Re: Help needed in making decision....

[Guest guest]

Hi Diane. I know how you feel. I have twins that are year old just

getting banned due to finacial issues. I feel like I should have done

more but my guys were so little when they were born tummy time seemed

out of the question. Neither of them could turn there head let alone

lift them. I was a very stressed out and worried about my boys to the

point that I had stomach problems. I tried everything to keep them

out of helmets but nothing worked. So are last resort is this. But My

hubby and I knew from the start that we had the option so we decided

it was best for our little guys. Just didn't know it was going to

take so long to get finacial support. We were lucky enough to get a

grant from Air Force Aid. The dicision is yours to make. Have you

tried physical therapy?? I seemed to help one of my boys but not

enough b/c he has a servier case but may help yours. Good luck and

keep us posted.

>

>

> From Diane

> New Member

> Baby , 8 months, no band, mild plagio on left side

> Alabama

>

> I really don't know what to do and I need some help/advice! My son

> has been to Children's Hospital here in Alabama to see a

specialist -

> plastic surgeon. My pediatrican referred him. He diagnosed him

> with positional plagiocephaly. He prescribed a STARband and

> referred us to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.

>

> I don't know what to do.... He has nothing else wrong with him

that

> caused him to spend too much time on his back. I feel like I've

> been a bad mother because I didn't give him enough tummy time. I

> have an older son, so I knew that tummy time was important, but

> obviously he didn't get enough of it.

>

> His plagio really doesn't look that bad. I would say it's a mild

> case. I've tried changing his position while he sleeps, but it

> hasn't seemed to help. He's 8 months old and the doctor said that

> we really need to do something quick if we are going to do anything

> at all.

>

> I just can't seem to face it that he will have to wear a helmet for

> 3+ months because of something I've done (not done).

>

> In my case, is the band just for cosmetic purposes?? What do I

tell

> people when they ask me about it?

>

> Obviously, I want to do what's best for him, no matter the cost.

>

> I'm sorry for the venting... I just really sad and frustrated. Is

> there anyone out there with some advice for me?

>

> Thank you.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Diane. I know how you feel. I have twins that are year old just

getting banned due to finacial issues. I feel like I should have done

more but my guys were so little when they were born tummy time seemed

out of the question. Neither of them could turn there head let alone

lift them. I was a very stressed out and worried about my boys to the

point that I had stomach problems. I tried everything to keep them

out of helmets but nothing worked. So are last resort is this. But My

hubby and I knew from the start that we had the option so we decided

it was best for our little guys. Just didn't know it was going to

take so long to get finacial support. We were lucky enough to get a

grant from Air Force Aid. The dicision is yours to make. Have you

tried physical therapy?? I seemed to help one of my boys but not

enough b/c he has a servier case but may help yours. Good luck and

keep us posted.

>

>

> From Diane

> New Member

> Baby , 8 months, no band, mild plagio on left side

> Alabama

>

> I really don't know what to do and I need some help/advice! My son

> has been to Children's Hospital here in Alabama to see a

specialist -

> plastic surgeon. My pediatrican referred him. He diagnosed him

> with positional plagiocephaly. He prescribed a STARband and

> referred us to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.

>

> I don't know what to do.... He has nothing else wrong with him

that

> caused him to spend too much time on his back. I feel like I've

> been a bad mother because I didn't give him enough tummy time. I

> have an older son, so I knew that tummy time was important, but

> obviously he didn't get enough of it.

>

> His plagio really doesn't look that bad. I would say it's a mild

> case. I've tried changing his position while he sleeps, but it

> hasn't seemed to help. He's 8 months old and the doctor said that

> we really need to do something quick if we are going to do anything

> at all.

>

> I just can't seem to face it that he will have to wear a helmet for

> 3+ months because of something I've done (not done).

>

> In my case, is the band just for cosmetic purposes?? What do I

tell

> people when they ask me about it?

>

> Obviously, I want to do what's best for him, no matter the cost.

>

> I'm sorry for the venting... I just really sad and frustrated. Is

> there anyone out there with some advice for me?

>

> Thank you.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Diane. Welcome to the group. Don't beat yourself up over this.

Sometimes even despite aggressive preventative repositioning,

children still develop flatness. It's not your fault and nothing

you should dwell on. Even knowing that tummy time is important, it

is hard to be as focused on tummy time as you would like when you

have an older child to care for as well. Focus now on the fact that

you are seeking treatment for little . And that you are doing

what's best for him.

