Would you band a 12mth-old? (Scapho)

[Guest guest]

Hello everyone,

Well, we have decided to go with CT/DOCband for Jakob. I interviewed

two other clinics besides CT; one was a STARband clinic and the other

was a Hanger band clinic. I liked the orthotist at the other

locations but we decided that a DOCband (if we band at all) will be

best since Jakob has scapho. We now have the prescription for

banding, letter of medical need, and measurements...all we are

waiting on is approval for coverage from Cigna.

While I am waiting for word from Cigna...I wanted to take a mini-poll

of you all. I am interested in finding out how many of you would

band and your reasons for banding if you were in our situation...

Our situation, Jakob will be approx. 12mths-old developmentally when

the band goes on. The clinic is a 4.5hr drive each way. We would

almost always have to go down on a Sunday, stay in a hotel, have the

appt on Monday morning and then drive back (the cost of the hotels

every two weeks will get expensive and aren't covered by insurance).

Both CT and our neurosurgeon said we might only see 2mm of change in

Jakob's head shape since he is older.

Is this little bit of change worth all the stress of the casting,

helmet wearing, commute to CT, and other expenses?

IF we don't cast, what are the long term effects that Jakob will have

to undergo? NO, surgery is not an option for us at this time.

Finally, have any of you had great success with late casting?

Thanks for your responses!

We are just trying to decide what is best for him and our family at

this late stage in the game.

Take care,

Jen and the gang...

Jakob and (6/17/03)