Not so cosmetic

March 9, 2009

I wanted to apologize for saying plagio is cosmetic. I actally hadn't thought

of all the complications mentioned and I became sort of horrified when I read

the response. Its probably due to the fact that my son is mild and all of the

doctors are brushing it off and saying it will fix itself. No one even mentioned

tort when I told my pediatrician at 3 months that my son has a preference for

one side. She just said put toys on the opposite side. Sometimes if they're

nonchallant you may not take the suggestin seriously. I can't say he has tort

now but I really don't know. Also the reason I am obsessed with comparing it to

braces is that I am peremptively defensive (not on this group but in my personal

life) because of the reactions I received. Another person burst out laughing at

the helmet and then quickly covered it up. It makes me want to slap them. If

anything this makes me more aware of other people and how to be way more

sensitive and empathetic. On the other hand tho we went out for sushi yesterday

to celebrate international womans day and no one said anything about the helmet.

That's progress!

March 10, 2009

No apologies necessary. Unfortunately, to those who have not yet educated

themselves on the subject, parents with children in a cranial band seem like

they are either overprotective or extremely vain. The fact is, if left

untreated, plagiocephaly can cause a host of issues down the road, like TMJ and

chronic sinus problems. And let's face it, is a parent really being vain just

because they don't want their child ridiculed later in life for having a flat

head?

My wife and I did not take our son out in public for a long time when he first

started his treatment because we were afraid of the stigma that accompanies it,

but then I realized that we were just being silly. Instead of being afraid of

all the stares, I decided to use it as an opportunity to educate others. Each

person I spoke to seemed to have the same reaction when they realized what it

was all about. It was like a moment of clarity for them. Some would apologize

and others would sheepishly say, " Oh, " and walk away. The important thing is to

understand that, regardless of what others may think, you are doing the right

thing for your child.

Our son no longer has to wear his helmet, and while it seemed like an eternity

when he was wearing it, now that he has graduated it seemed like it was over in

the blink of an eye. I would do it all over again without hesitation.

One last thing before I sign off. Don't underestimate the power of support.

While there are a lot of people out there who don't understand what you're

doing, there is a growing number of people who do. Eventually, you will notice

that people will stop you to tell you about their child or their friend's child

who wore one. It is a very comforting feeling. And if things ever get really

tough, this Plagio group will always be here for you. That's why I continue to

read the posts here, even though I am no longer going through it myself.

Take care,

Steve (Father to , Star Band Graduate, Sept. 9, 2008 - Feb. 3, 2009)

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> I wanted to apologize for saying plagio is cosmetic. I actally hadn't thought