Re: Questions about a 3rd band

[Guest guest]

We are in a similar spot as you. Our daughter (she is 9 mos - started in

mid-August) is wrapping up her 2nd band next week (I don't remember her #'s, but

it was severe (plagio and tort, ears shifted). Tremondous improvements to

forehead, ears and roundness of head. Plus, she graduated from PT a few months

ago.

We are very pleased. However, it seems like there might still be a little room

for improvement. CT has not pushed a 3rd band, because we said the 2nd was the

last (insurance hasn't covered either DOC brand).

We know it's not an exact science. We've certainly learned along the way, but

we are going to wait and see pictures and measurements before making finally

call. luckily she is only 9 mos and there are plenty more growth spurts if we

decide for #3. We are definitely ready for the band to come off. Good luck with

your decision.

JB

>

> My son Ellis (9mo yesterday) has been in a DOCband since early September. He's

nearing the end of his 2nd band with likely another 4-6 weeks left. He had

severe plagio with a CVA of 17mm to start and some facial asymmetry (cheek and

ear). At our visit last week the CVA was down to 6mm. Our therapist mentioned

that she didn't think a 3rd band would be necessary as he'll likely get some

continued improvement in his last weeks in the band and his facial asymmetry is

mostly corrected. She asked me how I was feeling about how Ellis' head looks. I

hadn't even thought a 3rd band was an option so was a bit surprised. Now I'm

trying to weigh whether I think a 3rd band would be something i want to advocate

for...

>

> Generally i am thrilled about the improvement that we've seen. Ellis' head

looks so much better than it did, his ears are pretty much aligned and the

asymmetry in his cheek is not noticeable to someone who doesn't know about it.

There is definitely still some room for improvement though, the back R side of

his head is still a bit flat and the L forehead is filling out but still

slightly angled. And this is why i'm slightly torn. I'm leaning towards not

banding again, but wanted to make sure I considered all sides before making a

decision. When I weigh another 3-4 months in a new band vs. the way Ellis' head

is now, I don't know if it will be worth it. What have your experiences been

with a 3rd band at this age? Will the amount of improvement be worth the

additional time? Cost is not realy an issue to me, we've been lucky that our

insurance has covered the bands thus far and paying out of pocket for a 3rd

would be manageable. I'd really appreciate your thoughts and experiences as i

weigh this decision.

>

> Best regards and Happy New Year.

> Ophelia ( 3.3 with a perfectly round head and Ellis 9mo DOCband since

9/2009)

> NYC

>