Re: Considering getting another evaluation for Aidan/NE

[Guest guest]

beth,

I think that's a wise thing to do. It can't hurt anything to get

another opinion. I put NE in the header to hopefully grab someone's

attention.

Hopefully will respond. Orthomerica sent her to RI (I think)

after getting 2 bad NOPCO bands. She ended up going to CT though.

Maybe she can give you some info on the RI contacts.

If they are saying he is " almost perfect " yet his head is blocky and

he has increased height maybe they don't really know how a skull

should actually look. I've met quite a few parents at our appts who

started with other bands and really believed the orthos didn't have

a good idea of what the ideal shape is and the children ended up

getting odd shaped heads even though the ortho was proud of the

progress. Our PT said she had to spend hours upon hours studying

what a head should look like.

Anyhow, let us know how it goes. I'll be thinking of you!

Mom to Dane (4 yo) and Cece (14 mo) DOC Grads

[Guest guest]

beth,

I think that's a wise thing to do. It can't hurt anything to get

another opinion. I put NE in the header to hopefully grab someone's

attention.

Hopefully will respond. Orthomerica sent her to RI (I think)

after getting 2 bad NOPCO bands. She ended up going to CT though.

Maybe she can give you some info on the RI contacts.

If they are saying he is " almost perfect " yet his head is blocky and

he has increased height maybe they don't really know how a skull

should actually look. I've met quite a few parents at our appts who

started with other bands and really believed the orthos didn't have

a good idea of what the ideal shape is and the children ended up

getting odd shaped heads even though the ortho was proud of the

progress. Our PT said she had to spend hours upon hours studying

what a head should look like.

Anyhow, let us know how it goes. I'll be thinking of you!

Mom to Dane (4 yo) and Cece (14 mo) DOC Grads

[Guest guest]

Thanks ...see, I am very conflicted b/c the ortho at NOPCO is very

experienced, he

said he has 10 years exp., and he looked 100% confident when he saw Aidans head

and

said it was in great shape. Said he has seen hundeds of heads and he would never

compromise one. NOPCO has been doing this for years right? Why shouldnt I trust

them?

This is Childrens Hospital....would they really allow NOPCO to proceed with

plagio cases if

they were not good/experienced at it?

The thing is about his helmet, from day one its a perfect fit, or it appears to

be, it never

shifts and it doesnt even brush up against his ears. He never gets red spots,

just one time

during a growth spurt. Its not crooked.

Regardless I am making at appt for Cranial in CT just to see what they say. It

cant hurt.

Thanks, you guys are the best!

>

> beth,

> I think that's a wise thing to do. It can't hurt anything to get

> another opinion. I put NE in the header to hopefully grab someone's

> attention.

> Hopefully will respond. Orthomerica sent her to RI (I think)

> after getting 2 bad NOPCO bands. She ended up going to CT though.

> Maybe she can give you some info on the RI contacts.

> If they are saying he is " almost perfect " yet his head is blocky and

> he has increased height maybe they don't really know how a skull

> should actually look. I've met quite a few parents at our appts who

> started with other bands and really believed the orthos didn't have

> a good idea of what the ideal shape is and the children ended up

> getting odd shaped heads even though the ortho was proud of the

> progress. Our PT said she had to spend hours upon hours studying

> what a head should look like.

> Anyhow, let us know how it goes. I'll be thinking of you!

>

> Mom to Dane (4 yo) and Cece (14 mo) DOC Grads

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks ...see, I am very conflicted b/c the ortho at NOPCO is very

experienced, he

said he has 10 years exp., and he looked 100% confident when he saw Aidans head

and

said it was in great shape. Said he has seen hundeds of heads and he would never

compromise one. NOPCO has been doing this for years right? Why shouldnt I trust

them?

This is Childrens Hospital....would they really allow NOPCO to proceed with

plagio cases if

they were not good/experienced at it?

The thing is about his helmet, from day one its a perfect fit, or it appears to

be, it never

shifts and it doesnt even brush up against his ears. He never gets red spots,

just one time

during a growth spurt. Its not crooked.

Regardless I am making at appt for Cranial in CT just to see what they say. It

cant hurt.

Thanks, you guys are the best!

>

> beth,

> I think that's a wise thing to do. It can't hurt anything to get

> another opinion. I put NE in the header to hopefully grab someone's

> attention.

> Hopefully will respond. Orthomerica sent her to RI (I think)

> after getting 2 bad NOPCO bands. She ended up going to CT though.

> Maybe she can give you some info on the RI contacts.

> If they are saying he is " almost perfect " yet his head is blocky and

> he has increased height maybe they don't really know how a skull

> should actually look. I've met quite a few parents at our appts who

> started with other bands and really believed the orthos didn't have

> a good idea of what the ideal shape is and the children ended up

> getting odd shaped heads even though the ortho was proud of the

> progress. Our PT said she had to spend hours upon hours studying

> what a head should look like.

> Anyhow, let us know how it goes. I'll be thinking of you!

>

> Mom to Dane (4 yo) and Cece (14 mo) DOC Grads

>

[Guest guest]

I think it's a great idea to at least do a consult at Cranial Tech

and have them evaluate the fit of the band and see if it's properly

addressing the areas where Aidan needs correction. Just b/c he

doesn't have red spots, shifting, etc doesn't mean the helmet is a

proper fit. Some babies do fine in their bands, but parents learn it

was ill fitted because of different deformation of the head--like

increased head height from the head growing out the top b/c of the

band shape or something similar. I know what you are saying about

Children's having a great reputation, but NOPCO is an Orthotic

Company separate from the hospital aside from the fact that they have

office space there. NOPCO has other locations as well. They can do

whatever they want, they are not overseen by Children's. We used a

neuro at Boston Children's, but decided on treatment at Cranial

Tech. Also, NOPCO has only been using the STARband for a couple

years, so your ortho does not have 10 yrs experience w/the product

he's using. That's an important distiction. Also take into account

that NOPCO has compromised babies' heads before--you can't question

that when you look at 's daughter's pictures that are posted on

here. They made her head worse. Of course some people have fine

experiences, but you just need to remember that the ortho will tell

you want you want to hear to keep you as a paying customer, and you

never know when you aren't getting the complete truth. I don't know

much about your story and haven't seen any pictures of your concern,

but like you said it can't hurt and you're always doing the right

thing by going with your gut and getting your facts in order.

