />
<br />
Classes for the year include: ballet, pointe, contemporary, modern, lyrical, jazz, and dance team. She is also continuing to work on her solo for competition this year, and may join two friends for a trio competition routine. Lessons for those will be fit in periodically throughout the year.<br />
<br />
<i>(Dancer Sister is taking ballet, lyrical, contemporary, modern, tap, and dance team, as well as working on a solo for competition herself - lots of dance happening throughout the week!!).</i><br />
<br />
The countdown to dance begins!<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678862402763495046.post-70219635968119614532014-09-01T15:14:00.001-04:002014-09-08T11:43:46.354-04:00School days and the brace<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqmrbvQhuNkc3xdSFVSDuwyFXJVsJKR_e64W0qhBeK_mGFl3C3yduUUeZjE1eDUPdHIpmKb0_okvkM-6Az5JCSYNoZ7iEHoAM5dI6Cui7gvKJOfhZYbpDkNkIZEeLVJ_S3vLXazqK3jqU/s1600/Back-to-homeschool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqmrbvQhuNkc3xdSFVSDuwyFXJVsJKR_e64W0qhBeK_mGFl3C3yduUUeZjE1eDUPdHIpmKb0_okvkM-6Az5JCSYNoZ7iEHoAM5dI6Cui7gvKJOfhZYbpDkNkIZEeLVJ_S3vLXazqK3jqU/s1600/Back-to-homeschool.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Tomorrow classes start up in full force.</b></div>
<br />
<br />
We are homeschooling again this year and once a week Dancer Girl & her Dancer Sister take in a full day's worth of classes designed for homeschoolers. They are very excited to get back into things and are looking forward to seeing all their friends again. <br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>(An aside: The difference between this and traditional school, for those who are curious, is that these classes are very small at only 8-12 kids, only meet once a week for middle school, and the tutors see themselves as coming alongside families rather taking charge of the education. It ends up being a nice mix of both classroom and independent learning for our homeschool program - the best of both worlds really, since there is value in both group instruction and personalized learning experiences).</i><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_b1O_rFYKpLbQZ6XIsZCGpWcMRed8jVJ2c5wWk_qgZ47FrGQIlzz_RFCJj1-3kqWzfVBVPajq32Q4WatMIxG99FWilBKmHDdzkySRiQotfmhrfM4TdYg1Wg_B-qaMux5fpZSGHFVrisw/s1600/beanbag+chair.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_b1O_rFYKpLbQZ6XIsZCGpWcMRed8jVJ2c5wWk_qgZ47FrGQIlzz_RFCJj1-3kqWzfVBVPajq32Q4WatMIxG99FWilBKmHDdzkySRiQotfmhrfM4TdYg1Wg_B-qaMux5fpZSGHFVrisw/s1600/beanbag+chair.jpeg" height="144" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
Last January, when she first got the brace, Dancer Girl wore it each week during these classes. She only told her tutors and a few select friends about it and I doubt most people knew she was in a Boston brace. She has learned to hide it well.<br />
<br />
It wasn't easy though - certain classroom chairs were very uncomfortable, the popular beanbag chairs were next to impossible to get in & out of gracefully, it became hotter as the summer approached so the outdoor lunch breaks were tiring, and she couldn't always fully participate in some of the more physically active classes.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBYtLHxxsgK_GdTQ5-lxgsV43kBI47g9OTyK4ihyphenhyphen3eV3Sbd8I05FWMEQDCC9UbxJwt93BjP-Klam-rhK87TwJ1aByzHGvMASKzwZU0qivvRLHCRdyu4alegpbBfeeBMWZHjYiQJyVj0mE/s1600/sixflowers.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBYtLHxxsgK_GdTQ5-lxgsV43kBI47g9OTyK4ihyphenhyphen3eV3Sbd8I05FWMEQDCC9UbxJwt93BjP-Klam-rhK87TwJ1aByzHGvMASKzwZU0qivvRLHCRdyu4alegpbBfeeBMWZHjYiQJyVj0mE/s1600/sixflowers.jpeg" height="200" width="200" /></a><br />
This year she doesn't currently have any scheduled activities after her day of classes (which runs approximately 6 hours) so we are going to try to have her go without the brace for the day. <br />
<br />
Once basketball starts up this will have to change, but for now she is thrilled to be able to have a brace-free 6-hour day of class! <br />
<br />
And I am thrilled to be able to grant her that experience while still maintaining the 18 hour goal.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678862402763495046.post-370751241797650572014-08-27T14:40:00.001-04:002014-09-08T11:35:34.787-04:00Same old thingToday was a follow up appointment with the back doctor.<br />
<br />
Dancer Girl was nervous about the unknown - would he make her wear the brace more often, how much longer will she have to wear it, what if her back is getting worse...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvsGgUzAE-OMotQFjypLGsjd10Cwi2lJr8ZJa5K_lfKbJVnT8mVePGufFmIDwHOcw64xU9Q8PZjIEsMkTy0DNSdcykPvqWpTI7MpvWMdsGwrLSzS3oOm7j1TyJcFTfMVrON4TALfjm2vM/s1600/Scoliosis-Forward-Bending-Test.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvsGgUzAE-OMotQFjypLGsjd10Cwi2lJr8ZJa5K_lfKbJVnT8mVePGufFmIDwHOcw64xU9Q8PZjIEsMkTy0DNSdcykPvqWpTI7MpvWMdsGwrLSzS3oOm7j1TyJcFTfMVrON4TALfjm2vM/s1600/Scoliosis-Forward-Bending-Test.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a><br />
Before the appointment we talked through the possibilities: needing to wear it more often, keep it going as is, wearing it for fewer hours each day or only at night, not needing it anymore...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
In the end he told her to keep doing what she is doing.</div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7c_lNNn7yc9Z9zkDjPuwcRhEbThDNStZ9oTBoITjEy43Mxulm2IYelGV-B21V0AIuqnkgX6VpZorgvcOmVjTwJSYBqSIVZYjWnJ3x_hTU6qFyFwjY-OutRqW44WqZWqodfqwTgY6EUHM/s1600/scoliometer-measuring-scoliosis-bunnell-angle-of-trunkrotation-ortholutions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7c_lNNn7yc9Z9zkDjPuwcRhEbThDNStZ9oTBoITjEy43Mxulm2IYelGV-B21V0AIuqnkgX6VpZorgvcOmVjTwJSYBqSIVZYjWnJ3x_hTU6qFyFwjY-OutRqW44WqZWqodfqwTgY6EUHM/s1600/scoliometer-measuring-scoliosis-bunnell-angle-of-trunkrotation-ortholutions.jpg" height="103" width="200" /></a>They didn't do an x-ray because he doesn't like to do them too often for kids & teens - every other time unless something unexpected comes up. Since the external measurements were holding steady and she is not in any additional pain and the brace still fits he opted for no x-ray today and told her to just keep wearing it as much as she can each day.<br />
<br />
She will go back in about 4 months for the x-ray out of brace to compare it to pre-brace. The hope is that it will be good news and she will be able to reduce her hours in the brace, eventually being able to get out of it completely within 4-5 months following that December appointment. <br />
<br />
Time will tell, but for now she is relieved that it isn't getting worse. So are we... relived and thankful. We will keep praying that things continue to progress as planned over the next few months.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0