Scoliosis in younger children

[KateShmate]

So DD1 aged 6 has been diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis today, first hospital appointment of many, I'm sure!
DD had her x-ray and we then saw a specialist Consultant who she will see for the foreseeable future. X-ray showed her curve to be at 39 degrees - I understand this to be a moderate curve, i.e. not horrendous and needs immediate surgery, but enough to need treatment.
We've been given a date for DD to go into hospital for general anaesthetic to have a cast fitted - she'll have this for 4 months I think.
Just wondering if anyone had any tips or can just relate to how we're feeling at the moment! In a way I'm glad we've finally got a diagnosis as I've had my suspicions for a few months and GP agreed but the referral has taken a long time.
Hopefully hear from some of you soon :)

[KateShmate]

Bumping in hope of some replies :)

[KateShmate]

More bumping.. anyone?

[shakeyjake]

i was older than your dd when i was diagnosed with Scoliosis at 12 and was fited to a brace with i had to wear to try to stop the curvature, as that failed (as mine wasnt found till quite late on and had progressed further than your dd) i did have to go for surgery and had a metal rod fitted on my spine. from what you are saying i think your dd's curve is a lot less than mine and looks like you caught it really early, hopefully the cast wil help stop the curvature for your dd.

not sure if i am being helpfull as i was older than your dd and it was now 17 years ago so probably new treatments available now. good luck and i am sure she will be fine, my back has never stopped me doing anything and still have the rod in place.

[KateShmate]

shakey Thats really helpful, thank you :)

We have been keeping an eye on her because scoliosis runs in our family and we thought she would develop it at some stage, so like you said - hopefully we've caught it really early and the bracing/casting will help.
They still do the rod surgery, although I think it is a lot less invasive now.

Thank you again, is really helpful to get info from anyone with more experience than me!

[KateShmate]

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[Lorefolk]

Hi, I don't know if I have anything very helpful to say but my DD was diagnosed with congenital scoliosis from day 1 of her (premature) entry into life. I actually don't know what her curve is, but it's a proper S so she appears to be completely straight when dressed. In her case they decided on a operation (aged 3) to shave off bits of vertebrae in the hope this would prevent the curve getting worse, they considered rods but decided against. We have a yearly follow up and there is an expectation that she will probably need another op, but hopefully not for a few years. Whilst I would rather she didn't have this to put up with I'm always grateful that this is a 'mechanical' problem as it were, and that it is reasonably straightforward to put things right, or near enough right. Hope all goes well, and glad you can feel something is now being done.