Re: So frustrated and need information -- Star vs. Hanger

[Guest guest]

Hello and welcome. The real key, regardless of which band you are

using, is that you are working with an experienced, knowledgeable

Orthotist. We have had many STARband success stories, but also some

STARbands that have been a bad fit, usually due to an inexperienced

Orthotist. Same thing with Hanger. My Daughter wore a Hanger

Cranial Band for 11 weeks and received wonderful correction. Her

pics are in the photo section under before and after/Hanger Band

under V if you would like to look. We had a wonderful

Orthotist and had a great experience with Hanger.

Do you know how much experience your STARband Ortho has? If you are

not comfortable with them, it may be a good idea to get another

opinion from another Orthotist who works with plagio babies. The

STARband and the Hanger Cranial band are very similar, as far as the

design and how they work.

If you would like any more info on the Hanger Band or would like to

talk you can email me at ronandjenvelez@... if you would

like. Also, if you want to email me the info on which Hanger

facility is close to you, I can email my Daughter's old orthotist to

see what I can find out for you (regarding the Orthotist there and

if they are experienced with plagio and the band).

Good luck and keep us updated

Jen

(19.5 mo), tort resolved, Hanger Band Grad

(4 years)

>

> Our foster son (now 6 months old) was diagnosed with tort in

> November and mild plagiocephaly in January. We've been in PT for

the

> tort and it is almost completely resolved. He was scanned and

fitted

> for his Starband in February and we have had nothing but problems.

> In the 3 weeks since he was fitted we have been back for

adjustments

> at least 5 times. It seems like every time we leave the office it

> fits worse than when we went in. So far he has only worn it for the

> full 23 hours twice!

>

> They have agreed to re-scan and start again, but I'm

thinking

> perhaps I want to go somewhere else. Obviously time is an issue

here

> and I'm not willing to waste another 3 weeks trying to get this

> right. I called the doctor's office and was referred to a Hanger

> office that is also in our town. I know there's a lot of discussion

> on the board about Star vs. Doc but I haven't seen much about

> Hanger. Does anyone have any comparative information on Hanger vs.

> Star? I will definitely be asking about their experience level –

> what other questions should I be asking to compare the two

> offices/bands?

>

> I have learned a lot through this message board and really

> appreciate all the insight and support. Thanks!

>

[Guest guest]

Hello and welcome. The real key, regardless of which band you are

using, is that you are working with an experienced, knowledgeable

Orthotist. We have had many STARband success stories, but also some

STARbands that have been a bad fit, usually due to an inexperienced

Orthotist. Same thing with Hanger. My Daughter wore a Hanger

Cranial Band for 11 weeks and received wonderful correction. Her

pics are in the photo section under before and after/Hanger Band

under V if you would like to look. We had a wonderful

Orthotist and had a great experience with Hanger.

Do you know how much experience your STARband Ortho has? If you are

not comfortable with them, it may be a good idea to get another

opinion from another Orthotist who works with plagio babies. The

STARband and the Hanger Cranial band are very similar, as far as the

design and how they work.

If you would like any more info on the Hanger Band or would like to

talk you can email me at ronandjenvelez@... if you would

like. Also, if you want to email me the info on which Hanger

facility is close to you, I can email my Daughter's old orthotist to

see what I can find out for you (regarding the Orthotist there and

if they are experienced with plagio and the band).

Good luck and keep us updated

Jen

(19.5 mo), tort resolved, Hanger Band Grad

(4 years)

>

> Our foster son (now 6 months old) was diagnosed with tort in

> November and mild plagiocephaly in January. We've been in PT for

the

> tort and it is almost completely resolved. He was scanned and

fitted

> for his Starband in February and we have had nothing but problems.

> In the 3 weeks since he was fitted we have been back for

adjustments

> at least 5 times. It seems like every time we leave the office it

> fits worse than when we went in. So far he has only worn it for the

> full 23 hours twice!

