Adam’s Getting a New Hat July 20, 2007
Adam had two appointments on Wednesday to follow up with the plagiocephaly situation. It was a tough day. The combination of missed morning nap, plus two separate appointments, plus an hour and a half wait at the doctor’s office, plus the results of the day was just about enough to send us both over the edge.
First he had his second head scan. The results weren’t encouraging. Even with all of the stretching exercises and repositioning that we’ve been doing his head hasn’t improved at all. In fact, the symmetry measurement was a little worse. It was disappointing to see that number go up instead of down.
Then we went on to see the pediatric rehab specialist. She said that we could wait another month and rescan him, but that it would basically be delaying the inevitable. The sooner we get him into a helmet the better it will work and the less time he’ll have to be in it. So, helmet it is.
It wasn’t a hard decision to make from a medical standpoint. Would I rather him spend a few months wearing a helmet or spend a lifetime with a wonky head? Not hard to answer. However, from an emotional standpoint, it was a hard decision to make. I didn’t expect to be so emotional about it, but I am. I don’t want my little man to be stuck in a helmet for 23 hours a day for 3-4 months. I know it’s for the best, though, so we shall proceed.
I’m pretty sure the experience will be easier than I’m expecting. I know that little kiddos adjust quickly to such things. It’s just tough to think about. Plus, he’s already dealing with so much on the GI front. I just hate to add to that.
Like with most things, it helps to hear from other people who have dealt with the same issues. Suz has been a great help and a source of reassurance. Thank goodness for my blogging pals.
There’s some question over whether or not our insurance will pay for his helmet. His case has got to go before a predetermination board to determine whether or not the insurance company thinks the helmet is medically necessary. Instead of waiting for this process to finish we decided to go ahead and pay out of pocket so we can get the helmet ASAP. Those suckers aren’t cheap (more than a FET at my first clinic, less than a FET at my second- I wonder when I’ll stop thinking in terms of IVF $?) but what ya gonna do. Maybe we’ll get reimbursed for part of it, maybe we won’t. I’m not going to sit around and waste precious time waiting for the slow wheels of the insurance company to turn, though. We’re going to get this show on the road.
His helmet was ordered today, so I think that means he should be fitted with it not this coming week but the next. Until then I’ll be constantly kissing his cute little head.
- Posted in : our main man
- Author : amanda
Comments»
Oh, I’m so sorry to hear that your little cutie is going to have to wear the helmet after all. But I’m sure it will increase his current cuteness (if possible), and hopefully the long-term effects will be worth it. Still sucks, though.
I know its tough on us as parents when our kids have to undergo something like this, but although uncomfortable, this will not be painful for him (will it???) and he won’t remember any of it.
And he’ll be able to show off his pretty little head in no time.
Hang in there.
No, it shouldn’t be painful for him at all. If the helmet is fitted correctly then I don’t think it should even be uncomfortable for him.
My son was born in Nov. 06 (7 weeks early). And at his two month appt. we were told he was getting a flat spot on his head. We tried repositioning for a month but with no results. He got his Doc Band (helmet) in April. Luckily we caught it early and he only had to wear it for 6 weeks. Like you I was upset that he was going to have to wear the helmet but when I look back on the whole thing it was not bad at all. The helmet did not bother Tyler at all, he even slept with it on. Good luck with everything and it will be over with before you know it.
You are doing the right thing, My 5 year old has a mis-shaped head and it breaks my heart. I feel like our doctors really let us down and I should have pursued it further at the time. Now, it’s too late. You are smart to do something about early.
I’m sorry you have to do this, but glad that you can get it taken care of right away. Thinking of you.
Aw, poor babes! You that is – I understand your emotional viewpoint entirely, I would feel the same way.