Re: Today's appt. with Pediatrician

[Guest guest]

I am sooooo sorry it didn't go as you planned! I was so right there with you when my dd was 4 mo. old!!!

I guess the only good news in all this is that your son IS only 4 mo. old and not 14mo. old! We didn't band until our dd was 6.5 mo. old - and some go later.

Can you get a referral (if it's even needed) to see a Cranio-facial dr??? They are the ones who finally gave us the rx - you don't need to get it from the ped.

HTH!!!

JEN

Mommy to 4...and 1 more!!!!

Luli - Tort/Plagio - Hanger Band - CA

"Luli"

www.babiesonline.com/babies/j/jens5th/

[Guest guest]

heres a link to my ped if you want a second opinion http://mesapeds.com/ she gave us the rx for simons doc band. her name is dr.chung and she works out of the ahwatukee office, i know its kinda far from you but if your ped is going to be so stuborn about it you might want to give her a try.

Aron Holwighttp://birds.lemonyfresh.com/gallery/http://b1.lilypie.com/2QXlm7.png

On 9/15/06, mommyluvset <mommyluvset@...> wrote:

I AM SOOOOOOOO FRUSTRATED RIGHT NOW!!!!!!! We had our appointment with the pediatrician today, and it did not go as planned. Before we went in this morning, my husband and I were on the same page- that we want Tiernan to have a band. Even if he never benefited from it (which is HIGHLY unlikely) it wouldn't hurt him, so why not give it a try? Especially since his measurements from Hanger are 18 mm. So, we went in together today expecting to say give us an rx, or we're getting a second opinion. Our pediatrician gave us the I really think he'll grow out of it, if was going to have vision problems it would have happened by now (as if you can really tell on a four month old), don't you have better things to spend that much money on...song and dance. And we walked out without an rx. She said she wants to give it another month or two and if we REALLY don't like his progress that she will sign off on an rx for us. I guess I'm just upset b/c , my dh, was supposed to back me up on this and I feel like he totally caved in. I have to start an appeal for our insurance to cover this b/c it's a contractual exclusion, and I can't do that without the rx! I feel like we are wasting precious time!! Yes, I can continue with repo (I have no choice at this point)but I really wanted this for him. I know there has been great success in banding older babies, but I really want to catch this in our best window of opportunity. Can you tell I'm upset?! Anyway, there you have it. I want to scream.Candace, AZmommy to Tiernan, 4 mos

tort, plagio --

[Guest guest]

Oh Candace I'm so sorry, how terribly frustrating. I have been in similar situations. My advise would be to skip the pediatrician. From my experience and from what I've read, most pediatricians are not all that up to date on plagio, and many parents are the ones who bring it up to THEM, not vice versa. And they are met with the same response you received: wait it out, try more repositioning, it will round out, it's not as bad as you think it looks. UGH. You probably will receive much more experienced care if you seek out a second opinion from a specialist... cranio facial surgeon, etc who deals with plagio every day. Because we waited and waited for our pediatrician to give us a band, my daughter was 10 months before she received her DOCband (and then, only because I took the reigns and sought out a cranio facial specialist for an opinion).

HTH! And good luck!

Colleen

Today's appt. with Pediatrician

I AM SOOOOOOOO FRUSTRATED RIGHT NOW!!!!!!! We had our appointment with the pediatrician today, and it did not go as planned. Before we went in this morning, my husband and I were on the same page- that we want Tiernan to have a band. Even if he never benefited from it (which is HIGHLY unlikely) it wouldn't hurt him, so why not give it a try? Especially since his measurements from Hanger are 18 mm. So, we went in together today expecting to say give us an rx, or we're getting a second opinion. Our pediatrician gave us the I really think he'll grow out of it, if was going to have vision problems it would have happened by now (as if you can really tell on a four month old), don't you have better things to spend that much money on...song and dance. And we walked out without an rx. She said she wants to give it another month or two and if we REALLY don't like his progress that she will sign off on an rx for us. I guess I'm just upset b/c , my dh, was supposed to back me up on this and I feel like he totally caved in. I have to start an appeal for our insurance to cover this b/c it's a contractual exclusion, and I can't do that without the rx! I feel like we are wasting precious time!! Yes, I can continue with repo (I have no choice at this point)but I really wanted this for him. I know there has been great success in banding older babies, but I really want to catch this in our best window of opportunity. Can you tell I'm upset?! Anyway, there you have it. I want to scream.Candace, AZmommy to Tiernan, 4 mostort, plagio