>

> They have agreed to re-scan and start again, but I'm

thinking

> perhaps I want to go somewhere else. Obviously time is an issue

here

> and I'm not willing to waste another 3 weeks trying to get this

> right. I called the doctor's office and was referred to a Hanger

> office that is also in our town. I know there's a lot of discussion

> on the board about Star vs. Doc but I haven't seen much about

> Hanger. Does anyone have any comparative information on Hanger vs.

> Star? I will definitely be asking about their experience level –

> what other questions should I be asking to compare the two

> offices/bands?

>

> I have learned a lot through this message board and really

> appreciate all the insight and support. Thanks!

>

[Guest guest]

I am sorry you have had such problems getting started in treatment. I

think you are right to not want to go back to the same clinic. We

have had and have many babies using Hanger bands some with good

results, some with lots of problems and ill fitting helmets. The key

to good treatment is the ortho so definitely ask all the questions

and post about the facility you are thinking about using to see if

other have gone there. Meet with them and see how you feel. Where are

you located, maybe someone has another location you can try. Let us

know what happens.

CAROLG

>

> Our foster son (now 6 months old) was diagnosed with tort in

> November and mild plagiocephaly in January. We've been in PT for

the

> tort and it is almost completely resolved. He was scanned and

fitted

> for his Starband in February and we have had nothing but problems.

> In the 3 weeks since he was fitted we have been back for

adjustments

> at least 5 times. It seems like every time we leave the office it

> fits worse than when we went in. So far he has only worn it for the

> full 23 hours twice!

>

> They have agreed to re-scan and start again, but I'm

thinking

> perhaps I want to go somewhere else. Obviously time is an issue

here

> and I'm not willing to waste another 3 weeks trying to get this

> right. I called the doctor's office and was referred to a Hanger

> office that is also in our town. I know there's a lot of discussion

> on the board about Star vs. Doc but I haven't seen much about

> Hanger. Does anyone have any comparative information on Hanger vs.

> Star? I will definitely be asking about their experience level –

> what other questions should I be asking to compare the two

> offices/bands?

>

> I have learned a lot through this message board and really

> appreciate all the insight and support. Thanks!

>

[Guest guest]

I am sorry you have had such problems getting started in treatment. I

think you are right to not want to go back to the same clinic. We

have had and have many babies using Hanger bands some with good

results, some with lots of problems and ill fitting helmets. The key

to good treatment is the ortho so definitely ask all the questions

and post about the facility you are thinking about using to see if

other have gone there. Meet with them and see how you feel. Where are

you located, maybe someone has another location you can try. Let us

know what happens.

CAROLG

>

> Our foster son (now 6 months old) was diagnosed with tort in

> November and mild plagiocephaly in January. We've been in PT for

the

> tort and it is almost completely resolved. He was scanned and

fitted

> for his Starband in February and we have had nothing but problems.

> In the 3 weeks since he was fitted we have been back for

adjustments

> at least 5 times. It seems like every time we leave the office it

> fits worse than when we went in. So far he has only worn it for the

> full 23 hours twice!

>

> They have agreed to re-scan and start again, but I'm

thinking

> perhaps I want to go somewhere else. Obviously time is an issue

here

> and I'm not willing to waste another 3 weeks trying to get this

> right. I called the doctor's office and was referred to a Hanger

> office that is also in our town. I know there's a lot of discussion

> on the board about Star vs. Doc but I haven't seen much about

> Hanger. Does anyone have any comparative information on Hanger vs.

> Star? I will definitely be asking about their experience level –

> what other questions should I be asking to compare the two

> offices/bands?

>

> I have learned a lot through this message board and really

> appreciate all the insight and support. Thanks!

>

[Guest guest]

Carol,

Thanks for the suggestions and support.

's doctor is Dr. Stelnicki out of West Palm Beach, FL. We are

currently going to Ryder Orthopaedics in Naples, FL (they are also in

Ft. Myers). Dr. Stelnicki's office referred me today to Hanger

Prosthetics because they also have a Naples office and accept Medicaid

( is our foster son). Anyone on the board have any experience

with either of these orthos?

Thanks!