The time spent ina band will really go fast. Before you know it you

will be posting about his graduation and he will have a nice round

head.

Plagio is never a strictly cosmetic issue. It can cause many side

effects down the road such as jaw alignment issues, migraines, and

hearing and vision issues. Untreated plagio can also cause self

esteem issues if other little kids notice it and think it would be

fun to tease him about it. Treatment with a band can do nothing but

help and most babies adjust to it very quickly and come to forget

they are even wearing it. When people ask you what it is for you

can take the opportunity to educate them on plgio, or you could make

up a snappy comeback about being the next Ben Roethlisberger (GO

STEELERS!) or being in training for the world featherweight title.

It's up to you, whatever makes you comfortable. And after a few

outings, you won't even notice people looking at you and .

Keep your chin up. We are all here for you. Good luck and please

keep us updated.

Becky

, repo grad

Pittsburgh, PA

>

>

> From Diane

> New Member

> Baby , 8 months, no band, mild plagio on left side

> Alabama

>

> I really don't know what to do and I need some help/advice! My

son

> has been to Children's Hospital here in Alabama to see a

specialist -

> plastic surgeon. My pediatrican referred him. He diagnosed him

> with positional plagiocephaly. He prescribed a STARband and

> referred us to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.

>

> I don't know what to do.... He has nothing else wrong with him

that

> caused him to spend too much time on his back. I feel like I've

> been a bad mother because I didn't give him enough tummy time. I

> have an older son, so I knew that tummy time was important, but

> obviously he didn't get enough of it.

>

> His plagio really doesn't look that bad. I would say it's a mild

> case. I've tried changing his position while he sleeps, but it

> hasn't seemed to help. He's 8 months old and the doctor said that

> we really need to do something quick if we are going to do

anything

> at all.

>

> I just can't seem to face it that he will have to wear a helmet

for

> 3+ months because of something I've done (not done).

>

> In my case, is the band just for cosmetic purposes?? What do I

tell

> people when they ask me about it?

>

> Obviously, I want to do what's best for him, no matter the cost.

>

> I'm sorry for the venting... I just really sad and frustrated.

Is

> there anyone out there with some advice for me?

>

> Thank you.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Diane. Welcome to the group. Don't beat yourself up over this.

Sometimes even despite aggressive preventative repositioning,

children still develop flatness. It's not your fault and nothing

you should dwell on. Even knowing that tummy time is important, it

is hard to be as focused on tummy time as you would like when you

have an older child to care for as well. Focus now on the fact that

you are seeking treatment for little . And that you are doing

what's best for him.

The time spent ina band will really go fast. Before you know it you

will be posting about his graduation and he will have a nice round

head.

Plagio is never a strictly cosmetic issue. It can cause many side

effects down the road such as jaw alignment issues, migraines, and

hearing and vision issues. Untreated plagio can also cause self

esteem issues if other little kids notice it and think it would be

fun to tease him about it. Treatment with a band can do nothing but

help and most babies adjust to it very quickly and come to forget

they are even wearing it. When people ask you what it is for you

can take the opportunity to educate them on plgio, or you could make

up a snappy comeback about being the next Ben Roethlisberger (GO

STEELERS!) or being in training for the world featherweight title.

It's up to you, whatever makes you comfortable. And after a few

outings, you won't even notice people looking at you and .

Keep your chin up. We are all here for you. Good luck and please

keep us updated.

Becky

, repo grad

Pittsburgh, PA

>

>

> From Diane

> New Member

> Baby , 8 months, no band, mild plagio on left side

> Alabama

>

> I really don't know what to do and I need some help/advice! My

son

> has been to Children's Hospital here in Alabama to see a

specialist -

> plastic surgeon. My pediatrican referred him. He diagnosed him

> with positional plagiocephaly. He prescribed a STARband and

> referred us to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.

>

> I don't know what to do.... He has nothing else wrong with him

that

> caused him to spend too much time on his back. I feel like I've

> been a bad mother because I didn't give him enough tummy time. I

> have an older son, so I knew that tummy time was important, but

> obviously he didn't get enough of it.

>

> His plagio really doesn't look that bad. I would say it's a mild

> case. I've tried changing his position while he sleeps, but it

> hasn't seemed to help. He's 8 months old and the doctor said that

> we really need to do something quick if we are going to do

anything

> at all.

>

> I just can't seem to face it that he will have to wear a helmet

for

> 3+ months because of something I've done (not done).

