Re: zac in the uk peoples comments

[Guest guest]

,

had moderate to severe plagio and she wore her helmet for almost six

months. We got good improvement, but sometimes I wish we could have been

recasted and gone a little bit longer in a new helmet. She didn't start until

she was 9 months old and the improvement gets slower the older the baby gets.

I understand what you mean about the staring and comments. I always tried to

let those things roll off my back, but sometimes that is easier said then

done. NO ONE wants to hear bad things being said about their babies. I will

say, however, that that part of it does get easier with time. Towards the end

of 's treatment I would sometimes wonder why people were looking at us

and smiling and then I would remember, " oh yeah, the helmet - duh!! "

I know it is difficult - hang in there and remember that you are doing the

right thing.

Marci (Mom to )

Oklahoma

[Guest guest]

,

Believe me, I know how hard it is to take people's comments. I find that just to pretend he doesn't even have it on is the best way to handle it in public. Of course it was really hard in the beginning and my husband and I would think of reasons to leave it off when we went out, because it was easier than answering people's ignorant questions. My MIL thought of a good one, and it'll put people in their place real fast. Tell people he's a skateboarding champion. See how that gets a reaction.

Above all, you know that the helmet is going to help your son, it is not cruel, and it's not because of any harm. As long as you know what you're doing is right, I say everyone else can kiss your butt. Sorry for the term, but it's true, you know? You don't have to answer to them, but you may have to answer to your son.

I've heard it all: spaceship baby, crash helmet, hockey helmet, one checker at the grocery store said to the bagger, "Yeah, these shopping carts can be dangerous." I wanted to sock her in the mouth, and I am not a violent person. I should've told her where to stick it, but I was too shocked at the insensetivity. If I didn't know about the helmets and saw one, yes, I would be curious and might stare, because that is just human nature, but I would never say anything to anyone like that without knowing what it was. My husband gets really upset when people make comments, because, what if he DID have something seriously wrong with him? I know there are children who wear helmets because of epilepsy.

I could go on for days. But seriously, just try to ignore people. When people made comments without asking what it really was, I would walk away and decide not to try to explain it because it wasn't worth it.

Just know we're all here for you and we understand. But don't let it be the deciding factor for leaving it off. Your son needs you to be strong for him. Because I am knowledgeable about this now, when I see a helmeted baby in public, I say, "Yay for that mom for having the brains to do something." I see plagio all over now, and I am willing to bet that over half of new babies will have flat heads for life because people either don't know about it or refuse to listen. I applaud the mom who bands or repositions. I have gone through two helmets with my son and still haven't received very good correction, but hey, at least I tried.

You hang in there and tell all those rude people where to go. : )

Kellie, mom of

Tacoma, WA

[Guest guest]

Hi Kendra. Oh, I know that sound. I used to be a courtesy clerk when I was a teenager and saw it happen about three times, and yes, the sound is horrible. But what I meant about the checker was that she said it in a very sarcastic way and it was like she implying that that was why he had the helmet. The way she said it was very rude. But yes, I know how horrible it is for children to fall out.

Kellie

[Guest guest]

:

I'm sorry that you have heard such horrible comments about Zac ( It's a shame that people can be so insensitive.

Please don't loose hope in Zac's band. You are seeing improvements, and that it GREAT!! Never mind all those meanies out there. You are a super Mum for looking out for your son! Try not to take these comments to heart. You know that you are doing the best thing for Zac's situation, and those who make rude comments are either uneducated on the subject of plagio, or have a stinky sense of humour about how they comment - or both! Keep your chin up, and don't let them get to you. Smile and talk with Zac when you notice people staring. Showing them what a healthy, happy baby he really is can't do any harm. Don't let them assume that there is anything wrong with him, or that you did anything to him - nothing could be farther from the truth! You are doing everything in your power to help him!

As far as success and time frames go, it really depends on the individual child. My daughter was considered severe and she spent 5 months in her band. She still has some flatness that is obvious to me, but others don't notice it unless it's pointed out. Some kids do go on to a second band, but it will be entirely up to you. You will have to decide how Zac looks, and if it's worth going for a second round. With the guidance of you, your family & Dr. B, Zac is surely in terrific hands that wont steer him wrong!

Chin up, and happy rounding! Keep us posted!

Kendra

zac in the uk peoples comments

hello zac has been wearing his helmet for 5 weeks now and i wish i could take it off him i know we cant but i am getting so fed up of the stares and people asking what is wrong with him i feel like he is constantly on show hes been called a spaceman a baby alien but the worst thing has been a man saying that it looks cruel and that people might think that i have harmed him i cannot believe that people would think that but it did upset me any way his head shape is improving thaankfully his plagio is severe so weve got a lot more months to go can any body advise me whether they got sufficient results for severe plagio with 1 inch assemetry of ears after 6 months or did they have to keep it on longerthanks laura For more plagio info

[Guest guest]

one checker at the grocery store said to the bagger, "Yeah, these shopping carts can be dangerous." I wanted to sock her in the mouth

A little off topic, but have you ever heard a child's head hit the floor after falling out of a grocery cart????? I worked in grocery for years, and believe me, it happens A LOT! It's a HORRIBLE sound, and that was my opinion before I became a parent! (I don't know what the sound would do to me now that I'm a Mom!) I haven't heard that sound for a long time, and I hope I never have to! At least many of the stores provide seat-belts in their buggies now.