[Guest guest]

Carol,

Thanks for the suggestions and support.

's doctor is Dr. Stelnicki out of West Palm Beach, FL. We are

currently going to Ryder Orthopaedics in Naples, FL (they are also in

Ft. Myers). Dr. Stelnicki's office referred me today to Hanger

Prosthetics because they also have a Naples office and accept Medicaid

( is our foster son). Anyone on the board have any experience

with either of these orthos?

Thanks!

[Guest guest]

Thanks Jen! I will e-mail you off the board.

I did ask about the current ortho's experience when was first

diagnosed. I was comfortable with her level of experience but I also

didn't realize that I might have another option in which ortho to use.

Hubby has been taking to all the adjustment appointments. He

says that when the woman we met with at the docotor's office (who is

the owner of the ortho office) works on the band the adjustment is the

best, although still not quite right. When either of the other two

people in the office work on it we have a fiasco. I'm going to call

the Hanger office to discuss their experience level. If I think the

current ortho has the best experience level I will be insisting that

the owner be the only ortho who works on 's band.

Thanks again!

[Guest guest]

Thanks Jen! I will e-mail you off the board.

I did ask about the current ortho's experience when was first

diagnosed. I was comfortable with her level of experience but I also

didn't realize that I might have another option in which ortho to use.

Hubby has been taking to all the adjustment appointments. He

says that when the woman we met with at the docotor's office (who is

the owner of the ortho office) works on the band the adjustment is the

best, although still not quite right. When either of the other two

people in the office work on it we have a fiasco. I'm going to call

the Hanger office to discuss their experience level. If I think the

current ortho has the best experience level I will be insisting that

the owner be the only ortho who works on 's band.

Thanks again!

[Guest guest]

,

Just for the heck of it I called Cranial Tech in Miami (Stelnicki will

refer for a Doc if you insist on it) and they do accept Medicaid. It

can take time for paperwork but if you explain that you have a problem

now that may move things faster. Anyway the girl I talked with her name

is , so if you want to call and at least speak with her, maybe

they can give you more info. Hope that helps....CarolG

Cranial Technologies, Inc.

9035 Sunset Drive, #101

Miami, FL 33173

Phone: 305-596-2744

Toll Free: 866-596-2744

Fax: 305-596-7688

Clinician: Nathalie McNeil, PT, DPT

Clinician: Behar, MSPT

Consults and Treatment Available:

Monday thru Thursday - 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Friday - 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM

>

> Carol,

>

> Thanks for the suggestions and support.

>

> 's doctor is Dr. Stelnicki out of West Palm Beach, FL. We are

> currently going to Ryder Orthopaedics in Naples, FL (they are also in

> Ft. Myers). Dr. Stelnicki's office referred me today to Hanger

> Prosthetics because they also have a Naples office and accept

Medicaid

> ( is our foster son). Anyone on the board have any experience

> with either of these orthos?

>

> Thanks!

>

[Guest guest]

,

Just for the heck of it I called Cranial Tech in Miami (Stelnicki will

refer for a Doc if you insist on it) and they do accept Medicaid. It

can take time for paperwork but if you explain that you have a problem

now that may move things faster. Anyway the girl I talked with her name

is , so if you want to call and at least speak with her, maybe

they can give you more info. Hope that helps....CarolG

Cranial Technologies, Inc.

9035 Sunset Drive, #101

Miami, FL 33173

Phone: 305-596-2744

Toll Free: 866-596-2744

Fax: 305-596-7688

Clinician: Nathalie McNeil, PT, DPT

Clinician: Behar, MSPT

Consults and Treatment Available:

Monday thru Thursday - 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Friday - 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM

>

> Carol,

>

> Thanks for the suggestions and support.

>

> 's doctor is Dr. Stelnicki out of West Palm Beach, FL. We are

> currently going to Ryder Orthopaedics in Naples, FL (they are also in

> Ft. Myers). Dr. Stelnicki's office referred me today to Hanger

> Prosthetics because they also have a Naples office and accept

Medicaid

> ( is our foster son). Anyone on the board have any experience

> with either of these orthos?