Another thing to keep in mind is that NOPCO modifies the STARband to

be passive, so it's no longer FDA approved for one thign, but beyond

that if you're looking for more correction and if your baby is over

six mos I'd defintely want an active band. Oh, and the place

was referred to by Orthomerica Corporate was at Hasbro Children's

Hospital in RI I believe. was much more impressed w/them than

NOPCO--they actually laughed at 's butchered band had

posted and she got a helmet from there, but they weren't experienced

w/older babies, so she did eventually end up at Cranial Tech. Good

luck!

, mom to Hannah, DOCgrad

Cape Cod, Ma

http://hannahsnoggin.typepad.com

> >

> > beth,

> > I think that's a wise thing to do. It can't hurt anything to get

> > another opinion. I put NE in the header to hopefully grab

someone's

> > attention.

> > Hopefully will respond. Orthomerica sent her to RI (I

think)

> > after getting 2 bad NOPCO bands. She ended up going to CT

though.

> > Maybe she can give you some info on the RI contacts.

> > If they are saying he is " almost perfect " yet his head is blocky

and

> > he has increased height maybe they don't really know how a skull

> > should actually look. I've met quite a few parents at our appts

who

> > started with other bands and really believed the orthos didn't

have

> > a good idea of what the ideal shape is and the children ended up

> > getting odd shaped heads even though the ortho was proud of the

> > progress. Our PT said she had to spend hours upon hours studying

> > what a head should look like.

> > Anyhow, let us know how it goes. I'll be thinking of you!

> >

> > Mom to Dane (4 yo) and Cece (14 mo) DOC Grads

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I think it's a great idea to at least do a consult at Cranial Tech

and have them evaluate the fit of the band and see if it's properly

addressing the areas where Aidan needs correction. Just b/c he

doesn't have red spots, shifting, etc doesn't mean the helmet is a

proper fit. Some babies do fine in their bands, but parents learn it

was ill fitted because of different deformation of the head--like

increased head height from the head growing out the top b/c of the

band shape or something similar. I know what you are saying about

Children's having a great reputation, but NOPCO is an Orthotic

Company separate from the hospital aside from the fact that they have

office space there. NOPCO has other locations as well. They can do

whatever they want, they are not overseen by Children's. We used a

neuro at Boston Children's, but decided on treatment at Cranial

Tech. Also, NOPCO has only been using the STARband for a couple

years, so your ortho does not have 10 yrs experience w/the product

he's using. That's an important distiction. Also take into account

that NOPCO has compromised babies' heads before--you can't question

that when you look at 's daughter's pictures that are posted on

here. They made her head worse. Of course some people have fine

experiences, but you just need to remember that the ortho will tell

you want you want to hear to keep you as a paying customer, and you

never know when you aren't getting the complete truth. I don't know

much about your story and haven't seen any pictures of your concern,

but like you said it can't hurt and you're always doing the right

thing by going with your gut and getting your facts in order.

Another thing to keep in mind is that NOPCO modifies the STARband to

be passive, so it's no longer FDA approved for one thign, but beyond

that if you're looking for more correction and if your baby is over

six mos I'd defintely want an active band. Oh, and the place

was referred to by Orthomerica Corporate was at Hasbro Children's

Hospital in RI I believe. was much more impressed w/them than

NOPCO--they actually laughed at 's butchered band had

posted and she got a helmet from there, but they weren't experienced

w/older babies, so she did eventually end up at Cranial Tech. Good

luck!

, mom to Hannah, DOCgrad

Cape Cod, Ma

http://hannahsnoggin.typepad.com

> >

> > beth,

> > I think that's a wise thing to do. It can't hurt anything to get

> > another opinion. I put NE in the header to hopefully grab

someone's

> > attention.

> > Hopefully will respond. Orthomerica sent her to RI (I

think)

> > after getting 2 bad NOPCO bands. She ended up going to CT

though.

> > Maybe she can give you some info on the RI contacts.

> > If they are saying he is " almost perfect " yet his head is blocky

and

> > he has increased height maybe they don't really know how a skull

> > should actually look. I've met quite a few parents at our appts

who

> > started with other bands and really believed the orthos didn't

have

> > a good idea of what the ideal shape is and the children ended up

> > getting odd shaped heads even though the ortho was proud of the

> > progress. Our PT said she had to spend hours upon hours studying

> > what a head should look like.

> > Anyhow, let us know how it goes. I'll be thinking of you!

> >

> > Mom to Dane (4 yo) and Cece (14 mo) DOC Grads

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Ok, this may sound like a dumb question, but say i go to cranial tech for a

consult.

wouldnt they want my business/money too? what if they try to manipulate me into

thinking the starband is pure evil and that i must get a docband? it is a

business, just like

nopco, after all, right? how can i trust them any more than i can trust nopco?

nopco

already has our money-we had to pay the full bill out of pocket b/c unicare

refused to pay.

thoughts? am i being paranoid?

i am going to post some pics of aidan tonight in his helmet and without it for

you guys to

takle a peek, i really value this groups opinions.

ahhhhhhhh stress stress stress!!!! i havent had a full nights sleep in days!!

marybeth

> > >

> > > beth,

> > > I think that's a wise thing to do. It can't hurt anything to get

> > > another opinion. I put NE in the header to hopefully grab

> someone's

> > > attention.

> > > Hopefully will respond. Orthomerica sent her to RI (I

> think)

> > > after getting 2 bad NOPCO bands. She ended up going to CT

> though.

> > > Maybe she can give you some info on the RI contacts.

> > > If they are saying he is " almost perfect " yet his head is blocky

> and

> > > he has increased height maybe they don't really know how a skull

> > > should actually look. I've met quite a few parents at our appts

> who

> > > started with other bands and really believed the orthos didn't

> have

> > > a good idea of what the ideal shape is and the children ended up

> > > getting odd shaped heads even though the ortho was proud of the

> > > progress. Our PT said she had to spend hours upon hours studying

> > > what a head should look like.

