Re: OT Abby's 2nd / Ann Marie

[Guest guest]

She looks great!!! No asymmetry or anything -- that is

wonderful!!!

Ann Marie:

Thank you so much for your kind words! It really is nice to hear.

At Abby's bday party we had some friends come that hadn't seen Abby

since she was 5 mos old -before her bands. They weren't aware Abby

ever wore any bands. Anyhoo, they couldn't believe how round & nice

her head is, especially seems how the last time they saw her, she was

very very flat. I was soo happy to hear that! Such a huge relief

Debbie Abby's mom DOCgrad

MI

p.s....is ever gonna graduate?? LOL, I'm sure you ask

yourself that every day!

[Guest guest]

AnnMarie,

Wow, you guys are troopers for sure! That is wonderful news that

is doing so well- I'm so happy for you all! What a tough decision! I still

see some flatness on the top of ' head, but no one would ever notice.

Sorry I don't have any words of wisdom, I think your the best judge of what

to do at this point. Seems like he's done very well- do you think a few more

months would diminish the remaining facial asymmetry? If so, I would

probably give it a try. But again, seems like he's been in it a long time-

although other members can share with you on that one! So good to know that

the tort is resolved!! I know what you mean about walking in our shoes, they

are a tight fit (excuse the pun) aren't they? Good luck to you all and

just wanted to say congratulations on the correction has received

thus far- the rest is gravy!

' Mom

[Guest guest]

Debbie (and all other members),

We have an appt. with 's orthotist tomorrow afternoon. Over the past two months we have not really seen much change, if any at all. His last appt. with the orthotist was on Jan. 4th. His head looks really great -- but there is still a little flatness behind the right ear. His orthotist wants him in his STARband until he is at least 14 mos. -- that will be March 25th. He said that his soft spot is still open and his head is still very malleable. Anyone who sees him says that his head shape looks terrific and his asymmetry is almost totally gone too. I'm wondering if the "flatness" that I see is just me -- I am soooo used to seeing it that I think I might imagine that it is worse than it really is!! Do you know what I mean? Did you get that way? My husband was in Atlanta last week for business and when he came home and gave him his bath one night, he couldn't believe how great his head looked!!! (When 's hair is wet, like in the tub, is when you really notice the flatness. When his hair is dry, even I can barely notice it!!!)

Anyway, I know the STARband people will keep their patients banded until at least 18 mos. I'm just hoping that he won't have to be in it that long!!! He will be 18 mos. in July, and he was put into his band in Aug. 2001!!! That will be almost 1 year in the helmet!!!!!!!!!!! My husband is the one who is really getting tired of the helmet -- he thinks he is ready to graduate -- actually he thought he was ready this past December!!!!! I am being more patient with it than he is -- but I am now getting pushed to the limit also!!! I don't want him out of it until the orthotist says he's finished, but I'm not sure if the helmet is helping him anymore or if he even needs it. BTW, he has been in the same helmet that he was originally casted for (and that was last August)!! They've made many adjustments, but more so at the beginning of his therapy ( was 7 mos. when he rec'd. his band). They've even added a spacer to the side opening of the band to make it bigger for . I do not doubt our orthotist -- I trust him completely -- he has tons of experience with the STARbands, and I know that for a fact!! I guess I just need some reassurance or something from others who have been through this themselves. (I do not know of any other babies in our area with helmets so without this support group -- I have no one to talk to. If you've never been through the torticollis/plagiocephaly experience you wouldn't ever understand.)

Sorry this turned out to be soooo long -- I didn't expect it to!! If anyone else has read this entire novel and has any info. for me -- let me know!!!! Take care all!!!!!

AnnMarie & (13 mos.)

DX w/ torticollis -- July 2001

STARbanded -- August 2001

PS -- Torticollis is now resolved. He has complete ROM. He occasionally has a slight tilt, when sick, teething, etc. PT will stay with him until he is walking steadily on his own. (He now walks like a miniature "enstein" taking 8 or 9 steps before falling to his butt!)