Guest guest Posted July 22, 2008 Report Share Posted July 22, 2008 Hello, My daughter is 6 mos old and she just had measurements taken yesterday. Her pediatrician called and said he wants to set up a CT scan and refer her to a plastic surgeon at Vanderbilt. (We live in North Alabama.) Is anyone familiar with Dr.s in that area and what can I expect from the CT scan? Thanks for any help...my research on all this is just getting started! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 22, 2008 Report Share Posted July 22, 2008 Hi - Welcome! I do not live in your area but my son did have a CT scan when he was 3 months old, so I wanted to answer your question about that. Originally, there were plans to sedate him so he had to abstain from eating for like 6 or 8 hours before the scan. I remember I woke him up at like 2 or 3 a.m. to give him a bottle to tide him over. When we got to the hospital though, they said they would try to do the scan once or twice without sedation to see if they could get a proper scan. So he was strapped in and we (me and the tech) were able to hold him still long enough to get the scan on the first try so I was really glad about that. The scan itself only takes about 5 seconds, maybe less. So my advice is, if they're talking sedation from the beginning, ask if they can try at least once to get the scan without it and see how it goes. One mom just posted the other day with another tip about making the appointment when the baby will be tired and sleepy and then give them a bottle and they'll go right to sleep and will be able to lay still. So that might be an option too if they are willing to do it without sedation. Good luck! Jake-22m (tort resolved/rt plagio/DOCBand #2 7 weeks) Jordan-4 > > Hello, > My daughter is 6 mos old and she just had measurements taken > yesterday. Her pediatrician called and said he wants to set up a CT > scan and refer her to a plastic surgeon at Vanderbilt. (We live in > North Alabama.) Is anyone familiar with Dr.s in that area and what can > I expect from the CT scan? > Thanks for any help...my research on all this is just getting started! > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 22, 2008 Report Share Posted July 22, 2008 Hi, Please have your dr write the script for a 3D CT scan and then tell the tech you want it done at 1/2 to 1mm (he'll know what this means). I don't know what your Dr is looking for, but our son had a CT scan before getting a DOC band. It came back clear. A month and a half later we had to go for a second one which showed craniosynostosis.. The cranio was there the whole time, but the first scan just wasnt a high enough resolution to pick it up. The CT scan is pretty quick - maybe 10 minutes. We planned it so that our son would be tired and just sleep through the scan. We skipped his morning nap and fed him lunch at the CT place. Once he was fed he just fell right asleep, so we could lay him down on the machine (sort of like a stretcher). They used props to hold his head still and he just slept. I was right there the whole time in case he moved or woke up (he didn't)Otherwise they have to sedate the baby. Before you surf the web re: cranio, you should know that it is very rare - so don't worry about it. Good Luck and let us know how it turns out Audra all new to us Hello,My daughter is 6 mos old and she just had measurements taken yesterday. Her pediatrician called and said he wants to set up a CT scan and refer her to a plastic surgeon at Vanderbilt. (We live in North Alabama.) Is anyone familiar with Dr.s in that area and what can I expect from the CT scan?Thanks for any help...my research on all this is just getting started! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 23, 2008 Report Share Posted July 23, 2008 I'm not sure where Vanderbilt is, but I can tell you from experience what the CT scan will reveal. For us, the CT scan was done to see if the plates in 's head had fused. That way, the doctors can determine which course of action to take. If they are not fused, the problem may be corrected with a helmet. But if the plates have fused, then surgery is pretty much your only option. 's plates were fused, and he actually just had surgery on July 8th. It was a big decision to make, because how do you justify cutting into your child's head. But alternatively, there could be complications, i.e pressure in the brain, or permenant eye damage. We were very satisfied with the results and it's only been 2 weeks!! But the main thing is, if your child does require surgery, to have a surgeon that you feel confident. Either way, I hope that everything goes well for you, and if you ever need questions or concerns, I'd be more than happy to ease them for you!!! > > Hello, > My daughter is 6 mos old and she just had measurements taken > yesterday. Her pediatrician called and said he wants to set up a CT > scan and refer her to a plastic surgeon at Vanderbilt. (We live in > North Alabama.) Is anyone familiar with Dr.s in that area and what can > I expect from the CT scan? > Thanks for any help...my research on all this is just getting started! > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 23, 2008 Report Share Posted July 23, 2008 Hello! Dr. is the surgeon at Vanderbilt, we actually just returned from our appt. My dtr. has been in the helmet for 7 months, hoped to graduate today, but we have another month to go. It actually has flown by and we really have seen a difference. I would recommend making your appt.'s with Dr. early in the morning. He is pretty busy and from my experience we seem to not have to wait as long in the morning. After you see him you go to Restorative Health Services on St. who actually mold the helmet.. Good Luck and let me know if you have any more questions. M Re: all new to us I'm not sure where Vanderbilt is, but I can tell you from experience what the CT scan will reveal. For us, the CT scan was done to see if the plates in 's head had fused. That way, the doctors can determine which course of action to take. If they are not fused, the problem may be corrected with a helmet. But if the plates have fused, then surgery is pretty much your only option. 