Working with an orthotist

[Guest guest]

When working with your othotists, was that person informative and

easy to work with? I am starting to have some doubts about

Rhiannon's care as I have been thinking about our time with the

orthotist last Monday. I asked exactly how the helmet was going to

help Rhia, and she seemed reluctant to tell me exactly. I was

offered answers like " it will direct her head growth " , etc., and when

I said " Oh, so it will hold those areas in place with foam that you

don't want to grow and leave an opening where the flat spot is? " She

said " No, I will put the foam where the flat spots are so that the

head can grow into them. " Now, I realize that she could mean that

she will use soft foam on the flat spots, but still, does she feel

this information is top secret and not to be shared with the parent?

Also, I asked if her ears will come into alignment, and she said " No,

I have NEVER heard of the ears coming into alignment " . When I told

her that I had, and had pictures to prove it, she said that it was

probably an optical illusion. I then asked if I can expect the

forhead bossing to diminish and for better symmetry in Rhia's face.

Specifically, was she going to allow for forhead growth in the non-

bossed side? She gave me a very quizzical look and said " I HAVE done

that for other kids, but I won't be doing that for her - it's not bad

enough. " My question is this: if you are going through the trouble

of making a helmet, why in the world wouldn't you do the best job you

can do so ensure the best results? Also, is that decision up to her

to make? The referring surgeon mentioned her facial assymetries, so

I assume he is thinking that they will be addressed with the helmet

and the best job possible will be done. I have contacted the

surgeon's nurse and am waiting for her call back. I also have a call

in to Cranial Technologies in Madison, WI to see what they have to

say, as I may switch helmet providers. Any thoughts out there on

this conversation???? Thanks to all, and for letting me sound this

off. I have been fuming and stewing for 5 days!

Thank you,

, Rhiannon's mom

[Guest guest]

Wow , I am sorry to hear that your orthotist is so

uninformed. Let us know what the surgeon and CT says. I can only

assume that if you are going with a DOC band, the facial assimitry

would be helped. As the back rounds out, the front of the face will

shape itself also. Livia had pretty bad assimitry and forhead

bossing. SHe recieved 100% correction in these area. I wonder if

this orthotist was trained at CT? From what I have heard, all Pt's

and Ot's get trained at CT in Arizona before they can do the

adjustments etc of DOC bands. For this woman to do a half a$$ed job

at this point would be a travesty!

Anne

mom of Livia

DOC Grad 12/01

Canada