2nd band - should we or shouldn't we?

January 4, 2001

Okay, let me just say at the start that I know this is a personal

decision, but your input is much appreciated, especially from mommies

whose babies have graduated!

's been in her DOC band since 10/13. CT tells me that she only has

2-3 weeks left before she outgrows it. We took her to the doctor who

wrote the band prescription today, and he is pleased with the results.

But here's the deal - she STILL has some facial asymmetry. Her right

forehead is still more prominent than the left (although NOTHING like it

was when we started out on this journey). Her right cheek is still a

bit fuller (although I'm told that will be less noticeable when her baby

fat disappears. Occasionally I think her eyes look like they're

different sizes (although to be honest, one time it's the left eye that

looks larger, then the next time it's the right). Her ears are still a

bit misaligned (although, again, NOTHING like they were when we

started). She still has a bit of a flat spot behind her right ear (and

a TEENY bit of a flat spot behind the left ear), but the back of her

head is almost perfectly round.

The doc tells me: (1) I still see her facial asymmetry because I know

what to look for, but it won't be noticeable to the " average " person,

although it WILL be a bit more noticeable in mirrors/pictures; (2)

EVERYBODY has SOME facial asymmetry; and (3) we probably won't get much

correction with a second band. He says, however, that if we want him

to, he'll prescribe a second band. Whether insurance pays or not is not

a factor - we were prepared to pay for the first band out-of-pocket.

Unfortunately, my mommy instinct is failing me at the moment (something

I didn't think could happen!). I have NO gut feeling about this at all

- at least not at the moment.

HELP!!! Any advice/words of wisdom appreciated!

Becky & (5/4/00, banded since 10/13/00)

Plano, TX

January 5, 2001

Becky,

As I've shared before my husband & I approached it from a "why not band" standpoint. We had no good reasons not to go with a second band. The money was not an issue (ins. paid 100% of 1st, and we were already prepared to pay for at least one), we do have to travel 4+ hours but it worked out that I could fly some and we've had lots of family help! (Also, Hunter is a great traveler!!!) Finally, Hunter never minded the band. Our mindset was that since there was no good reason not to do it that any correction from a 2nd band would be worth it!!! Also, I just wanted to be sure that I had done everything in my power to help him!

Give it some time, that mommy instinct will kick in!!! Hope this helps!

(Hunter's mom)

Baton Rouge, LA