RE: Soft Shell Helmets and Comment on Starband vs. DOCband

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I found the soft shell helmet sited in an absract of an article in the Journal of Craniofacial Surgery, volume 15(4):643-650, July 2004. I believe this study was carried out at Wake Forest Med Ctr.

I asked the physical therapist at CT if she had heard of the soft shell helmets. She says they come in sizes--not custom made. I found a photo on the website of a company called "Flag House". I found the information interesting but would not want to use something that has not been put through more studies, and that is not custom-made. I was just curious if any of the mothers had tried them.

By the way, even though my daughter received her Starband helmet last week, my husband and I drove 1 1/2 hours to the Cranial Tech location in Austin, Texas, today to have her recasted for a DOC band. I took her Starband helmet with us and was amazed and how much heavier, thicker, and less pliable the Starband helmet was compared to the DOCband.

As a mother and pediatric ICU physician, I encourage all of you who have not yet had your child casted for a helmet, to visit the nearest Cranialtech location and see for yourself, how this helmet compares to the others.

Even though my daughter will not receive her DOCband for another couple of weeks, my husband and I are hopeful that she will be more comfortable. We believe that even though we have local Starband and Hanger helmet locations, the drive for DOCband fittings will be well worth it for her comfort.

Sincerely,

Candace

SA, TX

Plagiocephaly From: epez75@...Date: Sun, 27 Jan 2008 20:30:55 -0800Subject: Re: Soft Shell Helmets

My daughter (8 mos) is having trouble with heat rash in her helmet. I have not heard of the soft shell helmet, but i would be interested in learning more. Will you please post the information (or site address) that you found? I would really appreciate it!

Thanks,

Wichita, KSCandace Campos <cvcamposmdhotmail> wrote:

My daugher just received her Starband helmet yesterday and we were back in the office today as she had several areas of redness and two were especially concerning for potential skin breakdown. I have been on the internet searching for alternatives and came across something called a soft shell helmet. Does anyone have any experience with this?

Plagiocephaly From: funwith4gmailDate: Tue, 22 Jan 2008 15:39:57 -0500Subject: Re: Now what do I do? Band or not? (long)

our neurosurgeon told us he wouldnt band either and my sons assymetry was similiar (15, 15, and 17 mm). sorry I cants ay about results with other bands but CT has results older than your son on their site, I would band

On Jan 22, 2008 3:20 PM, nwilkens2275 <nwilkens2275 > wrote:

Sorry for the repeat post for those of you on both plagio message boards...We just saw a craniofacial surgeon today for my son Jake, 16.5 months. After asking questions and examining him, the surgeon said he would not band him, that there has been improvement (from his 4m CT scan) and it will continue to improve over time. But then he asked me what I wanted to do, and I said that I would band him because at least I could say I tried (totally in tears too, of course. So embarassing). So he went ahead and wrote the prescription and said he would defer to the orthotic department on whether they think it will be worth it or not. He was really nice, and I felt like he took his time and really talked to us about it (A vast improvement from my experience with a neurosurgeon a year ago).So we went to the "brace shop" in the same hospital and spoke to two orhtotists. They measured his assymetry to be 11/16 of an inch, which they described as moderate (not sure what that comes out to in millimeters). They both said they were willing to treat him but with the realistic approach that we may not see a huge improvement due to his age, if any at all. They use the StarBand. We have another consultation at Cranial Tech in Charlotte on Thursday. My husband doesn't think we should band, but he said it was up to me, because he knows this has been bothering me so much, way more than him. And of course, the surgeon today just validated his opinion (now my husband can say TWO highly qualified pediatric surgeons have said he doesn't need banded). So now the weight of this decision is solely on me. What should I do? Should we even go ahead with the banding? I worry whether it will be worth it at this late stage, and I worry that either the band/process itself and/or the debt we incur over it, could put a wedge between my husband and I. He's not adamently opposed to it, but it's obvious he doesn't think we should do it. My mom thinks I should 100% go through with it. Should I make a decision based on cost (one's in-network and one isn't) and proximity (35 minutes or 3 hours each way), if I'm not going to see huge results anyway? Or shoudl I just forget the whole thing? Does anyone else have an opinion? I'm open to them all! Thanks! (mom to Jordan-4 today!, and Jake 16.5m)-- ASK ME ABOUT GIRL SCOUT COOKIES! SC SAHM to , , and "Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing is like shoveling the sidewalk before it stops snowing" Phyllis Dillerwww.joeysmanicmelon.blogspot.comwww.midscbwers.blogspot.com