>

> In my case, is the band just for cosmetic purposes?? What do I

tell

> people when they ask me about it?

>

> Obviously, I want to do what's best for him, no matter the cost.

>

> I'm sorry for the venting... I just really sad and frustrated.

Is

> there anyone out there with some advice for me?

>

> Thank you.

>

[Guest guest]

Diane,

Many of us here have walked down that same path with the same feelings

you are experiencing.

Why don't you at least go to Atlanta and check out the place. See

what the orthotist says and if you feel more comfortable.

Neither of my kids even batted at their bands when they first got

them.

I just told people they flat spots and the band was reshaping the

head. If they wanted to know more I'd explain how the plagio caused

facial asymmetry and could cause TMJ, vision problems, etc. Obviously

self esteem is a concern too. And I wanted bike and sports helmets to

fit the way they should.

If they had crooked teeth I'd get them braces. They had crooked heads

so I got them bands.

Good luck with your decision. Feel free to vent here anytime

Mom to Dane (4 yo) and Cece (13 mo) DOC Grads

[Guest guest]

Diane,

Many of us here have walked down that same path with the same feelings

you are experiencing.

Why don't you at least go to Atlanta and check out the place. See

what the orthotist says and if you feel more comfortable.

Neither of my kids even batted at their bands when they first got

them.

I just told people they flat spots and the band was reshaping the

head. If they wanted to know more I'd explain how the plagio caused

facial asymmetry and could cause TMJ, vision problems, etc. Obviously

self esteem is a concern too. And I wanted bike and sports helmets to

fit the way they should.

If they had crooked teeth I'd get them braces. They had crooked heads

so I got them bands.

Good luck with your decision. Feel free to vent here anytime

Mom to Dane (4 yo) and Cece (13 mo) DOC Grads

[Guest guest]

Diane,

We just got my daughter's helmet last week, so I definitely know what

you are going through. You have to make the decision that is best for

you. In our case, we decided to try repositioning beginning at 7

months. She is 17 months now, which is late for getting a band. If I

had to do it all over again, I would probably have done it around 13

months. (We did see some improvement with repositioning, but not enough.)

Here was my thinking when we decided to go forward with it: In five

years, when I can't put my daughter's hair in ponytails because her

head is too square, I will ALWAYS regret not doing what I could have

done when I had the chance. If the band doesn't work or something

like that(unlikely), I would NEVER regret at least trying. So to me,

it was a no-brainer.

Don't get me wrong, I hate the thing. But she hardly knows it's on

already. You can put up with anything for 3 or 4 months!

And about your guilt--get over it You wouldn't even be considering

a band if you weren't a great Mom.

Let us know what you decide! Good Luck!

Janice

>

>

> From Diane

> New Member

> Baby , 8 months, no band, mild plagio on left side

> Alabama

>

> I really don't know what to do and I need some help/advice! My son

> has been to Children's Hospital here in Alabama to see a specialist -

> plastic surgeon. My pediatrican referred him. He diagnosed him

> with positional plagiocephaly. He prescribed a STARband and

> referred us to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.

>

> I don't know what to do.... He has nothing else wrong with him that

> caused him to spend too much time on his back. I feel like I've

> been a bad mother because I didn't give him enough tummy time. I

> have an older son, so I knew that tummy time was important, but

> obviously he didn't get enough of it.

>

> His plagio really doesn't look that bad. I would say it's a mild

> case. I've tried changing his position while he sleeps, but it

> hasn't seemed to help. He's 8 months old and the doctor said that

> we really need to do something quick if we are going to do anything

> at all.

>

> I just can't seem to face it that he will have to wear a helmet for

> 3+ months because of something I've done (not done).

>

> In my case, is the band just for cosmetic purposes?? What do I tell

> people when they ask me about it?

>

> Obviously, I want to do what's best for him, no matter the cost.

>

> I'm sorry for the venting... I just really sad and frustrated. Is

> there anyone out there with some advice for me?

>

> Thank you.

>

[Guest guest]

Diane,

We just got my daughter's helmet last week, so I definitely know what

you are going through. You have to make the decision that is best for

you. In our case, we decided to try repositioning beginning at 7

months. She is 17 months now, which is late for getting a band. If I

had to do it all over again, I would probably have done it around 13

months. (We did see some improvement with repositioning, but not enough.)

Here was my thinking when we decided to go forward with it: In five

years, when I can't put my daughter's hair in ponytails because her

head is too square, I will ALWAYS regret not doing what I could have

done when I had the chance. If the band doesn't work or something

like that(unlikely), I would NEVER regret at least trying. So to me,

it was a no-brainer.

