As previously posted on May 18, 2011 on original blog
A little while ago, Aiden starting complaining about how his 13th Mehta cast was hurting him. Through his crying and whimpering, the triage on the open wounds caused by the rubbing of his skin against the cast, and the obvious size constraint, Amber and I didn't know what to do at this point. We called Dr. Peter Sturm at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC) and his nurses agreed to get us in right away. In the past, we would wait to get into CCHMC and only see the nurses. However, this time, Aiden was able to see the nurses, radiology technicians, surgery technicians, AND the doctor. They all agreed the cast was too tight and hurting Aiden, but made the choice to keep it on until his June appointment (his regular visit where he will have the cast taken off and degree curve measured). They broke the cast around the belly hole and re-petaled the rough edges so they didn't hurt him as much. Through all of this, Aiden showed remarkable strength. It was not until that night that our last 4 1/2 years really hit home for me.
Aiden and I were sitting on the couch and I was looking at his cast. I kept on saying how good it looked and repeatedly asked how it felt to him. Aiden began to tear up and looked down at the floor. I asked him what was wrong. For the first time in his entire treatment, he looked at me with tears in his eyes and "Daddy, I don't ever want to have a cast again!". We talked about how he has had many casts but he told me how he was sick of getting them and didn't want anymore. Amber and I are very frank with our children, so I told him that what would happen if he didn't get the casts. After a brief pause, he said, "It's ok daddy, we will be ok without a cast."
I couldn't help but grab him and hold him. Even knowing the negative consequences, he had finally hit the wall with his treatment. Aiden never complained one bit, but now, he was willing to take a serious gamble with his health in order to gain relief. It was difficult and eye opening, but long overdue. With everything he has had to endure, Aiden always showed strength. Now, he looked to his parents for comfort and relief. We explained how it wouldn't be long before he got it off and he seemed to find solace in our approach for the time being.
Amber and I know there are parents out there who endure daily struggles with their children. There are some of these parents who endure much more than we could imagine. Some of them are sources of strength for us to deal with Aiden's treatment. For all of you that have to deal with adversity, we thank you for your strength and courage!!! We wish you the best of luck in all future treatment. Just remember, there will be a time when every aspect of your child's condition will hit home, and when it does, embrace it. Be honest, be strong, and be diligent! Your child will always be your child, so cherish every moment, even when it is difficult!
Aiden and I were sitting on the couch and I was looking at his cast. I kept on saying how good it looked and repeatedly asked how it felt to him. Aiden began to tear up and looked down at the floor. I asked him what was wrong. For the first time in his entire treatment, he looked at me with tears in his eyes and "Daddy, I don't ever want to have a cast again!". We talked about how he has had many casts but he told me how he was sick of getting them and didn't want anymore. Amber and I are very frank with our children, so I told him that what would happen if he didn't get the casts. After a brief pause, he said, "It's ok daddy, we will be ok without a cast."
I couldn't help but grab him and hold him. Even knowing the negative consequences, he had finally hit the wall with his treatment. Aiden never complained one bit, but now, he was willing to take a serious gamble with his health in order to gain relief. It was difficult and eye opening, but long overdue. With everything he has had to endure, Aiden always showed strength. Now, he looked to his parents for comfort and relief. We explained how it wouldn't be long before he got it off and he seemed to find solace in our approach for the time being.
Amber and I know there are parents out there who endure daily struggles with their children. There are some of these parents who endure much more than we could imagine. Some of them are sources of strength for us to deal with Aiden's treatment. For all of you that have to deal with adversity, we thank you for your strength and courage!!! We wish you the best of luck in all future treatment. Just remember, there will be a time when every aspect of your child's condition will hit home, and when it does, embrace it. Be honest, be strong, and be diligent! Your child will always be your child, so cherish every moment, even when it is difficult!
Please visit http://www.thescoliosisfoundation.org/ for more information.
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