Re: We're New Plagio Parents

[Guest guest]

Hi Heidi,

We had our casting on the 10th of January (we get the band on the 29th). It

was heartbreaking that my daughter, , (12 months old) cried - but

remember - it's for something that will help your son. This is how we got

through it. And it doesn't take very long.

If he takes a pacifier, that might help (someone else had suggested this to

me). doesn't and wouldn't even take her bottle. I sang to her and that

seemed to calm her down some. The technician was so great and so patient

with . It's been a week now, and doesn't seem to remember any of

it. She is her happy self. Remember to bring some kind of " treat " for after

(we gave her a little piece of chocolate) and do something special (we went

to see " Gumpa " [grandpa] right after.) Another piece of good advice that

someone gave: Bring his own wash cloth and towel for the bath after the

casting. Some advice for Mommy and Daddy: Wear something old that you will

not mind getting yucky (and also maybe a change of clothes for yourself).

You will be right there with your son, and will get the plaster stuff all

over you!

I hope my suggestions will help. I hope it goes well! We will be thinking

of you! Let us know how it goes. This is such a great group to get support!

-- and --

[Guest guest]

Thanks for all the advice about casting and getting used to it. This support

group is great and I will definately let everyone know how it goes. Still

waiting to hear when we can set up the appt for the casting. I want to " get

the show on the road "

Thanks

Heidi

[Guest guest]

Heidi and Mark:

I can sure relate to your situation. We also told our ped from the time our

baby was 4 months old that something was wrong. He said her head would round

out on its own. Needless to say it did not. We got a locally made helmet when

she was 9 months old and we have seen some improvement despite what many

consider a late start. There are people in this egroup that have started MUCH

later with the DOC band and have had great results. Insurance improval has

been a problem for MANY people here, myself included. We have just finished a

Level Two Appeal which is as high as we can go with our HMO. We do not think

our Level Two Appeal will be approved. We have been fighting this for 4

months and we went ahead with the treatment on our own as we felt we could

not wait. Fortunately our helmet only costs $700 which includes the molding

and all follow-up visits for adjustments. We also worried about the casting

process since our baby is rather particular about being manipulated. She did

very well and hardly fussed at all. My mom went with me and she held on

her lap while I stood in front of her and talked, sang and fed her cheerios.

Many people in this group have reccommended feeding a bottle just before and

keeping your binky (or other comfort item) on hand if your child uses one.

The process seems like it would take an eternity, but it really isn't that

bad. We had more trouble trying to get through the eye doctor appointment! We

never did treatment for tort so I can't help you there. I hope you find this

info handy. It's good to have you with us - you have come to the right place.

I can't imagine a question about plagio or tort that someone here couldn't

help you with!!!

Please keep us posted!

Marci (Mom to 1/12/00)

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 1/17/01 7:44:31 AM Pacific Standard Time, Hashworth73@... writes:

In the meantime we have stretching exercises we're supposed to do........the big problem is that Luke HATES them. He twists and turns any time we try. Any help on how to get through these?

Thanks in advance for any responses!

Heidi & Mark

Heidi - The stretching exercises, does Luke have torticollis? Is he in physical therapy? If you are not helped without a professional at this age, well, next to impossible. You should be followed by pt and they will show and give you lots of ideas for stretching. It really changes and gets more creative as they get older. Also egroups has a group called torticolliskids. Several of us are members of both.

About the casting. If you have someone else with you, good idea. Also, wouldn't recommend jewelry. Just be prepared for a lot of crying and if it goes better a bonus.

Tammy & 12/8/99