Some of you were around six years ago when Axel had his cervical spinal fusion. That was quite a time in our lives! Waking up in a halo brace is pretty traumatic for a kid, not to mention the pain involved.
Axel had a bone graft taken from his hip, which was actually more painful that the actual spinal fusion.
Then, the body doesn't like the halo, and the muscles of the neck are constantly fighting the restriction so neck spasms were frequent for the first couple of weeks.
What I didn't know about ahead of time was how difficult it would be to dress him in a halo! They are big, they are bulky, and they are awkward. They also don't fit in a shirt! I searched the internet for some kind of pattern. Axel was shirtless for two weeks until I eventually came up with what I'm about to show you. I very likely found it in my search but I don't have any idea where. I'm just now posting it because 1) A friend's daughter is having the same procedure done and 2) I had a really hard time finding anything when I was looking.
First, I use iron-on velcro. It has adhesive on the back so it will stick where you want it while placing it, then iron it on. It holds up in the washer and will stay on a t-shirt for about as long as your child wears the halo. If you can sew, or know someone who can, you can use sew-on velcro if you prefer. For one child medium t-shirt you'll need approximately 29 inches.
Axel had a bone graft taken from his hip, which was actually more painful that the actual spinal fusion.
Then, the body doesn't like the halo, and the muscles of the neck are constantly fighting the restriction so neck spasms were frequent for the first couple of weeks.
What I didn't know about ahead of time was how difficult it would be to dress him in a halo! They are big, they are bulky, and they are awkward. They also don't fit in a shirt! I searched the internet for some kind of pattern. Axel was shirtless for two weeks until I eventually came up with what I'm about to show you. I very likely found it in my search but I don't have any idea where. I'm just now posting it because 1) A friend's daughter is having the same procedure done and 2) I had a really hard time finding anything when I was looking.
First, I use iron-on velcro. It has adhesive on the back so it will stick where you want it while placing it, then iron it on. It holds up in the washer and will stay on a t-shirt for about as long as your child wears the halo. If you can sew, or know someone who can, you can use sew-on velcro if you prefer. For one child medium t-shirt you'll need approximately 29 inches.
You need a shirt a full size bigger than what they usually wear. Start with your shirt laid out flat.
Where to place the velcro
Here is how you put the shirt on. Keep in mind when your child has the halo on, he/she won't be able to look down to see their feet or to put their hands in the sleeves. It is better to have them sit in a chair to put their feet in, then stand up to slide the shirt up. Until they're used to their new view you'll have to help them find the arm holes.
Axel wore his halo shirts everywhere.
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