Introducing Evan

[Guest guest]

I've been lurking here for about a week and I thought I would

introduce myself and my son Evan, he'll be 8 months next week. I

noticed a flat spot on his lower right side when Evan was about 12

weeks old and because of my new mom paranoia I started aggressively

repositioning. At his 4-month well visit, I pointed it out to the

nurse practioner who was filling in for our pedi (maternity leave).

She said that flat spots are fairly common, to encourage tummy time,

and that I shouldn't worry about it. " It'll round out, " is what she

said.

Well, at a random 5-month visit for a cough I brought it up again and

said that I think it's getting worse. The same nurse practioner said

I should try repositioning. I reminded her that I had been for 2

months at that point and that I was really worried. I even pointed

out his little bald patch (you know, the patch of hair that rubs off

for a few weeks), was shifting around his head. Clearly, I was able

to take some pressure off of the right side because his hair began

growing in there but was " rubbing off " more in the center. She said

she didn't think I should worry, told me I'm probably a little

nervous because I'm a first time mom, but if it will help me feel

better, she'll schedule an appt with a neurosurgeon. I insisted on

the appt and 7 weeks later (!) we met with Dr. Proctor at Boston

Children's Hospital. We never left his office. He took one look at

Evan and said, " Yep. " His differential is 13mm and he is considered

to have " moderate positional plagiocephaly " with no torticollis.

The next day we were fitted for a helmet at Hanger in South Easton,

MA. I didn't even question whether or not we would do it. I didn't

even wait to find out if our insurance would cover it. The next day,

I found out our insurance would not cover Evan's treatment so I wrote

a check for the full amount and now I'm beginning the process of

appealing the denial.

A week later, Evan is wearing his helmet 20 hrs per day and sleeping

through the night! He doesn't seem bothered by it at all! Minus the

sweating and scrubbing of the helmet we're getting pretty used to

it. I hope it is a short 3-6 months and I've found comfort in all of

your stories and emails. I realize now that I should have looked

into providers and orthotists a little more carefully but I am

comforted knowing that Evan began treatment 10 days after his

diagnosis. So far, I am very pleased with our orthotist and my only

hang up is how to address the nurse practioner at our pedi's office.

Thanks for this outlet!

Assonet, MA

Hanger helmet started 6/18/08

[Guest guest]

Hi and welcome to the group. Unfortunately many people are still hearing it will round out. Good for you for be so insistent. Please keep us posted on how Evan is doing.

Angie & Jenna (STAR grad 2003)

Introducing Evan

I've been lurking here for about a week and I thought I would introduce myself and my son Evan, he'll be 8 months next week. I noticed a flat spot on his lower right side when Evan was about 12 weeks old and because of my new mom paranoia I started aggressively repositioning. At his 4-month well visit, I pointed it out to the nurse practioner who was filling in for our pedi (maternity leave). She said that flat spots are fairly common, to encourage tummy time, and that I shouldn't worry about it. "It'll round out," is what she said. Well, at a random 5-month visit for a cough I brought it up again and said that I think it's getting worse. The same nurse practioner said I should try repositioning. I reminded her that I had been for 2 months at that point and that I was really worried. I even pointed out his little bald patch (you know, the patch of hair that rubs off for a few weeks), was shifting around his head. Clearly, I was able to take some pressure off of the right side because his hair began growing in there but was "rubbing off" more in the center. She said she didn't think I should worry, told me I'm probably a little nervous because I'm a first time mom, but if it will help me feel better, she'll schedule an appt with a neurosurgeon. I insisted on the appt and 7 weeks later (!) we met with Dr. Proctor at Boston Children's Hospital. We never left his office. He took one look at Evan and said, "Yep." His differential is 13mm and he is considered to have "moderate positional plagiocephaly" with no torticollis.The next day we were fitted for a helmet at Hanger in South Easton, MA. I didn't even question whether or not we would do it. I didn't even wait to find out if our insurance would cover it. The next day, I found out our insurance would not cover Evan's treatment so I wrote a check for the full amount and now I'm beginning the process of appealing the denial.A week later, Evan is wearing his helmet 20 hrs per day and sleeping through the night! He doesn't seem bothered by it at all! Minus the sweating and scrubbing of the helmet we're getting pretty used to it. I hope it is a short 3-6 months and I've found comfort in all of your stories and emails. I realize now that I should have looked into providers and orthotists a little more carefully but I am comforted knowing that Evan began treatment 10 days after his diagnosis. So far, I am very pleased with our orthotist and my only hang up is how to address the nurse practioner at our pedi's office. Thanks for this outlet!Assonet, MAHanger helmet started 6/18/08