> > > Anyhow, let us know how it goes. I'll be thinking of you!

> > >

> > > Mom to Dane (4 yo) and Cece (14 mo) DOC Grads

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Ok, this may sound like a dumb question, but say i go to cranial tech for a

consult.

wouldnt they want my business/money too? what if they try to manipulate me into

thinking the starband is pure evil and that i must get a docband? it is a

business, just like

nopco, after all, right? how can i trust them any more than i can trust nopco?

nopco

already has our money-we had to pay the full bill out of pocket b/c unicare

refused to pay.

thoughts? am i being paranoid?

i am going to post some pics of aidan tonight in his helmet and without it for

you guys to

takle a peek, i really value this groups opinions.

ahhhhhhhh stress stress stress!!!! i havent had a full nights sleep in days!!

marybeth

> > >

> > > beth,

> > > I think that's a wise thing to do. It can't hurt anything to get

> > > another opinion. I put NE in the header to hopefully grab

> someone's

> > > attention.

> > > Hopefully will respond. Orthomerica sent her to RI (I

> think)

> > > after getting 2 bad NOPCO bands. She ended up going to CT

> though.

> > > Maybe she can give you some info on the RI contacts.

> > > If they are saying he is " almost perfect " yet his head is blocky

> and

> > > he has increased height maybe they don't really know how a skull

> > > should actually look. I've met quite a few parents at our appts

> who

> > > started with other bands and really believed the orthos didn't

> have

> > > a good idea of what the ideal shape is and the children ended up

> > > getting odd shaped heads even though the ortho was proud of the

> > > progress. Our PT said she had to spend hours upon hours studying

> > > what a head should look like.

> > > Anyhow, let us know how it goes. I'll be thinking of you!

> > >

> > > Mom to Dane (4 yo) and Cece (14 mo) DOC Grads

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

While CT of course needs business to stay afloat, they will not band

a baby who doesn't need it. They can't make a band w/no holding

points. Plus, if parents aren't able to see correction, they're

going to complain and CT wouldn't have the great reputation they do

if that were the case. There have been plenty of parents on this

board who have gone for a consult at CT only to be told their child

is not a banding candidate. As far as them taking the evil STARband,

gotta get a DOC approach and the trust issue, you need to ask

questions so you understand that that isn't happening! NOPCO said

not to worry b/c they have 10yrs experience, etc, but did they show

you why the helmet was designed properly and where it is currently

allowing his head to grow and how it has already changed? You

deserve an explanation to everything! If you are unhappy w/his

shape, ask how they're going to fix it. If CT says he shoudl have a

DOCband, ask why, ask what areas of his head it will and will not

address/correct. Ask them where he needs further correction and if

his current band is designed to address that. Without even looking

at your baby's head CT would be able to look at his band and tell you

what it is designed to correct. Don't be afraid to ask lots of

questions and have them explain things to you. THis goes for NOPCO

and CT! You should be able to completely understand what is going on

w/his treatment and what to expect in the end. Beyond that you

should be at ease with it! As far as insurance/money aspect, if

you're not 100% happy w/NOPCO and have to switch because of a problem

w/the band or correction, you deserve to get your money back.

> > > >

> > > > beth,

> > > > I think that's a wise thing to do. It can't hurt anything to

get

> > > > another opinion. I put NE in the header to hopefully grab

> > someone's

> > > > attention.

> > > > Hopefully will respond. Orthomerica sent her to RI (I

> > think)

> > > > after getting 2 bad NOPCO bands. She ended up going to CT

> > though.

> > > > Maybe she can give you some info on the RI contacts.

> > > > If they are saying he is " almost perfect " yet his head is

blocky

> > and

> > > > he has increased height maybe they don't really know how a

skull

> > > > should actually look. I've met quite a few parents at our

appts

> > who

> > > > started with other bands and really believed the orthos

didn't

> > have

> > > > a good idea of what the ideal shape is and the children ended

up

> > > > getting odd shaped heads even though the ortho was proud of

the

> > > > progress. Our PT said she had to spend hours upon hours

studying

> > > > what a head should look like.

> > > > Anyhow, let us know how it goes. I'll be thinking of you!

> > > >

> > > > Mom to Dane (4 yo) and Cece (14 mo) DOC Grads

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

While CT of course needs business to stay afloat, they will not band

a baby who doesn't need it. They can't make a band w/no holding

points. Plus, if parents aren't able to see correction, they're

going to complain and CT wouldn't have the great reputation they do

if that were the case. There have been plenty of parents on this

board who have gone for a consult at CT only to be told their child

is not a banding candidate. As far as them taking the evil STARband,

gotta get a DOC approach and the trust issue, you need to ask

questions so you understand that that isn't happening! NOPCO said

not to worry b/c they have 10yrs experience, etc, but did they show

you why the helmet was designed properly and where it is currently

allowing his head to grow and how it has already changed? You

deserve an explanation to everything! If you are unhappy w/his

shape, ask how they're going to fix it. If CT says he shoudl have a

DOCband, ask why, ask what areas of his head it will and will not

address/correct. Ask them where he needs further correction and if

his current band is designed to address that. Without even looking

at your baby's head CT would be able to look at his band and tell you

what it is designed to correct. Don't be afraid to ask lots of

questions and have them explain things to you. THis goes for NOPCO

and CT! You should be able to completely understand what is going on

w/his treatment and what to expect in the end. Beyond that you

should be at ease with it! As far as insurance/money aspect, if

you're not 100% happy w/NOPCO and have to switch because of a problem

w/the band or correction, you deserve to get your money back.

> > > >

> > > > beth,

> > > > I think that's a wise thing to do. It can't hurt anything to

get

> > > > another opinion. I put NE in the header to hopefully grab

> > someone's

> > > > attention.

> > > > Hopefully will respond. Orthomerica sent her to RI (I

> > think)

> > > > after getting 2 bad NOPCO bands. She ended up going to CT

> > though.