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[Guest guest]

Hi Candace,

I think you will find that Cranial Tech in Austin is awesome!! Amy is amazing and so helpful. We have been going to see her for 3 months now, and she always has a smile on her face and an amazing spirit. We drive an hour from Killeen and it is worth every minute!

I had some friends over for dinner one night and they were amazed at how light the DOC Band is. They all thought it was extremely heavy and cumbersome, but were just blown away by it! I am so thankful that we decided to band our baby girl! Good luck!!

Toni

Re: Now what do I do? Band or not? (long)

our neurosurgeon told us he wouldnt band either and my sons assymetry was similiar (15, 15, and 17 mm). sorry I cants ay about results with other bands but CT has results older than your son on their site, I would band

On Jan 22, 2008 3:20 PM, nwilkens2275 <nwilkens2275 > wrote:

Sorry for the repeat post for those of you on both plagio message boards...We just saw a craniofacial surgeon today for my son Jake, 16.5 months. After asking questions and examining him, the surgeon said he would not band him, that there has been improvement (from his 4m CT scan) and it will continue to improve over time. But then he asked me what I wanted to do, and I said that I would band him because at least I could say I tried (totally in tears too, of course. So embarassing). So he went ahead and wrote the prescription and said he would defer to the orthotic department on whether they think it will be worth it or not. He was really nice, and I felt like he took his time and really talked to us about it (A vast improvement from my experience with a neurosurgeon a year ago).So we went to the "brace shop" in the same hospital and spoke to two orhtotists. They measured his assymetry to be 11/16 of an inch, which they described as moderate (not sure what that comes out to in millimeters). They both said they were willing to treat him but with the realistic approach that we may not see a huge improvement due to his age, if any at all. They use the StarBand. We have another consultation at Cranial Tech in Charlotte on Thursday. My husband doesn't think we should band, but he said it was up to me, because he knows this has been bothering me so much, way more than him. And of course, the surgeon today just validated his opinion (now my husband can say TWO highly qualified pediatric surgeons have said he doesn't need banded). So now the weight of this decision is solely on me. What should I do? Should we even go ahead with the banding? I worry whether it will be worth it at this late stage, and I worry that either the band/process itself and/or the debt we incur over it, could put a wedge between my husband and I. He's not adamently opposed to it, but it's obvious he doesn't think we should do it. My mom thinks I should 100% go through with it. Should I make a decision based on cost (one's in-network and one isn't) and proximity (35 minutes or 3 hours each way), if I'm not going to see huge results anyway? Or shoudl I just forget the whole thing? Does anyone else have an opinion? I'm open to them all! Thanks! (mom to Jordan-4 today!, and Jake 16.5m)-- ASK ME ABOUT GIRL SCOUT COOKIES! SC SAHM to , , and "Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing is like shoveling the sidewalk before it stops snowing" Phyllis Dillerwww.joeysmanicmelon.blogspot.comwww.midscbwers.blogspot.com

Shed those extra pounds with MSN and The Biggest Loser! Learn more.

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[Guest guest]

we never saw the 2 together but we saw the hanger one when we went there and then the doc when we went there and even not being side by side you could tell there was a weight difference though i also felt there was a size difference as well. i was worried about something heavy weighing them down (as were ppl who asked about it) but the docband was super light (I think they are 5 oz?)

On Jan 28, 2008 9:53 PM, Candace Campos <cvcamposmd@...> wrote:

Hi, I found the soft shell helmet sited in an absract of an article in the Journal of Craniofacial Surgery, volume 15(4):643-650, July 2004. I believe this study was carried out at Wake Forest Med Ctr.