[Guest guest]

I understand your frustration. The same thing happened at my daughter Saylor's 4 month appt. The pediatrician downplayed it - saying it was no big deal. We asked for a referral, and instead of getting a referral for an orthotist, we got one for a neurosurgeon. To make a long story short, the referral process, along with waiting for appts, appts being cancelled at the doctor's office, waiting for a CT scan appt, etc. the whole process took much longer than I would have liked. By the time we had her fitted for a helmet, she was 6.5 months. I wish I had been more demanding from the beginning b/c she should have been in a helmet by 5 months. During all this waiting time, I aggressively repositioned. Though we did see a little improvement in the forehead bossing and little more rounding in back, some areas got worse. Her head became really square shaped on top, and she now has pretty significant bulging above the

ears. It frustrates me b/c I feel had she been banded earlier, this could have been prevented or lessened. Though I think the square shape will get better with more rounding in the back, I don't think the bulging above the ears will ever go away completely. I hope when her hair grows more, this will become unnoticeable. Working as an educator, I think I am more sensitive to this b/c I know how cruel kids can be with teasing. I would never condemn any parents who decided not to band. It really is a personal decision. You have to decide if you are ok with your child's head shape NOW. If so, I think I would keep repositioning. If you are not happy, I would push for a helmet. Repositioning seems to be effective (in some cases) with plagio. Repositioning is not as effective with brachy. Even with a helmet, brachy head shapes rarely will fall into the "normal" range of measurements - though a

helmet will improve the asymmetry. I also understand your frustration with your husband. Mine would flip-flop, even questioning it the day before casting. More than once, my husband accused me of being "obsessed" with our daughter's head. I think our maternal instinct kicks in, and most mothers are just afraid of chancing in with their children - we are just more sensitive to our child's needs. I had to talk to my husband and explain that I could not do this alone. You need your partner to support you 100%. I was lucky b/c my MIL (who initially was against banding) actually spoke with my husband and said she thought I was right - we did not want to take a chance in this situation. This support helped in my situation. Sorry this reply is so long. I just want to caution you that even if you decided to go for the helmet today, the process of actually getting the helmet may take longer than

you think - keep that in mind if you are thinking of waiting another month or 2. Also, I am not sure if you work or not, but one factor that helped me make the decision was that I knew when I went back to work, I would not be able to focus on repositioning with her in daycare. For repositioning to truly be effective, it takes a lot of determination, time, etc. Your daycare provider would probably not have the time (or persistence) that you will have. I wish you luck in your decision - the fact that you are concerned and seeking help/advice tells me that you are obviously a great mother who cares deeply for your child.mommyluvset <mommyluvset@...> wrote: I AM SOOOOOOOO FRUSTRATED RIGHT NOW!!!!!!! We had our appointment with the pediatrician today, and it did not go as planned. Before we went in this morning, my husband and I were on the same page- that we want Tiernan to have a band. Even if he never benefited from it (which is HIGHLY unlikely) it wouldn't hurt him, so why not give it a try? Especially since his measurements from Hanger are 18 mm. So, we went in together today expecting to say give us an rx, or we're getting a second opinion. Our pediatrician gave us the I really think he'll grow out of it, if was going to have vision problems it would have happened by now (as if you can really tell on a four month old), don't you have better things to spend that much money on...song and dance. And

we walked out without an rx. She said she wants to give it another month or two and if we REALLY don't like his progress that she will sign off on an rx for us. I guess I'm just upset b/c , my dh, was supposed to back me up on this and I feel like he totally caved in. I have to start an appeal for our insurance to cover this b/c it's a contractual exclusion, and I can't do that without the rx! I feel like we are wasting precious time!! Yes, I can continue with repo (I have no choice at this point)but I really wanted this for him. I know there has been great success in banding older babies, but I really want to catch this in our best window of opportunity. Can you tell I'm upset?! Anyway, there you have it. I want to scream.Candace, AZmommy to Tiernan, 4 mostort, plagio Symborski Media Specialist stacy_holcombe@... A library is a hospital for the mind. Anonymous