> > > > Maybe she can give you some info on the RI contacts.

> > > > If they are saying he is " almost perfect " yet his head is

blocky

> > and

> > > > he has increased height maybe they don't really know how a

skull

> > > > should actually look. I've met quite a few parents at our

appts

> > who

> > > > started with other bands and really believed the orthos

didn't

> > have

> > > > a good idea of what the ideal shape is and the children ended

up

> > > > getting odd shaped heads even though the ortho was proud of

the

> > > > progress. Our PT said she had to spend hours upon hours

studying

> > > > what a head should look like.

> > > > Anyhow, let us know how it goes. I'll be thinking of you!

> > > >

> > > > Mom to Dane (4 yo) and Cece (14 mo) DOC Grads

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Of course it's natural to feel the way you are feeling and to be

suspicios and gun-shy, but please believe that CT doesn't need to

bully ayone into getting their band. They treat enough babies a

year that actually need their services, that they have no reason to

bully someone who does not. Yes, of course they are a business, but

they are a business with a fine reputation and they won't put that

reputation in jeopardy by bashing the competition or purposely

misleading parents.

I know that we can reassure you until we are blue in the face and

you will still feel a little apprehensive. That's only natural. So

for your own peace of mind, as has already said, ask A LOT of

questions. That is the only way you are going to feel comfortable

with ANY ortho you choose. Write every question down as you think

of it and ask them al, no matter how small or silly you might think

it is. Ask everything.

HTH, please let us know what you decide.

Becky

, repo grad

Pittsburgh, PA

> > > >

> > > > Thanks ...see, I am very conflicted b/c the ortho at

> NOPCO is

> > > very experienced, he

> > > > said he has 10 years exp., and he looked 100% confident when

he

> saw

> > > Aidans head and

> > > > said it was in great shape. Said he has seen hundeds of

heads

> and

> > > he would never

> > > > compromise one. NOPCO has been doing this for years right?

Why

> > > shouldnt I trust them?

> > > > This is Childrens Hospital....would they really allow NOPCO

to

> > > proceed with plagio cases if

> > > > they were not good/experienced at it?

> > > >

> > > > The thing is about his helmet, from day one its a perfect

fit,

> or

> > > it appears to be, it never

> > > > shifts and it doesnt even brush up against his ears. He

never

> gets

> > > red spots, just one time

> > > > during a growth spurt. Its not crooked.

> > > >

> > > > Regardless I am making at appt for Cranial in CT just to see

> what

> > > they say. It cant hurt.

> > > >

> > > > Thanks, you guys are the best!

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > --- In Plagiocephaly , " rmanias " <manias@>

wrote:

> > > > >

> > > > > beth,

> > > > > I think that's a wise thing to do. It can't hurt anything

to

> get

> > > > > another opinion. I put NE in the header to hopefully grab

> > > someone's

> > > > > attention.

> > > > > Hopefully will respond. Orthomerica sent her to RI

(I

> > > think)

> > > > > after getting 2 bad NOPCO bands. She ended up going to CT

> > > though.

> > > > > Maybe she can give you some info on the RI contacts.

> > > > > If they are saying he is " almost perfect " yet his head is

> blocky

> > > and

> > > > > he has increased height maybe they don't really know how a

> skull

> > > > > should actually look. I've met quite a few parents at our

> appts

> > > who

> > > > > started with other bands and really believed the orthos

> didn't

> > > have

> > > > > a good idea of what the ideal shape is and the children

ended

> up

> > > > > getting odd shaped heads even though the ortho was proud

of

> the

> > > > > progress. Our PT said she had to spend hours upon hours

> studying

> > > > > what a head should look like.

> > > > > Anyhow, let us know how it goes. I'll be thinking of you!

> > > > >

> > > > > Mom to Dane (4 yo) and Cece (14 mo) DOC Grads

> > > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Of course it's natural to feel the way you are feeling and to be

suspicios and gun-shy, but please believe that CT doesn't need to

bully ayone into getting their band. They treat enough babies a

year that actually need their services, that they have no reason to

bully someone who does not. Yes, of course they are a business, but

they are a business with a fine reputation and they won't put that

reputation in jeopardy by bashing the competition or purposely

misleading parents.

I know that we can reassure you until we are blue in the face and

you will still feel a little apprehensive. That's only natural. So

for your own peace of mind, as has already said, ask A LOT of

questions. That is the only way you are going to feel comfortable

with ANY ortho you choose. Write every question down as you think

of it and ask them al, no matter how small or silly you might think

it is. Ask everything.

HTH, please let us know what you decide.

Becky

, repo grad

Pittsburgh, PA

> > > >

> > > > Thanks ...see, I am very conflicted b/c the ortho at

> NOPCO is

> > > very experienced, he

> > > > said he has 10 years exp., and he looked 100% confident when

he

> saw

> > > Aidans head and

> > > > said it was in great shape. Said he has seen hundeds of

heads

> and

> > > he would never

> > > > compromise one. NOPCO has been doing this for years right?

Why

> > > shouldnt I trust them?

> > > > This is Childrens Hospital....would they really allow NOPCO

to

> > > proceed with plagio cases if

> > > > they were not good/experienced at it?

> > > >

> > > > The thing is about his helmet, from day one its a perfect

fit,

> or

> > > it appears to be, it never

> > > > shifts and it doesnt even brush up against his ears. He

never

> gets

> > > red spots, just one time

> > > > during a growth spurt. Its not crooked.

> > > >

> > > > Regardless I am making at appt for Cranial in CT just to see

> what

> > > they say. It cant hurt.

> > > >

> > > > Thanks, you guys are the best!

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > --- In Plagiocephaly , " rmanias " <manias@>

wrote:

> > > > >

> > > > > beth,

> > > > > I think that's a wise thing to do. It can't hurt anything

to

> get

> > > > > another opinion. I put NE in the header to hopefully grab

> > > someone's

> > > > > attention.

> > > > > Hopefully will respond. Orthomerica sent her to RI

(I

> > > think)

> > > > > after getting 2 bad NOPCO bands. She ended up going to CT

> > > though.