[Guest guest]

,

Welcome to the group. I am fairly new myself (I think) although I've been posting pretty much since the beginning. I so needed to know that I wasn't making things up! My daughter, Maysa (5m 2w) will be receiving her helmet this Wednesday. I am so excited for her. I can't wait to see her head round up a little (really rather a lot). Her older sister is 2 and a half and looking at the two of them in the mirror the other day Maysa had a wider forehead than her sister. I knew there was something wrong with the way her head was shaping and if you got the "It will round up" from your NP, well I got the same answer from three different pediatricians. Now at 5 and a half months old, her torticollis is not completely resolved and although the repositioning that I did helped lessen the plagio (7mm), she now has brachycephaly (98%). Can you believe that the 1st ped told us that as her hair grows no one

would be able to tell! How about her days in the water or in pony tails!!!

Anyway, I love this group and check its messages several times a day. It is great to read about other people's experiences, ups and down, worries and concerns but also their success stories. It is helping me get better prepared for the few months ahead.

My daughter will be receiving her helmet from Eastern Craninal Affiliates. I liked the ortho and the device better than any other I've seen (and I think I've seen them all in the area). My insurance won't pay for it either. We will appeal but even if we don't get our money back I know I'll get my peace of mind.

It's good to know that your little one is adjusting well and that your ortho seems to be the right one for you. Good luck to you and to Evan and please keep the rest of us posted on his progress.

Leila, mom to Maysa 5m 2w, ECA helmet on Wednesday!!!

From: ekp17 <ekp17@...>Subject: Introducing EvanPlagiocephaly Date: Monday, June 30, 2008, 9:49 AM

I've been lurking here for about a week and I thought I would introduce myself and my son Evan, he'll be 8 months next week. I noticed a flat spot on his lower right side when Evan was about 12 weeks old and because of my new mom paranoia I started aggressively repositioning. At his 4-month well visit, I pointed it out to the nurse practioner who was filling in for our pedi (maternity leave). She said that flat spots are fairly common, to encourage tummy time, and that I shouldn't worry about it. "It'll round out," is what she said. Well, at a random 5-month visit for a cough I brought it up again and said that I think it's getting worse. The same nurse practioner said I should try repositioning. I reminded her that I had been for 2 months at that point and that I was really worried. I even pointed out his little bald patch (you know, the patch of hair that rubs off for a few weeks), was

shifting around his head. Clearly, I was able to take some pressure off of the right side because his hair began growing in there but was "rubbing off" more in the center. She said she didn't think I should worry, told me I'm probably a little nervous because I'm a first time mom, but if it will help me feel better, she'll schedule an appt with a neurosurgeon. I insisted on the appt and 7 weeks later (!) we met with Dr. Proctor at Boston Children's Hospital. We never left his office. He took one look at Evan and said, "Yep." His differential is 13mm and he is considered to have "moderate positional plagiocephaly" with no torticollis.The next day we were fitted for a helmet at Hanger in South Easton, MA. I didn't even question whether or not we would do it. I didn't even wait to find out if our insurance would cover it. The next day, I found out our insurance would not cover Evan's treatment so I

wrote a check for the full amount and now I'm beginning the process of appealing the denial.A week later, Evan is wearing his helmet 20 hrs per day and sleeping through the night! He doesn't seem bothered by it at all! Minus the sweating and scrubbing of the helmet we're getting pretty used to it. I hope it is a short 3-6 months and I've found comfort in all of your stories and emails. I realize now that I should have looked into providers and orthotists a little more carefully but I am comforted knowing that Evan began treatment 10 days after his diagnosis. So far, I am very pleased with our orthotist and my only hang up is how to address the nurse practioner at our pedi's office. Thanks for this outlet!Assonet, MAHanger helmet started 6/18/08

[Guest guest]

Good luck and good to hear of another agressive mother when it came to treatment. I banded my son at 4 months after I insisted he had a flat spot that was not improving and I wanted to consult a neurologist. We found out he was 13mm off and banded the next week at Cranial Tech with the DOC band. I am not one to wait if I have a gut instinct about my son. I am glad we did band young as he was out of the band in 8 or so weeks.