I asked the physical therapist at CT if she had heard of the soft shell helmets. She says they come in sizes--not custom made. I found a photo on the website of a company called " Flag House " . I found the information interesting but would not want to use something that has not been put through more studies, and that is not custom-made. I was just curious if any of the mothers had tried them.

By the way, even though my daughter received her Starband helmet last week, my husband and I drove 1 1/2 hours to the Cranial Tech location in Austin, Texas, today to have her recasted for a DOC band. I took her Starband helmet with us and was amazed and how much heavier, thicker, and less pliable the Starband helmet was compared to the DOCband.

As a mother and pediatric ICU physician, I encourage all of you who have not yet had your child casted for a helmet, to visit the nearest Cranialtech location and see for yourself, how this helmet compares to the others.

Even though my daughter will not receive her DOCband for another couple of weeks, my husband and I are hopeful that she will be more comfortable. We believe that even though we have local Starband and Hanger helmet locations, the drive for DOCband fittings will be well worth it for her comfort.

Sincerely,CandaceSA, TX

Plagiocephaly From: epez75@...Date: Sun, 27 Jan 2008 20:30:55 -0800

Subject: Re: Soft Shell Helmets

My daughter (8 mos) is having trouble with heat rash in her helmet. I have not heard of the soft shell helmet, but i would be interested in learning more. Will you please post the information (or site address) that you found? I would really appreciate it!

Thanks,

Wichita, KSCandace Campos <cvcamposmd@...> wrote:

My daugher just received her Starband helmet yesterday and we were back in the office today as she had several areas of redness and two were especially concerning for potential skin breakdown. I have been on the internet searching for alternatives and came across something called a soft shell helmet. Does anyone have any experience with this?

Plagiocephaly From: funwith4@...Date: Tue, 22 Jan 2008 15:39:57 -0500

Subject: Re: Now what do I do? Band or not? (long)

our neurosurgeon told us he wouldnt band either and my sons assymetry was similiar (15, 15, and 17 mm). sorry I cants ay about results with other bands but CT has results older than your son on their site, I would band

On Jan 22, 2008 3:20 PM, nwilkens2275 <nwilkens2275@...> wrote:

Sorry for the repeat post for those of you on both plagio message boards...We just saw a craniofacial surgeon today for my son Jake, 16.5 months. After asking questions and examining him, the surgeon said

he would not band him, that there has been improvement (from his 4m CT scan) and it will continue to improve over time. But then he asked me what I wanted to do, and I said that I would band him because at least I could say I tried (totally in tears too, of

course. So embarassing). So he went ahead and wrote the prescription and said he would defer to the orthotic department on whether they think it will be worth it or not. He was really nice, and I felt like he took his time and really talked to us about it (A vast

improvement from my experience with a neurosurgeon a year ago).So we went to the " brace shop " in the same hospital and spoke to two orhtotists. They measured his assymetry to be 11/16 of an inch,

which they described as moderate (not sure what that comes out to in millimeters). They both said they were willing to treat him but with the realistic approach that we may not see a huge improvement due to his age, if any at all. They use the StarBand. We have another

consultation at Cranial Tech in Charlotte on Thursday. My husband doesn't think we should band, but he said it was up to me, because he knows this has been bothering me so much, way more than him. And of course, the surgeon today just validated his opinion (now my

husband can say TWO highly qualified pediatric surgeons have said he doesn't need banded). So now the weight of this decision is solely on me. What should I do? Should we even go ahead with the banding? I worry whether it

will be worth it at this late stage, and I worry that either the band/process itself and/or the debt we incur over it, could put a wedge between my husband and I. He's not adamently opposed to it, but it's obvious he doesn't think we should do it. My mom thinks I

should 100% go through with it. Should I make a decision based on cost (one's in-network and one isn't) and proximity (35 minutes or 3 hours each way), if I'm not going to see huge results anyway? Or

shoudl I just forget the whole thing? Does anyone else have an opinion? I'm open to them all! Thanks! (mom to Jordan-4 today!, and Jake 16.5m)

-- ASK ME ABOUT GIRL SCOUT COOKIES! SC SAHM to , , and " Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing is like shoveling the sidewalk before it stops snowing " Phyllis Diller

www.joeysmanicmelon.blogspot.comwww.midscbwers.blogspot.com

Shed those extra pounds with MSN and The Biggest Loser! Learn more.

Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now.

Helping your favorite cause is as easy as instant messaging. You IM, we give. Learn more. -- ASK ME ABOUT GIRL SCOUT COOKIES!

SC SAHM to , , and "Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing is like shoveling the sidewalk before it stops snowing" Phyllis Dillerwww.joeysmanicmelon.blogspot.com

www.midscbwers.blogspot.com

[Guest guest]

Hi Toni,

That is great to hear! We loved Amy and Michele! The office is so child-friendly!

Take care,

Candace

Plagiocephaly From: pattee9@...Date: Mon, 28 Jan 2008 21:57:00 -0600Subject: Re: Soft Shell Helmets and Comment on Starband vs. DOCband

Hi Candace,

I think you will find that Cranial Tech in Austin is awesome!! Amy is amazing and so helpful. We have been going to see her for 3 months now, and she always has a smile on her face and an amazing spirit. We drive an hour from Killeen and it is worth every minute!

I had some friends over for dinner one night and they were amazed at how light the DOC Band is. They all thought it was extremely heavy and cumbersome, but were just blown away by it! I am so thankful that we decided to band our baby girl! Good luck!!

Toni

Re: Now what do I do? Band or not? (long)

our neurosurgeon told us he wouldnt band either and my sons assymetry was similiar (15, 15, and 17 mm). sorry I cants ay about results with other bands but CT has results older than your son on their site, I would band

On Jan 22, 2008 3:20 PM, nwilkens2275 <nwilkens2275 > wrote:

Sorry for the repeat post for those of you on both plagio message boards...We just saw a craniofacial surgeon today for my son Jake, 16.5 months. After asking questions and examining him, the surgeon said he would not band him, that there has been improvement (from his 4m CT scan) and it will continue to improve over time. But then he asked me what I wanted to do, and I said that I would band him because at least I could say I tried (totally in tears too, of course. So embarassing). So he went ahead and wrote the prescription and said he would defer to the orthotic department on whether they think it will be worth it or not. He was really nice, and I felt like he took his time and really talked to us about it (A vast improvement from my experience with a neurosurgeon a year ago).So we went to the "brace shop" in the same hospital and spoke to two orhtotists. They measured his assymetry to be 11/16 of an inch, which they described as moderate (not sure what that comes out to in millimeters). They both said they were willing to treat him but with the realistic approach that we may not see a huge improvement due to his age, if any at all. They use the StarBand. We have another consultation at Cranial Tech in Charlotte on Thursday. My husband doesn't think we should band, but he said it was up to me, because he knows this has been bothering me so much, way more than him. And of course, the surgeon today just validated his opinion (now my husband can say TWO highly qualified pediatric surgeons have said he doesn't need banded). So now the weight of this decision is solely on me. What should I do? Should we even go ahead with the banding? I worry whether it will be worth it at this late stage, and I worry that either the band/process itself and/or the debt we incur over it, could put a wedge between my husband and I. He's not adamently opposed to it, but it's obvious he doesn't think we should do it. My mom thinks I should 100% go through with it. Should I make a decision based on cost (one's in-network and one isn't) and proximity (35 minutes or 3 hours each way), if I'm not going to see huge results anyway? Or shoudl I just forget the whole thing? Does anyone else have an opinion? I'm open to them all! Thanks! (mom to Jordan-4 today!, and Jake 16.5m)-- ASK ME ABOUT GIRL SCOUT COOKIES! SC SAHM to , , and "Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing is like shoveling the sidewalk before it stops snowing" Phyllis Dillerwww.joeysmanicmelon.blogspot.comwww.midscbwers.blogspot.com

Shed those extra pounds with MSN and The Biggest Loser! Learn more.

Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now.

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