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[Guest guest]

I don't think we need a referral, so I'll look in our insurance book to see what I can find.JenandLuli@... wrote: I am sooooo sorry it didn't go as you planned! I was so right there with you when my dd was 4 mo. old!!! I guess the only good news in all this is that your son IS only 4 mo. old and not 14mo. old! We didn't band until our dd was 6.5 mo. old - and some go later.Can you get a referral (if it's even needed) to see

a Cranio-facial dr??? They are the ones who finally gave us the rx - you don't need to get it from the ped.HTH!!! JENMommy to 4...and 1 more!!!!Luli - Tort/Plagio - Hanger Band - CA"Luli"www.babiesonline.com/babies/j/jens5th/

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[Guest guest]

Thanks Aron! I'll see if I can find someone in our are, if not,I'll give her a try!aron holwig <pezzy777@...> wrote: heres a link to my ped if you want a second opinion http://mesapeds.com/ she gave us the rx for simons doc band. her name is dr.chung and she works out of the ahwatukee office, i know its kinda far from you but if your ped is going to be so stuborn about it you might want to give her a try. Aron Holwighttp://birds.lemonyfresh.com/gallery/http://b1.lilypie.com/2QXlm7.png On 9/15/06, mommyluvset <mommyluvset > wrote: I AM SOOOOOOOO FRUSTRATED RIGHT NOW!!!!!!! We had our appointment with the pediatrician today, and it did not go as planned. Before we went in this morning, my husband and I were on the same page- that we want Tiernan to have a band. Even if he never benefited from it (which is HIGHLY unlikely) it wouldn't hurt him, so why not give it a try? Especially since his measurements from Hanger

are 18 mm. So, we went in together today expecting to say give us an rx, or we're getting a second opinion. Our pediatrician gave us the I really think he'll grow out of it, if was going to have vision problems it would have happened by now (as if you can really tell on a four month old), don't you have better things to spend that much money on...song and dance. And we walked out without an rx. She said she wants to give it another month or two and if we REALLY don't like his progress that she will sign off on an rx for us. I guess I'm just upset b/c , my dh, was supposed to back me up on this and I feel like he totally caved in. I have to start an appeal for our insurance to cover this b/c it's a contractual exclusion, and I can't do that without the rx! I feel like we are wasting precious time!! Yes, I can continue with repo (I have no choice at this point)but I really wanted this for him. I know there has been

great success in banding older babies, but I really want to catch this in our best window of opportunity. Can you tell I'm upset?! Anyway, there you have it. I want to scream.Candace, AZmommy to Tiernan, 4 mos tort, plagio--

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[Guest guest]

Candace- If you are really that frustrated by it, then call your Dr.'s office on Monday and tell them that you thought about it over the weekend and you don't want to wait another month or two to see how things progress...you would like the prescription today. Tell them you would like to swing by the office that afternoon to pick it up. See what they say. If you are really sure about going forward then just tell them what you want and don't take no for an answer. mommyluvset <mommyluvset@...> wrote: I AM SOOOOOOOO FRUSTRATED RIGHT NOW!!!!!!! We had our appointment with the pediatrician today, and it did not go as planned. Before we went in this morning, my husband and I were on the same page- that we want Tiernan to have a band. Even if he never benefited from it (which is HIGHLY unlikely) it wouldn't hurt him, so why not give it a try? Especially since his measurements from Hanger are 18 mm. So, we went in together today expecting to say give us an rx, or we're getting a second opinion. Our pediatrician gave us the I really think he'll grow out of it, if was going to have vision problems it would have happened by now (as if you can really tell on a four month old), don't you have better things to spend that much money on...song and dance. And we walked out without an rx. She said she wants to give it another month or two and if we REALLY

don't like his progress that she will sign off on an rx for us. I guess I'm just upset b/c , my dh, was supposed to back me up on this and I feel like he totally caved in. I have to start an appeal for our insurance to cover this b/c it's a contractual exclusion, and I can't do that without the rx! I feel like we are wasting precious time!! Yes, I can continue with repo (I have no choice at this point)but I really wanted this for him. I know there has been great success in banding older babies, but I really want to catch this in our best window of opportunity. Can you tell I'm upset?! Anyway, there you have it. I want to scream.Candace, AZmommy to Tiernan, 4 mostort, plagio