> > > > > Maybe she can give you some info on the RI contacts.

> > > > > If they are saying he is " almost perfect " yet his head is

> blocky

> > > and

> > > > > he has increased height maybe they don't really know how a

> skull

> > > > > should actually look. I've met quite a few parents at our

> appts

> > > who

> > > > > started with other bands and really believed the orthos

> didn't

> > > have

> > > > > a good idea of what the ideal shape is and the children

ended

> up

> > > > > getting odd shaped heads even though the ortho was proud

of

> the

> > > > > progress. Our PT said she had to spend hours upon hours

> studying

> > > > > what a head should look like.

> > > > > Anyhow, let us know how it goes. I'll be thinking of you!

> > > > >

> > > > > Mom to Dane (4 yo) and Cece (14 mo) DOC Grads

> > > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

beth,

We've had lots of parents who were told by CT their child didn't need

a band. A few months ago Ingrid was having a lot of problems with her

son's Hanger band. She took him to CT in Phoenix. She was told the

band didn't fit him properly, but she was also told that he didn't

even need a band.

I checked out Aidan's pictures. I just love his cheeks. It looks as

if that right side has filled in. I do see what you are talking about

in the picture from the back.

Maybe they'll tell you that he looks good. It certainly can't hurt to

go.

I don't think they are going to brand bash. I recntly saw a post

about someone complaining that CT wouldn't tell them anything about

the other products. I don't think they want to get into that.

Good luck at your appointment. I really hope you get some good news!

[Guest guest]

beth,

We've had lots of parents who were told by CT their child didn't need

a band. A few months ago Ingrid was having a lot of problems with her

son's Hanger band. She took him to CT in Phoenix. She was told the

band didn't fit him properly, but she was also told that he didn't

even need a band.

I checked out Aidan's pictures. I just love his cheeks. It looks as

if that right side has filled in. I do see what you are talking about

in the picture from the back.

Maybe they'll tell you that he looks good. It certainly can't hurt to

go.

I don't think they are going to brand bash. I recntly saw a post

about someone complaining that CT wouldn't tell them anything about

the other products. I don't think they want to get into that.

Good luck at your appointment. I really hope you get some good news!

[Guest guest]

beth,

Excellent question! Yes, CT is a business and likes to make money

too. I think the reason we tend to trust them more is because all

of the CT locations are managed and controlled (for the most part -

the licensed centers have a little more wiggle room I think) by the

manufacturer of the DOC Band. All of the orthos get the same

training (extensive initial and then yearly follow-up). Now they

all have different personalities and some have better " bed side "

manner than others. However, we have had numerous parents tell us

that they were turned away for more repo. You don't get a hard sell

at CT. Sometimes that's a problem because parents really want it in

black and white.

When my daughter Kiersten was first evaluated they said oh yes she

is a candidate but her neck is so tight I don't think you would get

full correction. They suggested we get her in intensive PT for a

couple months and come back. That is what we did.

In addition CT does the trials and research. They are more

published. They have the clinical trials on file for the FDA

approval.

In all it's just the conisistency from one band to the next and one

location to the next along with follow-up and follow through. If

they make a mistake they remake the band.

We have never had a parent say their child's head was made worse by

CT. We have had a handful of bad fitting DOC bands that were

remade. At NOPCO we've had reports of 3 bad fits (that I can think

of) with head getting worse in less than a year. They also don't

seem to follow AAP guidelines for when children should be banded and

send infants away. We know (from their own mouths) that they make

adjustments to the STARband that make it passive and thus not the

same as the FDA cleared device. They use this passive device on

infants that would be better served in an active device, like an

unadjusted STARband.

The STARband is not what I am saying is the problem. It's NOPCO. I

don't trust them. I wouldn't take my child there. I know it's so

confusing because they are at a top notch children's hospital and

all of the drs there refer to them. I don't get that.

na, DOC Grad Feb 04, Tort Resolved

Kiersten, DOC BAnd 1/10/06, Tort

www.thefilyaws.com

> > >

> > > Thanks ...see, I am very conflicted b/c the ortho at

NOPCO is

> > very experienced, he

> > > said he has 10 years exp., and he looked 100% confident when

he saw

> > Aidans head and

> > > said it was in great shape. Said he has seen hundeds of heads

and

> > he would never

> > > compromise one. NOPCO has been doing this for years right? Why

> > shouldnt I trust them?

> > > This is Childrens Hospital....would they really allow NOPCO to

> > proceed with plagio cases if

> > > they were not good/experienced at it?

> > >

> > > The thing is about his helmet, from day one its a perfect fit,

or

> > it appears to be, it never

> > > shifts and it doesnt even brush up against his ears. He never

gets

> > red spots, just one time

> > > during a growth spurt. Its not crooked.

> > >

> > > Regardless I am making at appt for Cranial in CT just to see

what

> > they say. It cant hurt.

> > >

> > > Thanks, you guys are the best!

> > >

> > >

> > > --- In Plagiocephaly , " rmanias " <manias@>

wrote:

> > > >

> > > > beth,

> > > > I think that's a wise thing to do. It can't hurt anything

to get

> > > > another opinion. I put NE in the header to hopefully grab

> > someone's

> > > > attention.

> > > > Hopefully will respond. Orthomerica sent her to RI

(I

> > think)

> > > > after getting 2 bad NOPCO bands. She ended up going to CT

> > though.

> > > > Maybe she can give you some info on the RI contacts.

> > > > If they are saying he is " almost perfect " yet his head is

blocky

> > and

> > > > he has increased height maybe they don't really know how a

skull

> > > > should actually look. I've met quite a few parents at our

appts

> > who

> > > > started with other bands and really believed the orthos

didn't

> > have

> > > > a good idea of what the ideal shape is and the children

ended up

> > > > getting odd shaped heads even though the ortho was proud of

the

> > > > progress. Our PT said she had to spend hours upon hours

studying

> > > > what a head should look like.

> > > > Anyhow, let us know how it goes. I'll be thinking of you!

