Re: New with questions and concerns...

[Guest guest]

It never hurts to have a second opinion. Cranial Technologies has a free

initial consultation and locations all over the US. Both of my children

had/have plagio. My son, who was banded in 2005 was 16mm, my daughter, who is

currently banded, is only a 6mm (0-2mm is normal). Even though my daughter was

much milder, we felt it necessary. Go with your gut, you can always fight it

out with your doctor and/or insurance company later. If you son does need to be

banded, the clock is ticking for optimum treatment time. Good luck.

>

> Hello. I have a Baby Boy who just turned 9 months. He has plagiocephaly, from

what I can tell. His head is flat on his right side behind his ear (Maybe that's

a poor description-but, when I look online at pictures it's similar to the

examples they have). I had his well check today and my Dr. again (2nd time) blew

me off. She said a few things that probably aren't true (it could still pop out

on it's own and the band wouldn't fix it). She then said they wouldn't band it

because it's not severe enough. She blamed it on the way he sleeps and I changed

that MONTHS ago. I really wanted the referral...if THEY (they being the

professionals) say it's fine then I would be fine with that. I will admit it is

slight...but,I notice it. And, with him being a boy he might want to have a

shaved/buzzed head and what if it looks worse when he's older?? Maybe I can call

the band place myself? On the other hand I am scared to band him. So, part of me

wants to just accept the Dr's thoughts...although in my heart I think he *might*

need the band. From the front his head shape is fine (Dr. pointed this out)-have

even gotten compliments about his pretty round head and must be a c-section baby

(he was). Not sure what to do. Figured she would just give me the referral...

> Thoughts?!

> Thanks,

> Sharon

>

[Guest guest]

Sharon,

My OPINION is that you should INSIST on a referral and do not rest until you get

a referral. What harm is it to take you son to have measurements and a clinical

photo study done. I knew my daughter had a flat head and luckily our Ped Dr.

quickly agreed to a referral without much discussion, but it was only when we

met with our clinician at Cranial Tech that I realized my daughters eyes were

not evenly aligned. I felt horrible that I hadn't noticed how severe the

situation was becoming. From what I've learned it IS NOT going to " pop out! "

And I don't want to put undue worry on you, but the clock is ticking! The ideal

time to start treatment is around 6 months. My daughter will be 7 months on

Thursday and gets her Doc Band on Friday. I'm sorry we didn't get this ball

rolling earlier. You don't want to wait until the 1 year check up. If you FEEL

your son needs to be seen, by all means insist! It's a free, painless

consultation. There are those who will insist that the clinic will " SELL " you a

needless device, but I'm sure you are smart enough to tell from the pictures and

measurements, with their added professional advice, if treatment is warranted or

not. It's an emotional roller coaster and personally, I believe that making an

INFORMED decision is the best course of action. Your his MOMMY.....YOU KNOW

BEST!!! Good Luck and feel free to contact me if I can help in any way!! :-)

Jo Anne

>

> Hello. I have a Baby Boy who just turned 9 months. He has plagiocephaly, from

what I can tell. His head is flat on his right side behind his ear (Maybe that's

a poor description-but, when I look online at pictures it's similar to the

examples they have). I had his well check today and my Dr. again (2nd time) blew

me off. She said a few things that probably aren't true (it could still pop out

on it's own and the band wouldn't fix it). She then said they wouldn't band it

because it's not severe enough. She blamed it on the way he sleeps and I changed

that MONTHS ago. I really wanted the referral...if THEY (they being the

professionals) say it's fine then I would be fine with that. I will admit it is

slight...but,I notice it. And, with him being a boy he might want to have a

shaved/buzzed head and what if it looks worse when he's older?? Maybe I can call

the band place myself? On the other hand I am scared to band him. So, part of me

wants to just accept the Dr's thoughts...although in my heart I think he *might*

need the band. From the front his head shape is fine (Dr. pointed this out)-have

even gotten compliments about his pretty round head and must be a c-section baby

(he was). Not sure what to do. Figured she would just give me the referral...

> Thoughts?!

> Thanks,

> Sharon

>

[Guest guest]

I second the other response to go ahead and get a consultation from the " helmet

people " . My son is 7 months old and wearing a Hanger helmet. He's only been in

it a little over 2 weeks. He was diagnosed with tort/plagiocephaly at 2 months

old, and all the professionals were also discouraging us from getting a helmet

since his case was considered mild. We also heard that it wouldn't benefit him

that much for what we would be putting him through. We tried various

interventions until he was 6 mos old, at which point I just felt like it was

time to decide one way or the other. Some days I thought it was getting better,

and other days I thought it was getting worse. It always bothered me most after

I gave him a bath. Getting that initial consultation was what really helped me

though. They give you concrete feedback (their measurements) and that just

affirmed what I thought I was seeing. Another friend of mine was in a similar

position and decided to go for the consultation. In their case, they did not

recommend the band for her son based on his measurements. You situation sounds

like it could be similar to my friend's. ???

I don't blame you for being scared about banding your son. I felt the same and

to be honest don't love that we have to do it. It's no fun snuggling a big hunk

of plastic! But I had the same thoughts as you - I don't want him to blame us

for a funny shape head that we had the opportunity to fix. I figured if it

doesn't work, then at least we gave it a try while we had the chance to correct

it. The sooner you pursue it the better, and it will put your mind at rest about

it. For what it is worth, If it turns out that banding is recommended, my son

has really tolerating wearing it pretty well, and it doesn't have to be a

completely negative experience.

