Re: Casting appointment - what should I expect?

June 25, 2002

Hi, Kair. My son was casted at a CT clinic about a month ago. If

your husband or a friend could come with you, I highly recommend that.

We really needed two people to hold our son in the correct position.

Here's what happened at our casting: The PT took a look at 's

skull, had him look in different directions, asked us questions about

how much time he spent in swing, car seat, etc. Then we undressed

Anddrew down to his diaper, laid him on his back, and put on aprons to

protect our clothes. I held down the bottom half of 's torso

while my husband held the upper half (esp. the shoulders). was

great at first, he even thought the PT was playing peek-a-boo when she

pulled the cheesecloth over his face! The front of his head was

casted first with lying on his back, and then the back half was

casted with him sitting up. He squirmed a lot, and as a

result, several parts had to be re-done--ugh! He was crying pretty

hard by the end of the process, but was fine as soon as the cast was

taken off his head. The casting process took maybe 15-20 min., then

we were able to give him a bath, which he enjoyed. He slept well on

the car ride home, and didn't have any adverse effects thereafter. We

received the DOC-Band about two weeks later. I would encourage you to

go ahead with the casting without waiting on the insurance; we still

haven't heard from our insurer, and has now had his band for

almost a month! Oh, and don't forget to bring a pacifier and/or

bottle, which may help calm down your baby during the casting process.

Good luck! The anticipation is much worse than the actual event.

Holly &

> Hello

>

> Can anyone offer any advice or tell me what should I expect

regarding

> the casting appointment? My son () is suppose to go this

> thursday (if I hear back from my insurance company by then). Even

if

> I don't hear from the insurance I am tempted to do it anyways, I am

> anxious to start the process and I hate this waiting.

>

> I saw the pictures someone posted awhile back. Any advice on how I

> should mentally prepare and prepare him? Will I have a few fussy

> days afterwards? Normally how long does it take to get the helmet

> after casting?

>

> Thanks for your advice, I sure have learned a lot from all of you

> over the past few weeks.

>

> -Kair

June 25, 2002

Hi Kair:

Will be casted for a DOCband, STARband or locally made helmet?

A stocking will most likely be placed over top 's hair and

face. The face stocking will have holes cut out of the mouth & nose

area, so if takes a pacifier, definitely bring that with you to

sooth him. The eyes will still be covered to prevent any of the cast

plaster from getting in them. My daughter rec'd both a STARband and

a DOCband, this was done with both. Definitely bring 's daddy

or another family member of friend to help hold him down, as well as

be strong for you! Bring any loud, noisy toys to help distract .

The casting only takes 10-15 mins on average.

Babies quickly recover when the casting is done and go back to their

happy, normal little lives. If is getting a DOCband, you can

bathe him afterward to clean him up, babies love that! So he

shouldn't be cranky after the casting.

It usually takes about 2 wks to receive the helmet after the cast is

complete.

Good luck Thurs...I hope you hear good news from your insurance. let

us know how it goes!

Debbie Abby's mom DOCGrad

MI