Is it even worth it? - Cerebral Palsy Message Board

Squeaky027 · 07-23-2007, 04:30 PM

I have mild Spastic CP that affects both of my legs, and my right arm. I have issues with balance, but I can walk independently to some extent, like if I know my destination and what I can hold on to when I get there. I walk around the house using the walls/ furniture to catch my balance on if I start to fall, but when going places, I use a manual everyday chair. I have not had an operation since I was 9 (I'm turning 15) when I had my hamstrings lengthened for the second time. At this time I was told I would probably not need more surgery. However tan I was still using a walker more than my wheelchair, and when I went into Jr. High I started using my chair at school full time, and sitting more probably made my legs tighter. My right leg is greatly more affected than my left, and I have been having a lot of pain in that leg lately, especially in my keepcap, because my tight muscles pull on my petellar (SP?) tendon. My right foot also turns almost completely to inside when I walk up stairs (painful). I saw m orthepedic surgeon at the beiginning of July, and he said while he would not do surgery, if I was still tight on my next appointment (Sept 18) he would consider serial casting (Casting legs without surgery) to stretch them out. At this time, I would only consider having that done to my right leg, just because it is causing me so much pain, but I don't even know if it is worth it. I mean, Having a full leg cast for a whole month to get just slightly looser? But at this point the pain is so bad I'm kind of ready fpr anything. Has anyone had any experience like this before? Has anyone been serial casted? I just really don't know if its even worth it...
Please help.
Thanks so much-
Squeaky.

x3lewisgina · 07-23-2007, 04:47 PM

My son has had serial casting post botox. He was very young but from what we noticed it was good for stretching. Can you tell me more about the hamstring lengthening? They are talking about trying that with my son if another round of botox doesn't work.

JellyRJFan · 07-23-2007, 10:48 PM

I've had serial casting but mine was followed by extensive surgery, so I suppose I cannot be of much help. I'd say go for it though if you're in pain... it can't hurt to try.

Squeaky027 · 07-24-2007, 12:25 PM

well the thing with me is i absolutely cannot stand being casted. and my mom isnt up for it either. plus if they do it in sept. its the beginning of basketball season (which i can NOT miss) and the begining of high school. i just wish my mom was being more supportive... shes just like "well who would give you a bath?" and i'm just kind of like jeez mom, you have no way of understaning how bad the pain is. so i dont even know..

and for the person below me.. i've had my hamstrings done twice. once when i was 3 or 4, but that was also with a rectus transfer, heelcord, and abductor release, and i think the second time was just the hamstring and heelcord lengthing. they basically just cut the hamstring, stetch it, reconnect it, cast it and let it heal. i remember once the whole healing process was done i was in a lot less pain and wasnt walking in as much as a crouched position. it can get painful while your sitting there in casts, but if you dont do it you might end up like a pretzel years later...

JellyRJFan · 07-25-2007, 12:29 AM

before I had my hamstrings lengthened I couldn't straighten my legs... now both of them hyperextend severely.

oh well. Everything's a trade off.