Casting Director

Grasping the Casting

After visiting with our pediatrician he immediately referred us to Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. Of course being a Dallas native I had heard of this Hospital and the wonderful work they do for kids, never did I imagine we would become a Rite Family.

You can imagine the fear, shock, thoughts, that were circulating through my head. I didn't know what to expect. Valencia was born with her legs so twisted and wrapped in the bands that her legs were so misshapen and we weren't even sure if she could feel them. I remember keeping them covered even back then, I didn't want others to look at me in judgement. They didn't know that her pregnancy was normal up until she was born, they didn't know that I was dealing with daily guilt thinking that I caused this. They didn't need to know and by they I of course mean strangers, Valencia has had a village of supporters since she was born, they never judged, never questioned, just helped whenever and wherever needed. I tear up when I think about the amount of support we've had, the hugs, prayers, money, and time that everyone has helped with is nothing short of a miracle sent to us from God, he knew we were gonna need it. I digress, back to our Scottish Rite initial visit. 

 We got a call a couple of days after the referral to schedule an appointment. They make everything as smooth as possible for the families, I guess they know that we are freaking out on the inside. I mean wouldn't you? My mom of course accompanied me to her visit and every visit their after, I am so grateful to her. When we arrived Valencia was only 1 week old and after x-rays, ultrasound and numerous physical assessments, we were told the treatment plan. 

She would need to have full leg casts on her legs for the first six weeks of life with us visiting every week so they can change them out. Each time they would hold her legs in a different way in order to hopefully correct the misshapen contour. She wasn't in pain as far we could tell, she did hate having the casts removed though, it was done by Art and he was so awesome, the vibration would scare V so bad she'd just scream but only for a minute, she's never been a complainer for any procedures and that continues throughout all other procedures as you'll learn about later on. Doctors have always been so impressed with her ability to handle procedures and/or surgeries. 

Her casts gave her middle name Bella a whole new meaning, she would sometimes sound like a bell. When she had her casts on and when you'd pick her up you had to be careful because if you didn't hold her just right her casts would clink together and sound just like a bell. Each time it happened she would smile and if the saying is true "each time a bell rings an angel gets their wings" V has given a lot of angels wings. Her journey continues after the casts were off and each process we've learned so much. 

If your child also need casts on, just remember it is nerve wracking but only to us families, the babies are so resilient and don't even notice them, well hardly, refer to previous paragraph for bell sound! Keep in mind that it is only temporary and that it is working for the greater good of your baby. Feel free to comment below with questions and/or your experience with casting.