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[Guest guest]

My son's ped is weird...she is a ped/osteopath (both). She says

she's referred babies that she thought needed some correction to

orthopedists, only to find out the ortho didn't think so. She

referred my son, just b/c I want him evaluated (at least for

statistical/measurement purposes,even if they don't think he needs a

helmet). She's curious to see what the ortho says about my son, and

seemed rather ambivalent about the helmets. However, she IS big

into the belief that these sorts of things left untreated lead to

worse problems later in life (the sorts of things she treats as an

osteopath, and that keep folks going back to the chiropracter, etc.)

and she's done 2 CST treatments on him for the tort, but MAN is she

hard to read. I wish she would just out and say, " This is what I

think needs to be done _______ " and let me decide. She is very

opinionated, but we must not speak the same language...her opinions

cover everything but some of my concerns...she is soooo weird. I

keep taking him to her b/c she is the only ped (my third child

w/tort) who has NOT told me that everything would be just fine; that

and she does the CST, though he has not had enough time with her to

really tell if she has been able to help him.

For what it's worth, when I called the ortho to set up an

appointment, and the lady asked how old he was, I told her 6 months,

and she said " Oh, that's just the perfect age to deal with the

plagiocepahly. " So, we'll see how the appt. goes on Wed.

> >

> > I AM SOOOOOOOO FRUSTRATED RIGHT NOW!!!!!!! We had our

appointment

> > with the pediatrician today, and it did not go as planned. Before

> > we went in this morning, my husband and I were on the same page-

> > that we want Tiernan to have a band. Even if he never benefited

> > from it (which is HIGHLY unlikely) it wouldn't hurt him, so why

not

> > give it a try? Especially since his measurements from Hanger are

18

> > mm. So, we went in together today expecting to say give us an rx,

> > or we're getting a second opinion. Our pediatrician gave us the I

> > really think he'll grow out of it, if was going to have vision

> > problems it would have happened by now (as if you can really

tell on

> > a four month old), don't you have better things to spend that

much

> > money on...song and dance. And we walked out without an rx. She

> > said she wants to give it another month or two and if we REALLY

> > don't like his progress that she will sign off on an rx for us. I

> > guess I'm just upset b/c , my dh, was supposed to back me

up on

> > this and I feel like he totally caved in. I have to start an

appeal

> > for our insurance to cover this b/c it's a contractual exclusion,

> > and I can't do that without the rx! I feel like we are wasting

> > precious time!! Yes, I can continue with repo (I have no choice

at

> > this point)but I really wanted this for him. I know there has

been

> > great success in banding older babies, but I really want to catch

> > this in our best window of opportunity. Can you tell I'm upset?!

> > Anyway, there you have it. I want to scream.

> >

> > Candace, AZ

> > mommy to Tiernan, 4 mos

> > tort, plagio

> >

> >

> >

>

>

>

> --

>

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Sorry to hear that you are going through the same thing that I

essentially have had to go through. When my son was 5mos., I asked

the pediatrician right out for a referral to a specialist because

she was so complacent about the whole thing. After taking my son to

a local Orthopedic clinic, they ordered Physical Therapy for

Torticollis. The first Pt was not very good, so I contacted Early

Intervention and his current PT is great. However, even the

Orthopedist did not recommend the helmut. It was the PT from EI who

finally said that she had seen babies with a lot less flattening who

were wearing it. I would insist on a referral to a specialist and

then take him in to get measured for the helmut immediately. It is

the people who do the measurements who will tell you more-they told

me that my son was a " middle of the road case " and he measured in at

12mm and that Orthopedist told me he would do it if it was his

child. I hope it works out for you.

Aimon's Mommy-7mos.