I would make sure to see results in your helmet and not take a lackluster ortho if you find yours isnt the best. Keep on the boards and make sure you are seeing correction. Do not wait months with a helmet if it is not fitted properly and you are not happy. I am hoping that your ortho and helmet are great and you are happy but again trust that instinct and make a stink if you are not satisfied with the service, fit or ortho. Best of luck and keep us informed as to the babies progress. Tammy

From: ekp17 <ekp17@...>Subject: Introducing EvanPlagiocephaly Date: Monday, June 30, 2008, 1:49 PM

I've been lurking here for about a week and I thought I would introduce myself and my son Evan, he'll be 8 months next week. I noticed a flat spot on his lower right side when Evan was about 12 weeks old and because of my new mom paranoia I started aggressively repositioning. At his 4-month well visit, I pointed it out to the nurse practioner who was filling in for our pedi (maternity leave). She said that flat spots are fairly common, to encourage tummy time, and that I shouldn't worry about it. "It'll round out," is what she said. Well, at a random 5-month visit for a cough I brought it up again and said that I think it's getting worse. The same nurse practioner said I should try repositioning. I reminded her that I had been for 2 months at that point and that I was really worried. I even pointed out his little bald patch (you know, the patch of hair that rubs off for a few weeks), was

shifting around his head. Clearly, I was able to take some pressure off of the right side because his hair began growing in there but was "rubbing off" more in the center. She said she didn't think I should worry, told me I'm probably a little nervous because I'm a first time mom, but if it will help me feel better, she'll schedule an appt with a neurosurgeon. I insisted on the appt and 7 weeks later (!) we met with Dr. Proctor at Boston Children's Hospital. We never left his office. He took one look at Evan and said, "Yep." His differential is 13mm and he is considered to have "moderate positional plagiocephaly" with no torticollis.The next day we were fitted for a helmet at Hanger in South Easton, MA. I didn't even question whether or not we would do it. I didn't even wait to find out if our insurance would cover it. The next day, I found out our insurance would not cover Evan's treatment so I

wrote a check for the full amount and now I'm beginning the process of appealing the denial.A week later, Evan is wearing his helmet 20 hrs per day and sleeping through the night! He doesn't seem bothered by it at all! Minus the sweating and scrubbing of the helmet we're getting pretty used to it. I hope it is a short 3-6 months and I've found comfort in all of your stories and emails. I realize now that I should have looked into providers and orthotists a little more carefully but I am comforted knowing that Evan began treatment 10 days after his diagnosis. So far, I am very pleased with our orthotist and my only hang up is how to address the nurse practioner at our pedi's office. Thanks for this outlet!Assonet, MAHanger helmet started 6/18/08

[Guest guest]

Hi -

Welcome! I'm glad to hear thinks seem to be going well with Evan so

far. Way to follow your mommy instincts! I've had a similar

experience as you and your NP. One of the peds at the practice we go

to is very adamently against helmets, calls them " a crock. " So when

my Jake first had his helmet, I was worried about going back to the

ped office for his 18m checkup. I was going to see our regular ped,

so that wasn't my concern, she knew what was going on, but I was

afraid of running into the other one in the halls. I was actually

looking around corners on my way to the exam room. Totally stupid.

In any case, Jake's been in a band for 5 months now and I've managed

to avoid that ped all together. Thank gosh cold and flu season is

over! At this point I don't even care if we see him, I'll tell him

to his face that he's crazy and that the helmet does work, but it

was just in the beginning when I felt like I was going against his

recommendation that I was a little embarassed about the whole thing.

But he's my son after all, so in the end it was my decision and I'm

happy with it, so that's all that matters.

Good luck with Evan's treatment, please keep us posted!

Jake-21m (tort resolved/rt plagio/DOCBand #2 4 weeks)

Jordan-4

>

> I've been lurking here for about a week and I thought I would

> introduce myself and my son Evan, he'll be 8 months next week. I

> noticed a flat spot on his lower right side when Evan was about 12

> weeks old and because of my new mom paranoia I started

aggressively

> repositioning. At his 4-month well visit, I pointed it out to the

> nurse practioner who was filling in for our pedi (maternity

leave).

> She said that flat spots are fairly common, to encourage tummy

time,

> and that I shouldn't worry about it. " It'll round out, " is what

she

> said.

