Re: I don't know whether to band or not (sorry, it got long!)

[Guest guest]

Hi !

Just wanted to welcome you to the group. I see you've had a few good replies, and I agree that I don't think Cranial Tech. would give you the run-around on this. Of course you have to go with your gut on this one. It sounds as though you thought the advice given to you was sincere, and that's a great start.

I'm quite sure the NP you spoke to would not purposely try to steer you in the wrong direction, but often plagio is not on the top of the neuro practice's expertise list! I can however, guarantee you that the Cranial Tech people look at plagio all day long.

Again, welcome to the group, and please keep us posted on what you decide to do.

Kendra

Hanna, DOC grad (April-Sept 2000)

I don't know whether to band or not (sorry, it got long!)

Hi,My name is and I have a 9 month old daughter, Mackenzie and we live in Phoenix. I have a dilemma and I don't know what to do. When Mackenzie was about 3 months old, my husband & I noticed that she had a flat spot behind her right ear that was pretty prominent and took her into her pediatrician for a check on it. We were told that it would round out on its own and that we needed to try repositioning. We tried repositioning but Mackenzie had already begun to move around in her crib and would definitely not stay in one position or to any position into which we moved her. When we went back for her 4 month check up in November, I again brought it up to her pediatrician who once again said not to worry, it would round out. Well, I pushed and finally got a referral to a pediatric neurosurgeon but was unable to get in until February. At that appt in which we saw the nurse practioner and not the neurosurgeon, she also emphasized a wait & see approach and to follow up in 8 weeks. She had also told us that Mackenzie didn't turn as well to her left side and gave us neck stretching exercises. However, when we got Mackenzie home, we noticed no problem with her turning to the left and thought it was just stranger anxiety in the np's office. So, unfortunately, we didn't proceed with the exercises. When my husband took Mackenzie in for her follow up on the 12th of April, the np said that she did not think that Mackenzie needed a band and that if she was her daughter, she wouldn't do it. My husband agreed with her at that point but after this appt my husband was given Cranial Tech's DOCband brochure. When we looked thru it at home, we immediately noticed that the picture showing a plagiocephalic head was Mackenzie's head. It was no longer that severe but it was definitely the shape of her head. So we took her into Cranial Tech here in Phoenix for their free consultation. Margie, one of their therapists, definitely recommended getting the band. She said that as she observed Mackenzie, she could see the bossing of the right forehead, the flat spot on the back right, the assymetry of her ears, Mackenzie's inability to turn left as well as she does to the right, and other symptoms that I can't recall at the moment. She stated that she couldn't understand how the NP would say that Mackenzie did not need the DOCband. So we decided to go ahead with it and are waiting for the NP's office to fax over the transcriptions of Mac's visits so that the insurance process can begin. Well, today the NP called me back after talking with Mac's pediatrician and reemphasized that they both thought that Mac didn't need the band and that she has a very mild case of plagiocephaly. When I stated that CT had definitely recommended the band, she said that it's just because they want to sell one to us. I didn't get that feeling from CT and am now wondering if we're making the right decision. My husband is definitely in favor of the band and I'm the one waffling on it. So, after that long story, here is my question - Has anybody ever thought that CT would recommend getting a band if the baby didn't truly need it? I was very impressed with our visit to CT and didn't get that impression myself. But that dang NP has put doubts in my head. She wrote the prescription for the band as she said that she would do whatever we wanted to do. I wish that we had been able to get a picture of the top of Mac's head so that I could show you but she won't sit still long enough for it to be done! She's only 9 months old and started walking this week. We can't keep her down anymore!If anyone can help addess my doubts, I'd really appreciate it!Thanks, & Mackenzie (7/19)Here is a link to her latest pictures - password - sweetpeahttp://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999 & gid=772071 & uid=427285For more plagio info

[Guest guest]

,

Welcome!! I hate to be short, but just wanted to chime in here that when I

took my son to CT at 3 months- they sent me home to reposition for a

month to exhaust that route. They didn't say, yes, buy our product, they

wanted us to do everything we could to avoid that route. Our Doctor didn't

recommend the band either, said he was mild, and we went against her advice

and got it- now she thinks it was the best decision and is forever

complimenting his head shape. Sometimes Docs and NP's speak about things in

an all-knowing way, when they simply just don't know- and we put them on that

pedestal- do your own homework- if you put too much stock into one person's

opinion, you may be misled. There are plenty of parents here that feel there

Docs and NP's let them down. Good luck! Please keep us all posted and check

into www.torticolliskids@... for great neck exercises and look

into their database.

' mom

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/29/02 4:59:41 PM Central Daylight Time, gradh@...

writes:

<< So, after that long story, here is my question - Has anybody ever

thought that CT would recommend getting a band if the baby didn't

truly need it? >>

Hello and welcome! I did not use the DOCband with my baby, but in my 1.5

years with the group I haven't never heard of the CT people recommending a

band for a baby that didn't need it. In fact, I have heard of instances where

they have told parents that their baby didn't need a band! Of course,

opinions vary GREATLY amongst doctors regarding the use of bands. My

specialist was very pro helmet and given my daughter's moderate to severe

condition was very insistent that a helmet was necessary to correct my

daughter's head. Other specialists do not promote the use of bands or even

recommend them! Ultimately it comes down to what the parents want. You really

have the final say and your mommy instinct will no doubt lead you to just the

right decision.

Best wishes and let us know what you decide to do!!

Marci (Mom to )

Oklahoma