Re: Thanks for replying (long..)

[Guest guest]

Hi, Helen. Our story is a little complicated, so I may not be the

best source for opinions on the helmet, but I'll tell you what I can.

My daughter has/had severe plagio. She started the helmet when she

was just over 8 months old. She wore it until 11.5 months old, at

which time we switched to the DOC band. She's 16 months now old and

just started her 2nd DOC band. We didn't get any improvement with

the helmet, unfortunately. Our problems were twofold: we had a

really hard time getting a good fit with the helmet, and due to

several things happening we ended up seeing a different orthotist it

seemed every other time we went in. So we didn't have very good

consistency in the care we got. (It was things like our orthotist

hurting his back in a skiing accident and things like that. No one's

fault, but we didn't get consistent care as a result). They kept

recasting her for her helmet because they said it didn't fit right

and the day I was supposed to pick up her 4th helmet in 3 months I

told them to keep it. She has had improvement with the band, but

even CT has said she has a stubborn head. So, we had a bad

experience with that particular helmet, but I have seen other babies

with severe plagio use that helmet and get great results. I don't

necessarily think it is a bad helmet, but the care from the orthotist

is key to the success of any helmet/band. I think if we had got a

good fit (and only one helmet), she would have seen improvement in

the helmet. Also, I believe that starting earlier would have

definitely helped our situation (which you are doing!). As for other

treatment centers in Michigan (we are in metro-Detroit area) I know

that Children's and U of M do helmets. Also, I know that there are

Starband providers in the area because I spoke with a woman at U of M

hospital one day who had a baby with a Starband. I don't remember the

name of the orthotics group she went to, but it may have been in Ann

Arbor. Then the nearest DOC band clinics are in Cleveland and

Chicago. Our experience was not great, but everyone else I met using

that helmet seemed to be having great results. Make sure that you

are satisfied that you are getting a good fit, that your orthotist is

taking great care to explain everything well, and that at every

fitting you walk out confident that things are progressing like they

should be. I know you probably think " how will I know? " , but mommy

instincts will kick in and you'll know. Good luck to you! I'm sure

you'll be looking at a round little head in no time!

Debbie

> Thank you for replying to my message, Debra. I was

> just wondering what you thought of the helmet. You

> said that your child had worn it for 3 months. Did

> you see good results? My daughter is almost 6 months

> and will start wearing hers soon. I know there are

> other helmets/bands out there that are more active. I

> just want to make the best choice for my daughter. Do

> you live in the Michigan area. Do you know of any

> other treatment centers in Michigan? Thanks again for replying.

>

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