> > >

> > > I AM SOOOOOOOO FRUSTRATED RIGHT NOW!!!!!!! We had our

> appointment

> > > with the pediatrician today, and it did not go as planned.

Before

> > > we went in this morning, my husband and I were on the same

page-

> > > that we want Tiernan to have a band. Even if he never benefited

> > > from it (which is HIGHLY unlikely) it wouldn't hurt him, so

why

> not

> > > give it a try? Especially since his measurements from Hanger

are

> 18

> > > mm. So, we went in together today expecting to say give us an

rx,

> > > or we're getting a second opinion. Our pediatrician gave us

the I

> > > really think he'll grow out of it, if was going to have vision

> > > problems it would have happened by now (as if you can really

> tell on

> > > a four month old), don't you have better things to spend that

> much

> > > money on...song and dance. And we walked out without an rx. She

> > > said she wants to give it another month or two and if we REALLY

> > > don't like his progress that she will sign off on an rx for

us. I

> > > guess I'm just upset b/c , my dh, was supposed to back me

> up on

> > > this and I feel like he totally caved in. I have to start an

> appeal

> > > for our insurance to cover this b/c it's a contractual

exclusion,

> > > and I can't do that without the rx! I feel like we are wasting

> > > precious time!! Yes, I can continue with repo (I have no

choice

> at

> > > this point)but I really wanted this for him. I know there has

> been

> > > great success in banding older babies, but I really want to

catch

> > > this in our best window of opportunity. Can you tell I'm

upset?!

> > > Anyway, there you have it. I want to scream.

> > >

> > > Candace, AZ

> > > mommy to Tiernan, 4 mos

> > > tort, plagio

> > >

> > >

> > >

> >

> >

> >

> > --

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Candace, I am so sorry your appointment did not go well. I've got to admit I did not get to read all of the responses; and I know you have gotten plenty of support and responses. But I just wanted to tell you to hang in there. Many of us have had a similar initial experiences. You've started early and that is very good! When Cole was 4 months I started bringing up the physical features to our ped...his ears and his funny shaped head and asymmetry and we did not get much of a response. At 6 months we got no help at an appt with Children's Hospital. Then we went back to our ped and when he heard that Children's would not address our concerns he was more than willing to write the prescription. But... I guess my longwinded point is if our pediatrician was not on board we were prepared to get a second opinion. Our pediatrician was more conservative than I would have liked

since Cole was finally banded at 8 months, but he never said "it'll round out." If he did, we would have been out the door. Good luck, be persistant and it will work out. Sorry you are so frustrated, we've been there too. Take care, mom to Cole 8months (Starband 6 days!!!)mommyluvset <mommyluvset@...> wrote: I AM SOOOOOOOO FRUSTRATED RIGHT NOW!!!!!!! We had our appointment with the pediatrician today, and it did not go as

planned. Before we went in this morning, my husband and I were on the same page- that we want Tiernan to have a band. Even if he never benefited from it (which is HIGHLY unlikely) it wouldn't hurt him, so why not give it a try? Especially since his measurements from Hanger are 18 mm. So, we went in together today expecting to say give us an rx, or we're getting a second opinion. Our pediatrician gave us the I really think he'll grow out of it, if was going to have vision problems it would have happened by now (as if you can really tell on a four month old), don't you have better things to spend that much money on...song and dance. And we walked out without an rx. She said she wants to give it another month or two and if we REALLY don't like his progress that she will sign off on an rx for us. I guess I'm just upset b/c , my dh, was supposed to back me up on this and I feel like he totally caved in. I have to

start an appeal for our insurance to cover this b/c it's a contractual exclusion, and I can't do that without the rx! I feel like we are wasting precious time!! Yes, I can continue with repo (I have no choice at this point)but I really wanted this for him. I know there has been great success in banding older babies, but I really want to catch this in our best window of opportunity. Can you tell I'm upset?! Anyway, there you have it. I want to scream.Candace, AZmommy to Tiernan, 4 mostort, plagio

[Guest guest]

Candance,

My Dr. originally refused to write a prescription for Kaitlyn as she does not feel that they are beneficial in any way. I decided to fax her a letter in a last ditch effort and it paid off! Here is what I wrote;

