Here it is...

This is it...Haley's Charleston Bending Brace in Hot Pink Camo!!

The first night she only lasted about 30-45 minutes in it.  We went in there, put it on and we were laughing and having fun with it.  She wanted Auzlyn to sleep in her room incase she needed anything, so Auz got her sleeping bag and put it in Haley's floor.  When it was time to turn the lights off and go to sleep, the tears started flowing!  It was all I could do not to cry and just tell her it's okay take it off...but I was strong and didn't.  I came back in the living room and could just hear her crying, but I didn't move.  It wasn't long I heard the velcro straps coming off!  I went in her room and Haley said I just couldn't handle it anymore it hurt too bad.  I said it was fine and went on.

The next day we talked about how she really needed to wear it or she might wind up having to wear a brace all day or even worse have surgery.  This night was much better!  At bedtime we got it on, she got situated in the bed and it was 5:45 before she woke up to take it off.  Wednesday night, she slept with it on until 7:00,  last night she kept it on until 8:00. 

Tonight she is having her first sleepover with her brace.  It is only at Meme's house, but she was still nervous about having to take it over there and actually sleep with it.  I wonder how her night is going!

Charleston Bending Brace

The time has finally arrived.  I have been waiting for and dreading this moment for the past 5 years.  I knew it was coming since I first realized Haley's back was crooked when she was 5.  Her curve has been basically holding at around 18 degrees since since we first found it.  At our last appointment in January, Dr. Johnston at TSRH said we should probably come in in 6 months instead of 9 since she is fixing to start her growth spurt.  I am glad we did!  In 6 months we went from 18 degrees to 24 degrees...if you are having a hard time with the math, that is 1 degree a month...which is significant.  With her type of curve...left "C" curve in her lumbar area...he believes all she needs is the Charleston Bending Brace which is only worn at night.  It will basically make her spine bend to the right, almost straight.  This will be very uncomfortable for her to sleep in, but she will get used to it.  I just told her hey, we start this now, you just have to wear it at night, and not all day like I had to.  Plus, it is going to be HOT PINK CAMO when mine was just plain old white.  This made her feel better, but she still said "I'm never spending the night at anyone's house again!"  She will, and with a little time she will be able to sleep just fine with it.  We go down on July 26 for fitting and to pick it up.  That weekend we will probably do whatever Haley wants to do.  She is a sweety and a fighter and this is just one battle in her life that she will overcome.

This is a picture of a Charleston Bending Brace I found on the internet.  When we get hers, I'll post some pictures of it.