Re: Got STARband two days ago for brachy, feeling bad - bit of a rant

[Guest guest]

I know exactly how you are feeling and I promise you will feel so differently about it VERY soon! (Especially when you start to see the improvement)The first couple of days I felt sad about it. She didn't look like my girl anymore, all of a sudden she looked like every other baby in a band. It helped me to just dive right in and spend time in public, all of a sudden it wasn't such a big deal anymore. And decorating it really does help - even if you just throw a few stickers on it! I think it makes others who don't know think it is a cute little noggin protector! So many people have asked me if that's what it is - saying that is a great idea - ha!!!As long as it doesn't seem like it is bothering him, don't worry about that. People have said to me "that must bother her" "poor thing must be uncomfortable" but I honestly have never seen signs it bothers her. And she let's me know when things do! I really think she is kind of attached to it now, that's how it seems when we take it off. So try not to worry about that unless he shows signs of it. I know it doesn't seem like it now but time WILL fly. My daughter doesn't have to have it 6 months but the months she has had it have flown by. 6 months is so worth it in the long run!!! Be thankful it is when he is such a little guy and other babies will just like looking at it and touching it. Can you imagine if they had to wear it when they are teenagers and kids at that age can be so cruel? They are so innocent and non-judgemental at this age, at least it won't affect his self-esteem!I am so used to her band now, I forget it is even on. Sometimes when it is off, she looks odd to me because I am so used to the band!! I am kind of attached to it now myself, ha ha!!!Most importantly, I think it is best if you try to just embrace and accept it. I truly think he will feel ok about it if you do. If you don't, he might pick up on that and not like the band. I know all this rah-rah positive stuff might not be what you want to hear right now but if you embrace it and own it, things will get better! Attitude is everything, if you are cool with it, so will everyone else, including your precious baby!Good luck, it WILL get better!!!Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone with SprintSpeedFrom: "mandeejewell" <mandeejewell@...>Date: Sun, 18 Apr 2010 17:21:46 -0000<Plagiocephaly >Subject: Got STARband two days ago for brachy, feeling bad - bit of a rant I can't stop feeling like I hate this. It's only been a couple days, so we are still in the breaking-in period, and I find myself counting down the minutes for my son's hour break to take his helmet off. I am dreading day 5 when he goes to 23 hours a day. I know it's not that bad, and we will get used to it, and blah blah blah.I think what's hard for me is not having a definite end date to look forward to. I don't like the " 4-6 month range " we were given. I want it to take 4 months, no more. I'm also mad at myself that we didn't do this sooner. I was in a bit of denial after my son's ped noticed his brachy at his 4 month appt and referred us to a neurosurgeon, but I kept putting it off, and now he is 6.5 months old and will have to wear it longer than if I would have just listened to the ped.I keep hearing how much harder brachy is to treat, that it takes longer, etc. etc. and I can't help feeling discouraged. I just don't want my kid in a helmet that long, I'm sorry. Maybe I'm selfish, but I can't imagine having to wear a helmet 23 hours a day, so what makes us think it doesn't bother our babies? They just can't do anything about it.How long were your kids in their helmet? Just wondering. I need a bit of positive encouragement.

[Guest guest]

Looking on the bright side...

You have a proactive ped who gave you a script and was on top of it, your baby is now getting treatment and will have their 1st birthday without a band and with a rounder head.

Alot of parents have to fight to get a dr to even look at their babies heads - let alone are able to afford a band or get it covered by insurance.

You are so blessed to have a health baby in a cute band. And your baby has a great mom who cares enough to get him treatment!

WAY TO GO MOM!!!

Jen

Mom to Luli - 4 yrs old

Torticollis, Plagio, Syringomyelia

Got STARband two days ago for brachy, feeling bad - bit of a rant

I can't stop feeling like I hate this. It's only been a couple days, so we are still in the breaking-in period, and I find myself counting down the minutes for my son's hour break to take his helmet off. I am dreading day 5 when he goes to 23 hours a day. I know it's not that bad, and we will get used to it, and blah blah blah.

I think what's hard for me is not having a definite end date to look forward to. I don't like the "4-6 month range" we were given. I want it to take 4 months, no more. I'm also mad at myself that we didn't do this sooner. I was in a bit of denial after my son's ped noticed his brachy at his 4 month appt and referred us to a neurosurgeon, but I kept putting it off, and now he is 6.5 months old and will have to wear it longer than if I would have just listened to the ped.

I keep hearing how much harder brachy is to treat, that it takes longer, etc. etc. and I can't help feeling discouraged. I just don't want my kid in a helmet that long, I'm sorry. Maybe I'm selfish, but I can't imagine having to wear a helmet 23 hours a day, so what makes us think it doesn't bother our babies? They just can't do anything about it.

How long were your kids in their helmet? Just wondering. I need a bit of positive encouragement.

[Guest guest]

I felt the same way - my daughter has been wearing it for over a month and time

has gone by faster than i thought. She has brachy too and is in the starband and

started at 7.5 months - her head has dramatically improved already and my

orthotist says she should only have 1 month to go (she had moderate brachy). So

its not too late, and your son may have a good growth spurt (like my daughter)

and could correct quickly. She hated the helmet and took some time adjusting to

sleeping in it but i think she prefers to have it on now because her hair annoys

her! Hang in there, you've made the best decision and he'll have it off before

you know it!!

good luck!!