Dear Dr. ******,

This is my last desperate attempt to request a prescription, letter of medical necessity, and prior authorization for helmet/banding for Kaitlyn. I feel that I owe it to her to try the least invasive treatment available. I have done extensive research on helmets and found minimal or no risks to the treatment (skin irritation and breakdown have occurred is less than 5% of patients treated with helmets.) On the other hand I have found several risk factors for not correcting Plagiocephaly including but not limited to; strabismus and other eye problems, TMJ, increased ear infections, problems of cerebral dysfunction, which were manifest during the school-age years, involving language disorders, learning disability, and attention deficits.

Dr. ******* is a well respected Dr. in the OI community and has utilized helmet treatment with wonderful results. I know that he would not attempt a treatment on a child if he thought it would be in any way harmful. I have spoken with parents of other children with Plagiocephaly and they are completely delighted with the results.

I have contacted her insurance and was told Orthotics are covered if a prescription, letter of medical necessity, and prior authorization are presented. As her mother I refuse to stand by and watch her head progressively misshapen until surgery is the only treatment available to her. I understand your position but I hope that you can see the obligation I have to my daughter to provide her with the best possible care. And, as her mother I feel that it is my decision to determine what medical procedure is appropriate for her as Kaitlyn and I will have to live with the long term effects of whatever decision I make. So please know that I would not choose a treatment that I felt would somehow put my child in danger or one that would be irresponsible.

Thank you for your time and consideration and please reconsider your original decision not to do a prescription, letter of medical necessity, or prior authorization.

Thank You

Maybe this is something you could try...

Take Care, Naomi

Re: Today's appt. with Pediatrician

Candace,

I am so sorry your appointment did not go well. I've got to admit I did not get to read all of the responses; and I know you have gotten plenty of support and responses. But I just wanted to tell you to hang in there. Many of us have had a similar initial experiences. You've started early and that is very good!

When Cole was 4 months I started bringing up the physical features to our ped...his ears and his funny shaped head and asymmetry and we did not get much of a response. At 6 months we got no help at an appt with Children's Hospital. Then we went back to our ped and when he heard that Children's would not address our concerns he was more than willing to write the prescription.

But... I guess my longwinded point is if our pediatrician was not on board we were prepared to get a second opinion. Our pediatrician was more conservative than I would have liked since Cole was finally banded at 8 months, but he never said "it'll round out." If he did, we would have been out the door.

Good luck, be persistant and it will work out. Sorry you are so frustrated, we've been there too.

Take care, mom to Cole 8months (Starband 6 days!!!)mommyluvset <mommyluvset > wrote:

I AM SOOOOOOOO FRUSTRATED RIGHT NOW!!!!!!! We had our appointment with the pediatrician today, and it did not go as planned. Before we went in this morning, my husband and I were on the same page- that we want Tiernan to have a band. Even if he never benefited from it (which is HIGHLY unlikely) it wouldn't hurt him, so why not give it a try? Especially since his measurements from Hanger are 18 mm. So, we went in together today expecting to say give us an rx, or we're getting a second opinion. Our pediatrician gave us the I really think he'll grow out of it, if was going to have vision problems it would have happened by now (as if you can really tell on a four month old), don't you have better things to spend that much money on...song and dance. And we walked out without an rx. She said she wants to give it another month or two and if we REALLY don't like his progress that she will sign off on an rx for us. I guess I'm just upset b/c , my dh, was supposed to back me up on this and I feel like he totally caved in. I have to start an appeal for our insurance to cover this b/c it's a contractual exclusion, and I can't do that without the rx! I feel like we are wasting precious time!! Yes, I can continue with repo (I have no choice at this point)but I really wanted this for him. I know there has been great success in banding older babies, but I really want to catch this in our best window of opportunity. Can you tell I'm upset?! Anyway, there you have it. I want to scream.Candace, AZmommy to Tiernan, 4 mostort, plagio

[Guest guest]