> > > >

> > > > Mom to Dane (4 yo) and Cece (14 mo) DOC Grads

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

beth,

Excellent question! Yes, CT is a business and likes to make money

too. I think the reason we tend to trust them more is because all

of the CT locations are managed and controlled (for the most part -

the licensed centers have a little more wiggle room I think) by the

manufacturer of the DOC Band. All of the orthos get the same

training (extensive initial and then yearly follow-up). Now they

all have different personalities and some have better " bed side "

manner than others. However, we have had numerous parents tell us

that they were turned away for more repo. You don't get a hard sell

at CT. Sometimes that's a problem because parents really want it in

black and white.

When my daughter Kiersten was first evaluated they said oh yes she

is a candidate but her neck is so tight I don't think you would get

full correction. They suggested we get her in intensive PT for a

couple months and come back. That is what we did.

In addition CT does the trials and research. They are more

published. They have the clinical trials on file for the FDA

approval.

In all it's just the conisistency from one band to the next and one

location to the next along with follow-up and follow through. If

they make a mistake they remake the band.

We have never had a parent say their child's head was made worse by

CT. We have had a handful of bad fitting DOC bands that were

remade. At NOPCO we've had reports of 3 bad fits (that I can think

of) with head getting worse in less than a year. They also don't

seem to follow AAP guidelines for when children should be banded and

send infants away. We know (from their own mouths) that they make

adjustments to the STARband that make it passive and thus not the

same as the FDA cleared device. They use this passive device on

infants that would be better served in an active device, like an

unadjusted STARband.

The STARband is not what I am saying is the problem. It's NOPCO. I

don't trust them. I wouldn't take my child there. I know it's so

confusing because they are at a top notch children's hospital and

all of the drs there refer to them. I don't get that.

na, DOC Grad Feb 04, Tort Resolved

Kiersten, DOC BAnd 1/10/06, Tort

www.thefilyaws.com

> > >

> > > Thanks ...see, I am very conflicted b/c the ortho at

NOPCO is

> > very experienced, he

> > > said he has 10 years exp., and he looked 100% confident when

he saw

> > Aidans head and

> > > said it was in great shape. Said he has seen hundeds of heads

and

> > he would never

> > > compromise one. NOPCO has been doing this for years right? Why

> > shouldnt I trust them?

> > > This is Childrens Hospital....would they really allow NOPCO to

> > proceed with plagio cases if

> > > they were not good/experienced at it?

> > >

> > > The thing is about his helmet, from day one its a perfect fit,

or

> > it appears to be, it never

> > > shifts and it doesnt even brush up against his ears. He never

gets

> > red spots, just one time

> > > during a growth spurt. Its not crooked.

> > >

> > > Regardless I am making at appt for Cranial in CT just to see

what

> > they say. It cant hurt.

> > >

> > > Thanks, you guys are the best!

> > >

> > >

> > > --- In Plagiocephaly , " rmanias " <manias@>

wrote:

> > > >

> > > > beth,

> > > > I think that's a wise thing to do. It can't hurt anything

to get

> > > > another opinion. I put NE in the header to hopefully grab

> > someone's

> > > > attention.

> > > > Hopefully will respond. Orthomerica sent her to RI

(I

> > think)

> > > > after getting 2 bad NOPCO bands. She ended up going to CT

> > though.

> > > > Maybe she can give you some info on the RI contacts.

> > > > If they are saying he is " almost perfect " yet his head is

blocky

> > and

> > > > he has increased height maybe they don't really know how a

skull

> > > > should actually look. I've met quite a few parents at our

appts

> > who

> > > > started with other bands and really believed the orthos

didn't

> > have

> > > > a good idea of what the ideal shape is and the children

ended up

> > > > getting odd shaped heads even though the ortho was proud of

the

> > > > progress. Our PT said she had to spend hours upon hours

studying

> > > > what a head should look like.

> > > > Anyhow, let us know how it goes. I'll be thinking of you!

> > > >

> > > > Mom to Dane (4 yo) and Cece (14 mo) DOC Grads

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

-thanks for the advice. I made an appt at CT for next week for a consult.

This is totally my fault. I didnt do enough homework-I was naive-I allowed the

nueros at

Childrens to funnel me down to NOPCO without researching other venues b/c i

thought

they were part of Childrens and I trusted them. Plus my cousin went there for

her baby and

had rave reviews. I wanted him in the band so quickly due to his age (8 mos) I

think I was

too hasty.

What exactly is meant by " passive? " Our ortho said the band isnt pressing Aidans

head into

shape, just preventing the overgrown areas from growing out any further, while

allowing

the gaps to fill in. Isnt that what its supposed to do?

I posted his progress pics-what do you think.

beth

> > > > >

> > > > > beth,

> > > > > I think that's a wise thing to do. It can't hurt anything

> to get

> > > > > another opinion. I put NE in the header to hopefully grab

> > > someone's

> > > > > attention.

> > > > > Hopefully will respond. Orthomerica sent her to RI

> (I

> > > think)

> > > > > after getting 2 bad NOPCO bands. She ended up going to CT

> > > though.

> > > > > Maybe she can give you some info on the RI contacts.

> > > > > If they are saying he is " almost perfect " yet his head is

> blocky

> > > and

> > > > > he has increased height maybe they don't really know how a

> skull

> > > > > should actually look. I've met quite a few parents at our

> appts

> > > who

> > > > > started with other bands and really believed the orthos

> didn't

> > > have

> > > > > a good idea of what the ideal shape is and the children

> ended up

> > > > > getting odd shaped heads even though the ortho was proud of

> the

> > > > > progress. Our PT said she had to spend hours upon hours

> studying

> > > > > what a head should look like.

> > > > > Anyhow, let us know how it goes. I'll be thinking of you!

> > > > >

> > > > > Mom to Dane (4 yo) and Cece (14 mo) DOC Grads

> > > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

-thanks for the advice. I made an appt at CT for next week for a consult.

