Re: How long to get a band, etc..

[Guest guest]

,

We chose to use a locally made helmet because it was pretty much the only

option in our area at the time. The ortho was GREAT and he was local. He used

a helmet and it had a total cost of only $700. Whichever device you choose

you should interview your orthotist first. Ask the ortho what kind of

experience he/she has with BABIES and with the device he/she uses. Ask to see

some before/after pictures. See if he/she has anyone you can call for a

reference. Put the name and location of the ortho on an email to this group

and see if anyone here knows something about the ortho. The orthotist is the

key to successful treatment. Many people opt for the STARband or helmet

because they don't have to travel for it and they usually cost quite a bit

less. There is no denying that the DOCband makes an excellent product and

some people choose to travel despite some great distances to use that

product. It is a real personal decision and there are a number of things to

weigh when deciding. The bottom line is really the orthotist and the

experience and skill he/she has.

We did have to wait awhile to get an appointment with the ortho. The first

time we went in was casted and he told us a whole bunch about the

helmet. From there we had to wait 2 weeks for the helmet to be made and then

we went in for a fitting. I believe that 2 weeks is pretty standard for most

of the products.

The process is not long. The casting took about 5 minutes. The fitting took

about 20 mintues because he fitted it, adjusted it, fitted it, adjusted it

and so on until it was just right. The follow-up appointments took anywhere

from 5 to 20 mintues depending upon how much adjustment was necessary.

started her helmet at 9 months and graduated at 15 1/2 months. Some babies do

not have to wear them as long if they are younger and hit some good growth

spurts quickly.

Those are all excellent questions I am certain that you will get a number of

responses with some great information. Good luck!

Marci (Mom to )

Oklahoma

[Guest guest]

Marci--

Thank you sooo much for your thoughtful response. I have an appointment with

Dr. Teichgraeber from the Texas Pediatric Surgical Association in Houston.

He was listed at the DOC band site. After doing some research, I felt that I

wanted to use the DOC band. Anyway, I found some questions that I will

bering to my appointment too.

I am curious what he will think of Fischer's head shape....

Thanks again,

[Guest guest]

,

It really sounds like you are doing all the right things. Your baby is VERY

fortunate to have a concerned and conscientious mom to be his advocate. There

simply is no better advocate for a child then his mom!! Keep up the good work

and let us know what the dr thinks.

Marci (Mom to )

Oklahoma

[Guest guest]

Hey -choosing the band depends on a lot of factors-mainly which treatment is most accessible to you-how comfortable you feel with the ortho and team that will be providing the helmet therapy to your little one-maybe what insurance will or wont cover and if you have a preference for passive Vs applied pressure helmets. There are many reasons- sometimes the age of your child or DR's preference will have influence as well. It is generally a quick process once you have gotten the prescription for the helmet -- you get banded and a few weeks later you get the helmet-and depending on where you are and the age of your child the return time may be quicker. Our son was 3 months when he was casted so they had the doc band back in like 8 days because he is growing so quick that they couldn't wait too long. We also had to travel from Tenn. to Georgia every week for our treatments-but don't regret a single minute of it and has a beautiful shaped head now and we are thankful! If you have a doc clinic near you they will do a free evaluation just make an appointment-here is a link to the clinic locations and here is also the link for orthoamerica for you to check out. Click here: Clinic and Specialist Locations for the doc and Orthomerica I hope these are helpful for you. Welcome again!

Beck Mom to

doc grad

Memphis

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 1/7/2002 1:38:27 PM Central Standard Time, bbbhand@... writes:

It is generally a quick process once you have gotten the prescription for the helmet -- you get banded and a few weeks later you get the helmet-and depending

I meant to say you get CASTED and then a few weeks later you get the helmet SORRY

Beck