THANKS NAOMI!! This letter is great! I got a referral from Tiernan's pt yesterday for some pro-banding docs, but maybe I'll try this first so the ped doesn't feel like I'm stepping on her toes (not that it makes any difference). CandaceNaomi Barringer <naomibarringer@...> wrote: Candance, My Dr. originally refused to

write a prescription for Kaitlyn as she does not feel that they are beneficial in any way. I decided to fax her a letter in a last ditch effort and it paid off! Here is what I wrote; Dear Dr. ******, This is my last desperate attempt to request a prescription, letter of medical necessity, and prior authorization for helmet/banding for Kaitlyn. I feel that I owe it to her to try the least invasive treatment available. I have done extensive research on helmets and found minimal or no risks to the treatment (skin irritation and breakdown have occurred is less than 5% of patients treated with helmets.) On the other hand I have found several risk factors for not correcting Plagiocephaly including but not limited to; strabismus and other eye problems, TMJ, increased ear infections, problems of cerebral dysfunction, which were manifest during the

school-age years, involving language disorders, learning disability, and attention deficits. Dr. ******* is a well respected Dr. in the OI community and has utilized helmet treatment with wonderful results. I know that he would not attempt a treatment on a child if he thought it would be in any way harmful. I have spoken with parents of other children with Plagiocephaly and they are completely delighted with the results. I have contacted her insurance and was told Orthotics are covered if a prescription, letter of medical necessity, and prior authorization are presented. As her mother I refuse to stand by and watch her head progressively misshapen until surgery is the only treatment available to her. I understand your position but I hope that you can see the obligation I have to my daughter to provide her with the best possible care.

And, as her mother I feel that it is my decision to determine what medical procedure is appropriate for her as Kaitlyn and I will have to live with the long term effects of whatever decision I make. So please know that I would not choose a treatment that I felt would somehow put my child in danger or one that would be irresponsible. Thank you for your time and consideration and please reconsider your original decision not to do a prescription, letter of medical necessity, or prior authorization. Thank You Maybe this is something you could try... Take Care, Naomi Re: Today's appt. with Pediatrician Candace, I am so sorry your appointment did not go well. I've got to admit I did not get to read all of the responses; and I know you have gotten plenty of support and responses. But I just wanted to tell you to hang in there. Many of us have had a similar initial experiences. You've started early and that is very good! When Cole was 4 months I started bringing up the physical features to our ped...his ears and his funny shaped head and

asymmetry and we did not get much of a response. At 6 months we got no help at an appt with Children's Hospital. Then we went back to our ped and when he heard that Children's would not address our concerns he was more than willing to write the prescription. But... I guess my longwinded point is if our pediatrician was not on board we were prepared to get a second opinion. Our pediatrician was more conservative than I would have liked since Cole was finally banded at 8 months, but he never said "it'll round out." If he did, we would have been out the door. Good luck, be persistant and it will work out. Sorry you are so frustrated, we've been there too. Take care, mom to Cole 8months (Starband 6 days!!!)mommyluvset <mommyluvset > wrote: I AM SOOOOOOOO FRUSTRATED RIGHT NOW!!!!!!! We had our appointment with the pediatrician today, and it did not go as planned. Before we went in this morning, my husband and I were on the same page- that we want Tiernan to have a band. Even if he never benefited from it (which is HIGHLY unlikely) it wouldn't hurt him, so why not give it a try? Especially since his measurements from Hanger are 18 mm. So, we went in together today expecting to say give us an rx, or we're getting a second opinion. Our pediatrician gave us the I really think he'll grow out of it, if was going to have vision problems it would have happened by now (as if you can really tell on a four month old), don't you have better things to spend that much money on...song and dance. And we walked out without an rx. She said she wants to give it another month or two and if we REALLY don't like his progress that she

will sign off on an rx for us. I guess I'm just upset b/c , my dh, was supposed to back me up on this and I feel like he totally caved in. I have to start an appeal for our insurance to cover this b/c it's a contractual exclusion, and I can't do that without the rx! I feel like we are wasting precious time!! Yes, I can continue with repo (I have no choice at this point)but I really wanted this for him. I know there has been great success in banding older babies, but I really want to catch this in our best window of opportunity. Can you tell I'm upset?! Anyway, there you have it. I want to scream.Candace, AZmommy to Tiernan, 4 mostort, plagio

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