This is totally my fault. I didnt do enough homework-I was naive-I allowed the

nueros at

Childrens to funnel me down to NOPCO without researching other venues b/c i

thought

they were part of Childrens and I trusted them. Plus my cousin went there for

her baby and

had rave reviews. I wanted him in the band so quickly due to his age (8 mos) I

think I was

too hasty.

What exactly is meant by " passive? " Our ortho said the band isnt pressing Aidans

head into

shape, just preventing the overgrown areas from growing out any further, while

allowing

the gaps to fill in. Isnt that what its supposed to do?

I posted his progress pics-what do you think.

beth

> > > > >

> > > > > beth,

> > > > > I think that's a wise thing to do. It can't hurt anything

> to get

> > > > > another opinion. I put NE in the header to hopefully grab

> > > someone's

> > > > > attention.

> > > > > Hopefully will respond. Orthomerica sent her to RI

> (I

> > > think)

> > > > > after getting 2 bad NOPCO bands. She ended up going to CT

> > > though.

> > > > > Maybe she can give you some info on the RI contacts.

> > > > > If they are saying he is " almost perfect " yet his head is

> blocky

> > > and

> > > > > he has increased height maybe they don't really know how a

> skull

> > > > > should actually look. I've met quite a few parents at our

> appts

> > > who

> > > > > started with other bands and really believed the orthos

> didn't

> > > have

> > > > > a good idea of what the ideal shape is and the children

> ended up

> > > > > getting odd shaped heads even though the ortho was proud of

> the

> > > > > progress. Our PT said she had to spend hours upon hours

> studying

> > > > > what a head should look like.

> > > > > Anyhow, let us know how it goes. I'll be thinking of you!

> > > > >

> > > > > Mom to Dane (4 yo) and Cece (14 mo) DOC Grads

> > > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

beth,

I looked at Aidan's pics. I actually think he has improved. The

back of his head doesn't look so wide at the top. From the top view

his head has more length, more oval versus circle. From the side

views it looks like the back has popped out some.

I don't know what CT is going to tell you. They may say everything

is fine. Don't blame yourself. You saw a good dr and they

recommended NOPCO that coupled with your cousin's recommendation

would probably have anyone going there. After my plagio experience

I have become a bit more skeptical and not so trusting of drs

As for passive versus active/dynamic (as the DOC band calls it). We

have some articles on it. The passive is shaped on the inside like

the corrected head and the baby's head just grows into that shape.

The active/dynamic uses the slightest/gentle pressure to hold the

prominent areas while giving plenty of room for the flat areas to

expand. It doesn't press. Your ortho described it more like an

active band but our information from NOPCO (and Orthomerica) says

it's passive.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > beth,

> > > > > > I think that's a wise thing to do. It can't hurt

anything

> > to get

> > > > > > another opinion. I put NE in the header to hopefully

grab

> > > > someone's

> > > > > > attention.

> > > > > > Hopefully will respond. Orthomerica sent her to

RI

> > (I

> > > > think)

> > > > > > after getting 2 bad NOPCO bands. She ended up going to

CT

> > > > though.

> > > > > > Maybe she can give you some info on the RI contacts.

> > > > > > If they are saying he is " almost perfect " yet his head

is

> > blocky

> > > > and

> > > > > > he has increased height maybe they don't really know how

a

> > skull

> > > > > > should actually look. I've met quite a few parents at

our

> > appts

> > > > who

> > > > > > started with other bands and really believed the orthos

> > didn't

> > > > have

> > > > > > a good idea of what the ideal shape is and the children

> > ended up

> > > > > > getting odd shaped heads even though the ortho was proud

of

> > the

> > > > > > progress. Our PT said she had to spend hours upon hours

> > studying

> > > > > > what a head should look like.

> > > > > > Anyhow, let us know how it goes. I'll be thinking of

you!

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Mom to Dane (4 yo) and Cece (14 mo) DOC Grads

> > > > > >

> > > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

beth,

I looked at Aidan's pics. I actually think he has improved. The

back of his head doesn't look so wide at the top. From the top view

his head has more length, more oval versus circle. From the side

views it looks like the back has popped out some.

I don't know what CT is going to tell you. They may say everything

is fine. Don't blame yourself. You saw a good dr and they

recommended NOPCO that coupled with your cousin's recommendation

would probably have anyone going there. After my plagio experience

I have become a bit more skeptical and not so trusting of drs

As for passive versus active/dynamic (as the DOC band calls it). We

have some articles on it. The passive is shaped on the inside like

the corrected head and the baby's head just grows into that shape.

The active/dynamic uses the slightest/gentle pressure to hold the

prominent areas while giving plenty of room for the flat areas to

expand. It doesn't press. Your ortho described it more like an

active band but our information from NOPCO (and Orthomerica) says

it's passive.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > beth,

> > > > > > I think that's a wise thing to do. It can't hurt

anything

> > to get

> > > > > > another opinion. I put NE in the header to hopefully

grab

> > > > someone's

> > > > > > attention.

> > > > > > Hopefully will respond. Orthomerica sent her to

RI

> > (I

> > > > think)

> > > > > > after getting 2 bad NOPCO bands. She ended up going to

CT

> > > > though.

> > > > > > Maybe she can give you some info on the RI contacts.

> > > > > > If they are saying he is " almost perfect " yet his head

is

> > blocky

> > > > and

> > > > > > he has increased height maybe they don't really know how

a

> > skull

> > > > > > should actually look. I've met quite a few parents at

our

> > appts

> > > > who

> > > > > > started with other bands and really believed the orthos

> > didn't

> > > > have

> > > > > > a good idea of what the ideal shape is and the children

> > ended up

> > > > > > getting odd shaped heads even though the ortho was proud

of

> > the

> > > > > > progress. Our PT said she had to spend hours upon hours

> > studying

> > > > > > what a head should look like.

> > > > > > Anyhow, let us know how it goes. I'll be thinking of

you!

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Mom to Dane (4 yo) and Cece (14 mo) DOC Grads

> > > > > >

> > > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

beth,

Please don't blame yourself! Given the same advice as you I'm sure I

would have done the same thing.

You don't even know if there is a problem yet. Like I said it looks

as if the flatness behind is right ear is actually better.

