When we went to pick up the brace, the woman helping us (Mary) showed Bud an xray of his spine. On the xray a horizontal red line parallel to his hips and another red line perpendicular to that had been drawn, with the perpendicular line indicating where his spine should be.
Bud's a smart kid. Upon seeing the xray (he studied it quite a bit while Mary was out of the room and asked me clarifying questions) it eliminated any hesitancy he may have had about wearing the brace. He understands its importance and wears it without a word of complaint. So fantastic. I can't imagine what I would do if I had a battle on my hands every night when it was time to put it on.
He started out just wearing it at night while he slept, but has now worked up to the 18 hours a day they recommend. It must be helping, because some afternoons when it's time to take it off he asks if he can keep it on. It makes me wonder if maybe now he knows how his back is supposed to feel. And that makes me kind of sad.
The girls have made Bud a little nervous about wearing his brace to kindergarten with all of their speculation over wether he'll be made fun of or not (thanks, girls!), so it looks like we'll have to work in the 18 hours around that. I'm anxious for his appointment next week, where they'll take an xray with the brace on to see if it's doing its job. My fingers are crossed.
I got Bud to pose for a few pictures with the brace on, although he wouldn't let me tug his pants down to show the whole thing. It actually goes down almost to the bend at his hips.
And on the back there is one more strap under his shorts.
You're so tough, Bud. I love you!
Note: I realized after someone said they hoped Bud wouldn't have to wear the brace for long that I hadn't really made that part clear. He will have to wear a brace off and on (like 1 year on, 3 months off) until he stops growing, which in boys is about age 20. So, looks like we have about 15 emBRACE-ing years ahead of us.
6 comments:
Wow, what a mature and smart young man! Way to go, Bud! Keep your confidence up when you hit kdg, and all the kids will know how amazing the brace is and won't even think of poking fun.
What a stud!
I pictured something going over his shoulders, something like a life vest so this seems much better. He should be able to explain to all the kindergartners exactly what is going on and with understanding should come greater tolerance. A wise teacher might explain up front.
Wow, what a kid! I'm glad that he is so willing to do it and is taking it seriously. I agree with everything that's already been said. Way to go, Bud.
I added a note at the end of the post.
Bud is wise beyond his years and has a natural inclination to help others including himself with his understanding.
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