Helpful Information; Psalm 139

I want to thank my dear friend Cindy for this website, Spine Universe. It was very informative, and detailed in explanation.

Jordan's pediatrician called late yesterday evening after hours. She gave me a little more detail. Jordan's has the "S" curve of scoliosis. One curve is 42 degrees and the other is 27 degrees. This was more severe than she anticipated. This means in her opinion that the condition has been going on for a few years now undetected, even possibly from a very early juvenile yrs. Although, severe curves can also occur rapidly within a few yrs too. The specialist will give us much more on it. She is scheduling the appointment for us to see the specialist.

We were not sure why it wasn't detected prior from our Dr. back home, but now that I think about it, I don't remember Jordan being checked at her past few well visits when she went for shots to be updated. Somehow it got missed, and I sure did not think to ask. I'm writing this part to say, PLEASE make sure your Family Dr./Pediatrician checks at EVERY well visit or physical. The earlier it is detected, the sooner they can treat and possibly avoid surgery.

I don't point fingers at all about it not being found. We know now, and I am thankful so we can do something about it from this point. =) Our Dr. back home was always very thorough, and he is a wonderful physician. Can't be "perfect"...none of us can. ;)


Here is an article from the website my friend Cindy sent to me. It was so informative. Thanks Cindy Lou!

Childhood Scoliosis: Treatment and Recovery
Edgar G. Dawson, M.D.
Treatment
A treatment plan is determined by the child's age, remaining growth potential, curve pattern and magnitude, anticipated rate of progression, and appearance.
In the past, plaster casting was routinely used to treat scoliosis. Today plaster jackets are used to treat some cases of infantile scoliosis. Casting is generally not used today except in countries where bracing is not available. Bracing is the standard treatment today used to prevent curve progression and improve deformity.

Typically bracing is prescribed for children with smaller curves ranging from 20 to 40 degrees. Bracing may temporarily correct the scoliosis but does not cure the disease. Children and teenagers may find bracing difficult because the brace can be uncomfortable, hot, rigid, unattractive, and must be worn 16 to 23 hours a day. Although well disguised under clothing, it can make a child self-conscious.

Bracing is usually not prescribed when the curve is greater than 40 degrees. Certain types of curves do not respond to bracing, such as high thoracic curves. In those situations, surgical intervention may be warranted.






















Surgery
Scoliotic curves greater than 45-50 degrees are usually treated surgically. Rods, bars, wires, screws, and other types of medically designed hardware are used to surgically control and correct scoliosis. These procedures may enable the child to sit upright thereby reducing the risk for cardiopulmonary complication. Furthermore, instrumentation (hardware) may increase the child's ability to be mobile. These devices are meant to hold the spine straight while the process of fusion occurs.

In infantile and juvenile scoliosis, rods may be implanted without bone grafts. Bone grafts facilitate fusion. Later in life, spinal instrumentation and fusion provide a more permanent treatment. Adolescent scoliosis may be treated surgically using spinal instrumentation and fusion, when necessary.

The goals of spinal instrumentation include stabilization of spinal segments, deformity correction within safe parameters, and to enhance spinal fusion. This type of surgery can be performed safely on adults with spinal deformity, usually with excellent results.

Scoliosis: Preoperative and Post-Operative X-Rays


Recovery
Whether the treatment course is conservative or surgical, it is important to closely follow the physician and/or physical therapist's instructions. Discuss any concerns about activity restrictions. They will be able to suggest safe alternatives.

Physical therapy may be incorporated into the treatment plan to build strength, flexibility, and increase range of motion. The therapist may provide the patient a customized home exercise program.

If the patient undergoes surgery, written instructions and prescriptions for necessary medication are given prior to release from the hospital. The patient's care continues during follow-up visits with their surgeon.



We need a miracle, and I know who the miracle worker is. Come what may, we will give God the glory. He put her together, and he knows Jordan's every part. She is fearfully and wonderfully made. We are all fearfully and wonderfully made.

David's sermon was on Psalm 139 Sun night when he preached! How very much God loves us.

Psalm 139. I pray you will take time to watch this beautiful video.