>

> Thanks!

>

[Guest guest]

Carol,

Thanks for getting that information for me. The only problem is that

we live on the west coast of Florida, so going to Miami is at least

1.5 hours one way. With 2 other kids and everything else going on

right now we just can't go to a facility that far away when there are

other options closer. I wish I could swing it because from what I've

heard about Cranial Technologies I really want to use their band!

Thanks again for your help!!!

[Guest guest]

Carol,

Thanks for getting that information for me. The only problem is that

we live on the west coast of Florida, so going to Miami is at least

1.5 hours one way. With 2 other kids and everything else going on

right now we just can't go to a facility that far away when there are

other options closer. I wish I could swing it because from what I've

heard about Cranial Technologies I really want to use their band!

Thanks again for your help!!!

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I totally understand your frustration! I don't think I'd go back to

that clinic. When it comes to bands and helmets, experience is majorly

important!! Here is a list of questions you should ask a potential ortho:

http://www.cappskids.org/QuestionsForTheDoctorAndOrthotist.htm

Hopefully the Hanger near you will have an experienced ortho. Keep us

posted and don't give up!

>

> Our foster son (now 6 months old) was diagnosed with tort in

> November and mild plagiocephaly in January. We've been in PT for the

> tort and it is almost completely resolved. He was scanned and fitted

> for his Starband in February and we have had nothing but problems.

> In the 3 weeks since he was fitted we have been back for adjustments

> at least 5 times. It seems like every time we leave the office it

> fits worse than when we went in. So far he has only worn it for the

> full 23 hours twice!

>

> They have agreed to re-scan and start again, but I'm thinking

> perhaps I want to go somewhere else. Obviously time is an issue here

> and I'm not willing to waste another 3 weeks trying to get this

> right. I called the doctor's office and was referred to a Hanger

> office that is also in our town. I know there's a lot of discussion

> on the board about Star vs. Doc but I haven't seen much about

> Hanger. Does anyone have any comparative information on Hanger vs.

> Star? I will definitely be asking about their experience level –

> what other questions should I be asking to compare the two

> offices/bands?

>

> I have learned a lot through this message board and really

> appreciate all the insight and support. Thanks!

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I totally understand your frustration! I don't think I'd go back to

that clinic. When it comes to bands and helmets, experience is majorly

important!! Here is a list of questions you should ask a potential ortho:

http://www.cappskids.org/QuestionsForTheDoctorAndOrthotist.htm

Hopefully the Hanger near you will have an experienced ortho. Keep us

posted and don't give up!

>

> Our foster son (now 6 months old) was diagnosed with tort in

> November and mild plagiocephaly in January. We've been in PT for the

> tort and it is almost completely resolved. He was scanned and fitted

> for his Starband in February and we have had nothing but problems.

> In the 3 weeks since he was fitted we have been back for adjustments

> at least 5 times. It seems like every time we leave the office it

> fits worse than when we went in. So far he has only worn it for the

> full 23 hours twice!

>

> They have agreed to re-scan and start again, but I'm thinking

> perhaps I want to go somewhere else. Obviously time is an issue here

> and I'm not willing to waste another 3 weeks trying to get this

> right. I called the doctor's office and was referred to a Hanger

> office that is also in our town. I know there's a lot of discussion

> on the board about Star vs. Doc but I haven't seen much about

> Hanger. Does anyone have any comparative information on Hanger vs.

> Star? I will definitely be asking about their experience level –

> what other questions should I be asking to compare the two

> offices/bands?

>

> I have learned a lot through this message board and really

> appreciate all the insight and support. Thanks!

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Do you know her name? I'd like to add her to our database.

Thanks,

>> Thanks Jen! I will e-mail you off the board.> > I did ask about the current ortho's experience when was first > diagnosed. I was comfortable with her level of experience but I also > didn't realize that I might have another option in which ortho to use.> > Hubby has been taking to all the adjustment appointments. He

> says that when the woman we met with at the docotor's office (who is

> the owner of the ortho office) works on the band the adjustment is the

> best, although still not quite right. When either of the other two > people in the office work on it we have a fiasco. I'm going to call > the Hanger office to discuss their experience level. If I think the > current ortho has the best experience level I will be insisting that > the owner be the only ortho who works on 's band.> > Thanks again!>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Do you know her name? I'd like to add her to our database.