Well, just had to comment on that one! Sorry!

Kendra

Re: zac in the uk peoples comments

,Believe me, I know how hard it is to take people's comments. I find that just to pretend he doesn't even have it on is the best way to handle it in public. Of course it was really hard in the beginning and my husband and I would think of reasons to leave it off when we went out, because it was easier than answering people's ignorant questions. My MIL thought of a good one, and it'll put people in their place real fast. Tell people he's a skateboarding champion. See how that gets a reaction.Above all, you know that the helmet is going to help your son, it is not cruel, and it's not because of any harm. As long as you know what you're doing is right, I say everyone else can kiss your butt. Sorry for the term, but it's true, you know? You don't have to answer to them, but you may have to answer to your son.I've heard it all: spaceship baby, crash helmet, hockey helmet, one checker at the grocery store said to the bagger, "Yeah, these shopping carts can be dangerous." I wanted to sock her in the mouth, and I am not a violent person. I should've told her where to stick it, but I was too shocked at the insensetivity. If I didn't know about the helmets and saw one, yes, I would be curious and might stare, because that is just human nature, but I would never say anything to anyone like that without knowing what it was. My husband gets really upset when people make comments, because, what if he DID have something seriously wrong with him? I know there are children who wear helmets because of epilepsy.I could go on for days. But seriously, just try to ignore people. When people made comments without asking what it really was, I would walk away and decide not to try to explain it because it wasn't worth it. Just know we're all here for you and we understand. But don't let it be the deciding factor for leaving it off. Your son needs you to be strong for him. Because I am knowledgeable about this now, when I see a helmeted baby in public, I say, "Yay for that mom for having the brains to do something." I see plagio all over now, and I am willing to bet that over half of new babies will have flat heads for life because people either don't know about it or refuse to listen. I applaud the mom who bands or repositions. I have gone through two helmets with my son and still haven't received very good correction, but hey, at least I tried.You hang in there and tell all those rude people where to go. : )Kellie, mom of Tacoma, WA For more plagio info

[Guest guest]

But what I meant about the checker was that she said it in a very sarcastic way and it was like she implying that that was why he had the helmet.

I know what you meant, Kellie ;o)

Kendra

Re: zac in the uk peoples comments

Hi Kendra. Oh, I know that sound. I used to be a courtesy clerk when I was a teenager and saw it happen about three times, and yes, the sound is horrible. But what I meant about the checker was that she said it in a very sarcastic way and it was like she implying that that was why he had the helmet. The way she said it was very rude. But yes, I know how horrible it is for children to fall out.Kellie For more plagio info

[Guest guest]

Hi

Sorry to hear about ignorant people upsetting you. My son Dylan's plagio was

diagnosed as severe and he is in his second band and its done wonders for

Dylan. i have no measurements though. All i can say is that Dylan started

the DOCband at 8 months and he is 14 months now and the back of his head is

round (yeah)! Also his facial assymetry has gone and even his ears have

moved slightly. So keep your chin up you doing the best for Zac and

the helmet is doing its work.

Best wishes to you and Zac

Kerry - Marcus (3) Dylan (1)

Calgary,AB

>From: " perrizac " <perrizac@...>

>Reply-Plagiocephaly

>Plagiocephaly

>Subject: zac in the uk peoples comments

>Date: Sat, 27 Apr 2002 18:33:43 -0000

>

>hello

>

>zac has been wearing his helmet for 5 weeks now and i wish i could

>take it off him i know we cant but i am getting so fed up of the

>stares and people asking what is wrong with him i feel like he is

>constantly on show hes been called a spaceman a baby alien but the

>worst thing has been a man saying that it looks cruel and that people

>might think that i have harmed him i cannot believe that people would

>think that but it did upset me any way his head shape is improving

>thaankfully his plagio is severe so weve got a lot more months to go

>can any body advise me whether they got sufficient results for severe

>plagio with 1 inch assemetry of ears after 6 months or did they have

>to keep it on longer

>thanks

>laura

>

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[Guest guest]

,

I think we have all been in that position where we feel our child is now

sticking out like a sore thumb because the helmet draws attention to them.

On the comment that man made about people will think you hurt your son and it

looks cruel- do yourself a favor- don't let these types of comments worry

you- you know the truth about it and thats all that matters. What do you

care what people think? Do they really know whats going on? Do they really

care about you and your child- or are they just being nosy and downright

rude? When people would stare at us- at first it bothered me. Then I

thought, well of course they will stare, he looks different. We stare at

blue hair, or green teeth, anything out of the normal acceptance of society.

When people would stare at us with pity, I would put a big smile on my face

because I knew better, I knew how minor this piece of plastic was in the

grand scheme of life and once I could do that, everything else sort of fell

into place. Try not to care so much about what other people think- it really

doesn't matter in the long run and the only person that will be your ultimate

judge will be your child. If you as a mom can walk around with a positive

attitude and a smile on your face, maybe people will be confused and think,

why is she so happy if this is on her child, maybe its not that bad! Just

wanted to say that we are all in the parenthood here together, and support

you because we know that what you are doing is not cruel- be sure you remind

yourself of that and be confident that you are doing the right thing because

the general public has no clue what the helmet is all about. Good luck and

hang in there!

' Mom