Re: red pressure marks, visit frequency, and time in helmet?

[Guest guest]

- No magic time slot for band/helmet therapy! Each child grows at a different pace and all depends on the age and growth of child. The younger, faster, less time. I don't think you mentioned the age of your son. Some are only in a few months, others 4-6 I think kind of average. Some much longer.

Depending on age and head shape, adjustments varies. Many need weekly adjustments when young. As you get older, 2-3 weeks may be ok at some times. We got our second band at a year and need weekly in the beginning, 1 1/2-2 for a while and went as long as 3 weeks. Really depends on growth.

Usually your orthotics person and you decide on time to stop. Many simply out grow the helmet/band. Our first band we outgrew in 7 1/2 weeks, only 6-7 months then.

If you see any problems with that head, you should be able to call and get in ASAP.

Tammy & 12/8/99

[Guest guest]

,

If you have red pressure marks that do not fade away in one hours time then

it is time for an adjustment. I would leave the helmet off until you can get

in to the see the orthotist tomorrow. I think monthly adjustments are not

enough. I would think you would need to go at least every 2 weeks. That is

what most people here do and some go weekly at first!

My daughter has been in her helmet for over 5 months! Most people here seem

to go a little longer than 2 months - that seems a little short. Hopefully

you can hook up with an orthotist in your new location that may be a little

more experienced and you will definately want to find a SUPPORTIVE ped!! Our

group owner here, Kendra, may be able to point you in the direction of a

plagiocephaly webpage that lists band/helmet friendly doctors and you might

be able to pick one in your new area from that list. Also, if you would say

what area you are moving to, someone here might be from that area and can

recommend someone to you!

I would think your specialist should be the one who tells you it is time to

stop wearing the device. That person is supposed to be the expert and should

make the call.

As far as time in the helmet, I have never heard of anything but 23 hours a

day. Some people start slower and build up time at the beginning, but

ultimately it should be 23 hours a day 7 days a week. You can remove it one

hour each day for bathing and for cleaning the helmet. Also remove the helmet

if you child is running a fever.

I hope this info helps. I am glad that you found us and I welcome you to the

group!!

Marci (Mom to )

Oklahoma

[Guest guest]

,

I know we have at least one person (and I think more) in the group in the

Phoenix area. Her name is Sue and hopefully she will respond and give you

some good info!

Good luck!!

Marci (Mom to )

Oklahoma

[Guest guest]

Our son was 4 mo when he was fitted with the helmet, and we were told

treatment time would be 6-10 weeks. His case is considered moderate.

Our pediatrician did not feel helmeting was neccessary and his head

would round out on its own. At this point, we are at the 6 week mark

and NO adjustments have been made, despite rapid growth [he has grown

2 inches in length, and 2 cm in head circum]. There is obvious

improvement in his head. The dr is reccommending that he wear it

only to sleep from now on.

[Guest guest]

Marci:

We are moving to the Phoenix area, which we know is the central home

of the doc band. We do not have a doc band, as the nearest location

to us is 7 hours away by car and a 14 hour round trip was not

feasible for us in the winter. If anyone knows of a good orthotist

in Phoenix, let me know via email.

[Guest guest]

Marci and ,

Yup, that's me. I just e-mailed to let her know that whatever

help I can be.... azmcau@...

Sue & Riley

(Phoenix, AZ)

> ,

>

> I know we have at least one person (and I think more) in the group

in the

> Phoenix area. Her name is Sue and hopefully she will respond and

give you

> some good info!

>

> Good luck!!

>

> Marci (Mom to )

> Oklahoma

[Guest guest]

Our Orthotist who does many, many STARbands says that 20 hours per

day is sufficient. I plan to keep Noah in his for 23...but I thought

this was interesting info.

Deborah

>

> As far as time in the helmet, I have never heard of anything but 23

hours a

> day. Some people start slower and build up time at the beginning,

but

> ultimately it should be 23 hours a day 7 days a week. You can

remove it one

> hour each day for bathing and for cleaning the helmet. Also remove

the helmet

> if you child is running a fever.

>

> Marci (Mom to )

> Oklahoma

[Guest guest]

Thanks Sue! :-)