Thanks,

>> Thanks Jen! I will e-mail you off the board.> > I did ask about the current ortho's experience when was first > diagnosed. I was comfortable with her level of experience but I also > didn't realize that I might have another option in which ortho to use.> > Hubby has been taking to all the adjustment appointments. He

> says that when the woman we met with at the docotor's office (who is

> the owner of the ortho office) works on the band the adjustment is the

> best, although still not quite right. When either of the other two > people in the office work on it we have a fiasco. I'm going to call > the Hanger office to discuss their experience level. If I think the > current ortho has the best experience level I will be insisting that > the owner be the only ortho who works on 's band.> > Thanks again!>

[Guest guest]

Hi , I just wanted to say hi and I am sorry about how

frustrating your Starband experience has been. I hope you have

better luck at the Hange facility. Be thorough in your

questioning. print out the link that gave you and as you

think of another question you want to ask, write it right there on

the paper. Then you will have all your questions in one place.

Good luck and please let us know how it goes.

Becky

, repo grad

Pittsburgh, PA

> >

> > Our foster son (now 6 months old) was diagnosed with tort in

> > November and mild plagiocephaly in January. We've been in PT for

the

> > tort and it is almost completely resolved. He was scanned and

fitted

> > for his Starband in February and we have had nothing but

problems.

> > In the 3 weeks since he was fitted we have been back for

adjustments

> > at least 5 times. It seems like every time we leave the office

it

> > fits worse than when we went in. So far he has only worn it for

the

> > full 23 hours twice!

> >

> > They have agreed to re-scan and start again, but I'm

thinking

> > perhaps I want to go somewhere else. Obviously time is an issue

here

> > and I'm not willing to waste another 3 weeks trying to get this

> > right. I called the doctor's office and was referred to a Hanger

> > office that is also in our town. I know there's a lot of

discussion

> > on the board about Star vs. Doc but I haven't seen much about

> > Hanger. Does anyone have any comparative information on Hanger

vs.

> > Star? I will definitely be asking about their experience level –

> > what other questions should I be asking to compare the two

> > offices/bands?

> >

> > I have learned a lot through this message board and really

> > appreciate all the insight and support. Thanks!

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi , I just wanted to say hi and I am sorry about how

frustrating your Starband experience has been. I hope you have

better luck at the Hange facility. Be thorough in your

questioning. print out the link that gave you and as you

think of another question you want to ask, write it right there on

the paper. Then you will have all your questions in one place.

Good luck and please let us know how it goes.

Becky

, repo grad

Pittsburgh, PA

> >

> > Our foster son (now 6 months old) was diagnosed with tort in

> > November and mild plagiocephaly in January. We've been in PT for

the

> > tort and it is almost completely resolved. He was scanned and

fitted

> > for his Starband in February and we have had nothing but

problems.

> > In the 3 weeks since he was fitted we have been back for

adjustments

> > at least 5 times. It seems like every time we leave the office

it

> > fits worse than when we went in. So far he has only worn it for

the

> > full 23 hours twice!

> >

> > They have agreed to re-scan and start again, but I'm

thinking

> > perhaps I want to go somewhere else. Obviously time is an issue

here

> > and I'm not willing to waste another 3 weeks trying to get this

> > right. I called the doctor's office and was referred to a Hanger

> > office that is also in our town. I know there's a lot of

discussion

> > on the board about Star vs. Doc but I haven't seen much about

> > Hanger. Does anyone have any comparative information on Hanger

vs.

> > Star? I will definitely be asking about their experience level –

> > what other questions should I be asking to compare the two

> > offices/bands?

> >

> > I have learned a lot through this message board and really

> > appreciate all the insight and support. Thanks!

> >

>