>

> Well, at a random 5-month visit for a cough I brought it up again

and

> said that I think it's getting worse. The same nurse practioner

said

> I should try repositioning. I reminded her that I had been for 2

> months at that point and that I was really worried. I even

pointed

> out his little bald patch (you know, the patch of hair that rubs

off

> for a few weeks), was shifting around his head. Clearly, I was

able

> to take some pressure off of the right side because his hair began

> growing in there but was " rubbing off " more in the center. She

said

> she didn't think I should worry, told me I'm probably a little

> nervous because I'm a first time mom, but if it will help me feel

> better, she'll schedule an appt with a neurosurgeon. I insisted

on

> the appt and 7 weeks later (!) we met with Dr. Proctor at Boston

> Children's Hospital. We never left his office. He took one look

at

> Evan and said, " Yep. " His differential is 13mm and he is

considered

> to have " moderate positional plagiocephaly " with no torticollis.

>

> The next day we were fitted for a helmet at Hanger in South

Easton,

> MA. I didn't even question whether or not we would do it. I

didn't

> even wait to find out if our insurance would cover it. The next

day,

> I found out our insurance would not cover Evan's treatment so I

wrote

> a check for the full amount and now I'm beginning the process of

> appealing the denial.

>

> A week later, Evan is wearing his helmet 20 hrs per day and

sleeping

> through the night! He doesn't seem bothered by it at all! Minus

the

> sweating and scrubbing of the helmet we're getting pretty used to

> it. I hope it is a short 3-6 months and I've found comfort in all

of

> your stories and emails. I realize now that I should have looked

> into providers and orthotists a little more carefully but I am

> comforted knowing that Evan began treatment 10 days after his

> diagnosis. So far, I am very pleased with our orthotist and my

only

> hang up is how to address the nurse practioner at our pedi's

office.

>

> Thanks for this outlet!

>

>

> Assonet, MA

> Hanger helmet started 6/18/08

>

[Guest guest]

I wholeheartedly agree. I had the very same experience as in

Assonet, MA...my ped was in Cohasset. I just posted my experience with

Nopco (good--94 from 99% cranial index) and am now switching to a new

pediatrician in Chestnut Hill.

This outlet really affirms that I (we!) did the right thing by pushing

doctors for referrals.

>

> From: ekp17 <ekp17@...>

> Subject: Introducing Evan

> Plagiocephaly

> Date: Monday, June 30, 2008, 1:49 PM

>

>

>

>

>

>

> I've been lurking here for about a week and I thought I would

> introduce myself and my son Evan, he'll be 8 months next week. I

> noticed a flat spot on his lower right side when Evan was about 12

> weeks old and because of my new mom paranoia I started aggressively

> repositioning. At his 4-month well visit, I pointed it out to the

> nurse practioner who was filling in for our pedi (maternity leave).

> She said that flat spots are fairly common, to encourage tummy time,

> and that I shouldn't worry about it. " It'll round out, " is what she

> said.

>

> Well, at a random 5-month visit for a cough I brought it up again and

> said that I think it's getting worse. The same nurse practioner said

> I should try repositioning. I reminded her that I had been for 2

> months at that point and that I was really worried. I even pointed

> out his little bald patch (you know, the patch of hair that rubs off

> for a few weeks), was shifting around his head. Clearly, I was able

> to take some pressure off of the right side because his hair began

> growing in there but was " rubbing off " more in the center. She said

> she didn't think I should worry, told me I'm probably a little

> nervous because I'm a first time mom, but if it will help me feel

> better, she'll schedule an appt with a neurosurgeon. I insisted on

> the appt and 7 weeks later (!) we met with Dr. Proctor at Boston

> Children's Hospital. We never left his office. He took one look at

> Evan and said, " Yep. " His differential is 13mm and he is considered

> to have " moderate positional plagiocephaly " with no torticollis.

>

> The next day we were fitted for a helmet at Hanger in South Easton,

> MA. I didn't even question whether or not we would do it. I didn't

> even wait to find out if our insurance would cover it. The next day,

> I found out our insurance would not cover Evan's treatment so I wrote

> a check for the full amount and now I'm beginning the process of

> appealing the denial.

>

> A week later, Evan is wearing his helmet 20 hrs per day and sleeping

> through the night! He doesn't seem bothered by it at all! Minus the

> sweating and scrubbing of the helmet we're getting pretty used to

> it. I hope it is a short 3-6 months and I've found comfort in all of

> your stories and emails. I realize now that I should have looked

> into providers and orthotists a little more carefully but I am

> comforted knowing that Evan began treatment 10 days after his

> diagnosis. So far, I am very pleased with our orthotist and my only

> hang up is how to address the nurse practioner at our pedi's office.

>

> Thanks for this outlet!

>

>

> Assonet, MA

> Hanger helmet started 6/18/08

>