No matter what, Aidan is still a cutie and you are a great mommy!

[Guest guest]

beth,

Please don't blame yourself! Given the same advice as you I'm sure I

would have done the same thing.

You don't even know if there is a problem yet. Like I said it looks

as if the flatness behind is right ear is actually better.

No matter what, Aidan is still a cutie and you are a great mommy!

[Guest guest]

thanks ....I see improvment too but what do I know? What looks OK to me

may not

be correct. Im not a dr or an ortho. I was very happy with everything until I

saw that boxy

shape, now Im a little nervous although his head looks great everywhere else. I

will feel

much better after the 2nd consult. Ill keep you guys posted on what they say

over at CT.

beth

-- In Plagiocephaly , " " <monicash@...> wrote:

>

> beth,

> I looked at Aidan's pics. I actually think he has improved. The

> back of his head doesn't look so wide at the top. From the top view

> his head has more length, more oval versus circle. From the side

> views it looks like the back has popped out some.

>

> I don't know what CT is going to tell you. They may say everything

> is fine. Don't blame yourself. You saw a good dr and they

> recommended NOPCO that coupled with your cousin's recommendation

> would probably have anyone going there. After my plagio experience

> I have become a bit more skeptical and not so trusting of drs

>

> As for passive versus active/dynamic (as the DOC band calls it). We

> have some articles on it. The passive is shaped on the inside like

> the corrected head and the baby's head just grows into that shape.

> The active/dynamic uses the slightest/gentle pressure to hold the

> prominent areas while giving plenty of room for the flat areas to

> expand. It doesn't press. Your ortho described it more like an

> active band but our information from NOPCO (and Orthomerica) says

> it's passive.

>

>

>

>

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > beth,

> > > > > > > I think that's a wise thing to do. It can't hurt

> anything

> > > to get

> > > > > > > another opinion. I put NE in the header to hopefully

> grab

> > > > > someone's

> > > > > > > attention.

> > > > > > > Hopefully will respond. Orthomerica sent her to

> RI

> > > (I

> > > > > think)

> > > > > > > after getting 2 bad NOPCO bands. She ended up going to

> CT

> > > > > though.

> > > > > > > Maybe she can give you some info on the RI contacts.

> > > > > > > If they are saying he is " almost perfect " yet his head

> is

> > > blocky

> > > > > and

> > > > > > > he has increased height maybe they don't really know how

> a

> > > skull

> > > > > > > should actually look. I've met quite a few parents at

> our

> > > appts

> > > > > who

> > > > > > > started with other bands and really believed the orthos

> > > didn't

> > > > > have

> > > > > > > a good idea of what the ideal shape is and the children

> > > ended up

> > > > > > > getting odd shaped heads even though the ortho was proud

> of

> > > the

> > > > > > > progress. Our PT said she had to spend hours upon hours

> > > studying

> > > > > > > what a head should look like.

> > > > > > > Anyhow, let us know how it goes. I'll be thinking of

> you!

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Mom to Dane (4 yo) and Cece (14 mo) DOC Grads

> > > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

thanks ....I see improvment too but what do I know? What looks OK to me

may not

be correct. Im not a dr or an ortho. I was very happy with everything until I

saw that boxy

shape, now Im a little nervous although his head looks great everywhere else. I

will feel

much better after the 2nd consult. Ill keep you guys posted on what they say

over at CT.

beth

-- In Plagiocephaly , " " <monicash@...> wrote:

>

> beth,

> I looked at Aidan's pics. I actually think he has improved. The

> back of his head doesn't look so wide at the top. From the top view

> his head has more length, more oval versus circle. From the side

> views it looks like the back has popped out some.

>

> I don't know what CT is going to tell you. They may say everything

> is fine. Don't blame yourself. You saw a good dr and they

> recommended NOPCO that coupled with your cousin's recommendation

> would probably have anyone going there. After my plagio experience

> I have become a bit more skeptical and not so trusting of drs

>

> As for passive versus active/dynamic (as the DOC band calls it). We

> have some articles on it. The passive is shaped on the inside like

> the corrected head and the baby's head just grows into that shape.

> The active/dynamic uses the slightest/gentle pressure to hold the

> prominent areas while giving plenty of room for the flat areas to

> expand. It doesn't press. Your ortho described it more like an

> active band but our information from NOPCO (and Orthomerica) says

> it's passive.

>

>

>

>

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > beth,

> > > > > > > I think that's a wise thing to do. It can't hurt

> anything

> > > to get

> > > > > > > another opinion. I put NE in the header to hopefully

> grab

> > > > > someone's

> > > > > > > attention.

> > > > > > > Hopefully will respond. Orthomerica sent her to

> RI

> > > (I

> > > > > think)

> > > > > > > after getting 2 bad NOPCO bands. She ended up going to

> CT

> > > > > though.

> > > > > > > Maybe she can give you some info on the RI contacts.

> > > > > > > If they are saying he is " almost perfect " yet his head

> is

> > > blocky

> > > > > and

> > > > > > > he has increased height maybe they don't really know how

> a

> > > skull

> > > > > > > should actually look. I've met quite a few parents at

> our

> > > appts

> > > > > who

> > > > > > > started with other bands and really believed the orthos

> > > didn't

> > > > > have

> > > > > > > a good idea of what the ideal shape is and the children

> > > ended up

> > > > > > > getting odd shaped heads even though the ortho was proud

> of

> > > the

> > > > > > > progress. Our PT said she had to spend hours upon hours

> > > studying

> > > > > > > what a head should look like.

> > > > > > > Anyhow, let us know how it goes. I'll be thinking of

> you!

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Mom to Dane (4 yo) and Cece (14 mo) DOC Grads

> > > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks , thats is much appreciated.

Ill keep you guys posted on what they say over at CT next week.

>

> beth,

> Please don't blame yourself! Given the same advice as you I'm sure I

> would have done the same thing.

> You don't even know if there is a problem yet. Like I said it looks

> as if the flatness behind is right ear is actually better.

> No matter what, Aidan is still a cutie and you are a great mommy!

>

>