Don't get me wrong, I hate the thing. But she hardly knows it's on

already. You can put up with anything for 3 or 4 months!

And about your guilt--get over it You wouldn't even be considering

a band if you weren't a great Mom.

Let us know what you decide! Good Luck!

Janice

>

>

> From Diane

> New Member

> Baby , 8 months, no band, mild plagio on left side

> Alabama

>

> I really don't know what to do and I need some help/advice! My son

> has been to Children's Hospital here in Alabama to see a specialist -

> plastic surgeon. My pediatrican referred him. He diagnosed him

> with positional plagiocephaly. He prescribed a STARband and

> referred us to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.

>

> I don't know what to do.... He has nothing else wrong with him that

> caused him to spend too much time on his back. I feel like I've

> been a bad mother because I didn't give him enough tummy time. I

> have an older son, so I knew that tummy time was important, but

> obviously he didn't get enough of it.

>

> His plagio really doesn't look that bad. I would say it's a mild

> case. I've tried changing his position while he sleeps, but it

> hasn't seemed to help. He's 8 months old and the doctor said that

> we really need to do something quick if we are going to do anything

> at all.

>

> I just can't seem to face it that he will have to wear a helmet for

> 3+ months because of something I've done (not done).

>

> In my case, is the band just for cosmetic purposes?? What do I tell

> people when they ask me about it?

>

> Obviously, I want to do what's best for him, no matter the cost.

>

> I'm sorry for the venting... I just really sad and frustrated. Is

> there anyone out there with some advice for me?

>

> Thank you.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Diane,

Welcome to the group! I see you've already received some great advice.

I just wanted to say welcome. Let us know what you decide.

Good luck,

>

>

> From Diane

> New Member

> Baby , 8 months, no band, mild plagio on left side

> Alabama

>

> I really don't know what to do and I need some help/advice! My son

> has been to Children's Hospital here in Alabama to see a specialist -

> plastic surgeon. My pediatrican referred him. He diagnosed him

> with positional plagiocephaly. He prescribed a STARband and

> referred us to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.

>

> I don't know what to do.... He has nothing else wrong with him that

> caused him to spend too much time on his back. I feel like I've

> been a bad mother because I didn't give him enough tummy time. I

> have an older son, so I knew that tummy time was important, but

> obviously he didn't get enough of it.

>

> His plagio really doesn't look that bad. I would say it's a mild

> case. I've tried changing his position while he sleeps, but it

> hasn't seemed to help. He's 8 months old and the doctor said that

> we really need to do something quick if we are going to do anything

> at all.

>

> I just can't seem to face it that he will have to wear a helmet for

> 3+ months because of something I've done (not done).

>

> In my case, is the band just for cosmetic purposes?? What do I tell

> people when they ask me about it?

>

> Obviously, I want to do what's best for him, no matter the cost.

>

> I'm sorry for the venting... I just really sad and frustrated. Is

> there anyone out there with some advice for me?

>

> Thank you.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Diane,

Welcome to the group! I see you've already received some great advice.

I just wanted to say welcome. Let us know what you decide.

Good luck,

>

>

> From Diane

> New Member

> Baby , 8 months, no band, mild plagio on left side

> Alabama

>

> I really don't know what to do and I need some help/advice! My son

> has been to Children's Hospital here in Alabama to see a specialist -

> plastic surgeon. My pediatrican referred him. He diagnosed him

> with positional plagiocephaly. He prescribed a STARband and

> referred us to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.

>

> I don't know what to do.... He has nothing else wrong with him that

> caused him to spend too much time on his back. I feel like I've

> been a bad mother because I didn't give him enough tummy time. I

> have an older son, so I knew that tummy time was important, but

> obviously he didn't get enough of it.

>

> His plagio really doesn't look that bad. I would say it's a mild

> case. I've tried changing his position while he sleeps, but it

> hasn't seemed to help. He's 8 months old and the doctor said that

> we really need to do something quick if we are going to do anything

> at all.

>

> I just can't seem to face it that he will have to wear a helmet for

> 3+ months because of something I've done (not done).

>

> In my case, is the band just for cosmetic purposes?? What do I tell

> people when they ask me about it?

>

> Obviously, I want to do what's best for him, no matter the cost.

>

> I'm sorry for the venting... I just really sad and frustrated. Is

> there anyone out there with some advice for me?

>

> Thank you.

>