's plates were fused, and he actually just had surgery on July 8th. It was a big decision to make, because how do you justify cutting into your child's head. But alternatively, there could be complications, i.e pressure in the brain, or permenant eye damage. We were very satisfied with the results and it's only been 2 weeks!! But the main thing is, if your child does require surgery, to have a surgeon that you feel confident. Either way, I hope that everything goes well for you, and if you ever need questions or concerns, I'd be more than happy to ease them for you!!!>> Hello,> My daughter is 6 mos old and she just had measurements taken > yesterday. Her pediatrician called and said he wants to set up a CT > scan and refer her to a plastic surgeon at Vanderbilt. (We live in > North Alabama.) Is anyone familiar with Dr.s in that area and what can > I expect from the CT scan?> Thanks for any help...my research on all this is just getting started!> > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 23, 2008 Report Share Posted July 23, 2008 Hi, My son is going in for his surgery on 8/25, Can you tell me about your experiences, so that I can prepare. How old is your son? How long was it before your son was back to himself, playing and happy? I guess we are getting way off the plagio purpose of this site so if you want to email me separately that would be great. The email is: audracox@.... Thank you Audra Re: all new to us I'm not sure where Vanderbilt is, but I can tell you from experience what the CT scan will reveal. For us, the CT scan was done to see if the plates in 's head had fused. That way, the doctors can determine which course of action to take. If they are not fused, the problem may be corrected with a helmet. But if the plates have fused, then surgery is pretty much your only option. 's plates were fused, and he actually just had surgery on July 8th. It was a big decision to make, because how do you justify cutting into your child's head. But alternatively, there could be complications, i.e pressure in the brain, or permenant eye damage. We were very satisfied with the results and it's only been 2 weeks!! But the main thing is, if your child does require surgery, to have a surgeon that you feel confident. Either way, I hope that everything goes well for you, and if you ever need questions or concerns, I'd be more than happy to ease them for you!!!>> Hello,> My daughter is 6 mos old and she just had measurements taken > yesterday. Her pediatrician called and said he wants to set up a CT > scan and refer her to a plastic surgeon at Vanderbilt. (We live in > North Alabama.) Is anyone familiar with Dr.s in that area and what can > I expect from the CT scan?> Thanks for any help...my research on all this is just getting started!> > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 23, 2008 Report Share Posted July 23, 2008 , Thanks so much for the info. We were originally scheduled for CT with sedation on Friday. I called them back and arranged to try it this morning without sedation. I got her up early and kept her awake until we got there. Once we got settled in the waiting room she fell asleep and then they took us right back. The blankets were warm and the lights were dim. She never even flinched! She is a sound sleeper - probably what gave us this problem to begin with!! I feel much better about not having the IV, sedation, and the time without being able to eat. Now we are just waiting for the results and then our referral to the specialist. Re: all new to us Hi -Welcome! I do not live in your area but my son did have a CT scan when he was 3 months old, so I wanted to answer your question about that. Originally, there were plans to sedate him so he had to abstain from eating for like 6 or 8 hours before the scan. I remember I woke him up at like 2 or 3 a.m. to give him a bottle to tide him over. When we got to the hospital though, they said they would try to do the scan once or twice without sedation to see if they could get a proper scan. So he was strapped in and we (me and the tech) were able to hold him still long enough to get the scan on the first try so I was really glad about that. The scan itself only takes about 5 seconds, maybe less. So my advice is, if they're talking sedation from the beginning, ask if they can try at least once to get the scan without it and see how it goes.One mom just posted the other day with another tip about making the appointment when the baby will be tired and sleepy and then give them a bottle and they'll go right to sleep and will be able to lay still. So that might be an option too if they are willing to do it without sedation.Good luck!Jake-22m (tort resolved/rt plagio/DOCBand #2 7 weeks)Jordan-4>> Hello,> My daughter is 6 mos old and she just had measurements taken > yesterday. Her pediatrician called and said he wants to set up a CT > scan and refer her to a plastic surgeon at Vanderbilt. (We live in > North Alabama.) Is anyone familiar with Dr.s in that area and what can > I expect from the CT scan?> Thanks for any help...my research on all this is just getting started!> > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 23, 2008 Report Share Posted July 23, 2008 This next month will fly by as well. What were your dtrs original measurements and how far do they usually try to go? Our Dr said my dtr has an 11mm difference...not too sure what all that means yet but I am learning in a hurry! I'm sure I will have many questions along this journey. Does anyone have any experience with Tricare and whether they cover all this? Re: all new to us I'm not sure where Vanderbilt is, but I can tell you from experience what the CT scan will reveal. For us, the CT scan was done to see if the plates in 's head had fused. That way, the doctors can determine which course of action to take. If they are not fused, the problem may be corrected with a helmet. But if the plates have fused, then surgery is pretty much your only option. 's plates were fused, and he actually just had surgery on July 8th. It was a big decision to make, because how do you justify cutting into your child's head. But alternatively, there could be complications, i.e pressure in the brain, or permenant eye damage. We were very satisfied with the results and it's only been 2 weeks!! But the main thing is, if your child does require surgery, to have a surgeon that you feel confident. Either way, I hope that everything goes well for you, and if you ever need questions or concerns, I'd be more than happy to ease them for you!!!>> Hello,> My daughter is 6 mos old and she just had measurements taken > yesterday. Her pediatrician called and said he wants to set up a CT > scan and refer her to a plastic surgeon at Vanderbilt. (We live in > North Alabama.) Is anyone familiar with Dr.s in that area and what can > I expect from the CT scan?> Thanks for any help...my research on all this is just getting started!> > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 23, 2008 Report Share Posted July 23, 2008 He never really gave us measurements. He really just looks at her (for a short period of time) and says we need a little more change. I guess he sees so many he knows what to look for. Who are you seeing? Re: all new to us I'm not sure where Vanderbilt is, but I can tell you from experience what the CT scan will reveal. For us, the CT scan was done to see if the plates in 's head had fused. That way, the doctors can determine which course of action to take. If they are not fused, the problem may be corrected with a helmet. But if the plates have fused, then surgery is pretty much your only option. 's plates were fused, and he actually just had surgery on July 8th. It was a big decision to make, because how do you justify cutting into your child's head. But alternatively, there could be complications, i.e pressure in the brain, or permenant eye damage. We were very satisfied with the results and it's only been 2 weeks!! But the main thing is, if your child does require surgery, to have a surgeon that you feel confident. Either way, I hope that everything goes well for you, and if you ever need questions or concerns, I'd be more than happy to ease them for you!!!>> Hello,> My daughter is 6 mos old and she just had measurements taken > yesterday. Her pediatrician called and said he wants to set up a CT > scan and refer her to a plastic surgeon at Vanderbilt. (We live in > North Alabama.) Is anyone familiar with Dr.s in that area and what can > I expect from the CT scan?> Thanks for any help...my research on all this is just getting started!> > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 24, 2008 Report Share Posted July 24, 2008 The earliest appt we could get at Vandy was Sept. 3 and our ped (nor us) does not want to wait that long. We are now being referred to UAB in Birmingham. Anyone know anything about the docs there? Re: all new to us I'm not sure where Vanderbilt is, but I can tell you from experience what the CT scan will reveal. For us, the CT scan was done to see if the plates in 's head had fused. That way, the doctors can determine which course of action to take. If they are not fused, the problem may be corrected with a helmet. But if the plates have fused, then surgery is pretty much your only option. 's plates were fused, and he actually just had surgery on July 8th. It was a big decision to make, because how do you justify cutting into your child's head. But alternatively, there could be complications, i.e pressure in the brain, or permenant eye damage. We were very satisfied with the results and it's only been 2 weeks!! But the main thing is, if your child does require surgery, to have a surgeon that you feel confident. Either way, I hope that everything goes well for you, and if you ever need questions or concerns, I'd be more than happy to ease them for you!!!>> Hello,> My daughter is 6 mos old and she just had measurements taken > yesterday. Her pediatrician called and said he wants to set up a CT > scan and refer her to a plastic surgeon at Vanderbilt. (We live in > North Alabama.) Is anyone familiar with Dr.s in that area and what can > I expect from the CT scan?> Thanks for any help...my research on all this is just getting started!> > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 25, 2008 Report Share Posted July 25, 2008 Thank you Re: all new to us Hi Audra,there is another group that deals a lot with cranio and surgery that Iwanted to recommend... www.cappskids. org It might be a good place foryou to connect with other parents facing surgery. From what I haveheard babies do amazingly well. All the best to you.-christinesydney 2.5 yrs starband grad> >> > Hello,> > My daughter is 6 mos old and she just had measurements taken > > yesterday. Her pediatrician called and said he wants to set up a CT > > scan and refer her to a plastic surgeon at Vanderbilt. (We live in > > North Alabama.) Is anyone familiar with Dr.s in that area and what > can > > I expect from the CT scan?> > Thanks for any help...my research on all this is just getting started!> > > >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.