Hope this helps! Good luck!

>

> Hello. I have a Baby Boy who just turned 9 months. He has plagiocephaly, from

what I can tell. His head is flat on his right side behind his ear (Maybe that's

a poor description-but, when I look online at pictures it's similar to the

examples they have). I had his well check today and my Dr. again (2nd time) blew

me off. She said a few things that probably aren't true (it could still pop out

on it's own and the band wouldn't fix it). She then said they wouldn't band it

because it's not severe enough. She blamed it on the way he sleeps and I changed

that MONTHS ago. I really wanted the referral...if THEY (they being the

professionals) say it's fine then I would be fine with that. I will admit it is

slight...but,I notice it. And, with him being a boy he might want to have a

shaved/buzzed head and what if it looks worse when he's older?? Maybe I can call

the band place myself? On the other hand I am scared to band him. So, part of me

wants to just accept the Dr's thoughts...although in my heart I think he *might*

need the band. From the front his head shape is fine (Dr. pointed this out)-have

even gotten compliments about his pretty round head and must be a c-section baby

(he was). Not sure what to do. Figured she would just give me the referral...

> Thoughts?!

> Thanks,

> Sharon

>

[Guest guest]

HI! You are in the same position that I was (and am)in right now. Many

pediatricians do not believe in the bands and think that they are a money-making

scheme. My daughter (5 1/2 months old) had torticollis which caused her to

develope a preference to turn her head one direction over the other. This led

to her head becoming slightly flat on one side. Her pediatrician thinks it will

correct itself on it's own and that it is not a big deal. Her physical

therapist (for the neck) thinks it is getting better. However, I am her mother

and I know best. I took her in to Cranial Tech for a consult and will be

fitting her with a band next week. Go get a consult. THey are free and they

will be honest with you. They told the lady waiting in front of us that her

child did not need the band. They also don't treat until 4 months old. But,

after 7 months, the head begins to grow slower. So, treatment can last longer.

The sooner you get his head checked out (at least for peace of mind), the better

your odds are for correction.

>

> Hello. I have a Baby Boy who just turned 9 months. He has plagiocephaly, from

what I can tell. His head is flat on his right side behind his ear (Maybe that's

a poor description-but, when I look online at pictures it's similar to the

examples they have). I had his well check today and my Dr. again (2nd time) blew

me off. She said a few things that probably aren't true (it could still pop out

on it's own and the band wouldn't fix it). She then said they wouldn't band it

because it's not severe enough. She blamed it on the way he sleeps and I changed

that MONTHS ago. I really wanted the referral...if THEY (they being the

professionals) say it's fine then I would be fine with that. I will admit it is

slight...but,I notice it. And, with him being a boy he might want to have a

shaved/buzzed head and what if it looks worse when he's older?? Maybe I can call

the band place myself? On the other hand I am scared to band him. So, part of me

wants to just accept the Dr's thoughts...although in my heart I think he *might*

need the band. From the front his head shape is fine (Dr. pointed this out)-have

even gotten compliments about his pretty round head and must be a c-section baby

(he was). Not sure what to do. Figured she would just give me the referral...

> Thoughts?!

> Thanks,

> Sharon

>

[Guest guest]

This makes me so thankful that I had such a supportive ped., right from when my

son was 2 months, we looked at his head and she was just like, no big deal we

will just put him in a doc band if needed. She has been very supportive and he

is actually going for his fitting tomorrow. Go for the free consult, they are

great and you will be able to see in their pictures. They will tell you if it

is mild/mod./ or severe. I was pretty shocked to learn that my son's was

moderate-severe. Wish you had better support...you will find it here!

> >

> > Hello. I have a Baby Boy who just turned 9 months. He has plagiocephaly,

from what I can tell. His head is flat on his right side behind his ear (Maybe

that's a poor description-but, when I look online at pictures it's similar to

the examples they have). I had his well check today and my Dr. again (2nd time)

blew me off. She said a few things that probably aren't true (it could still pop

out on it's own and the band wouldn't fix it). She then said they wouldn't band

it because it's not severe enough. She blamed it on the way he sleeps and I

changed that MONTHS ago. I really wanted the referral...if THEY (they being the

professionals) say it's fine then I would be fine with that. I will admit it is

slight...but,I notice it. And, with him being a boy he might want to have a

shaved/buzzed head and what if it looks worse when he's older?? Maybe I can call

the band place myself? On the other hand I am scared to band him. So, part of me

wants to just accept the Dr's thoughts...although in my heart I think he *might*

need the band. From the front his head shape is fine (Dr. pointed this out)-have

even gotten compliments about his pretty round head and must be a c-section baby

(he was). Not sure what to do. Figured she would just give me the referral...

> > Thoughts?!

> > Thanks,

> > Sharon

> >

>

[Guest guest]

After reading so many response I feel very blessed. My pediatrician pointed out

my daughters torticolis and plagio at two months. We immediately started p.t.

and she got her band at 3 months. She is right you can go to Cranial

Technologies and get a free consult. They will be honest with you and the sooner

you start the better you will be. Good luck.

Mom of a beautiful banded baby girl!

> >

> > Hello. I have a Baby Boy who just turned 9 months. He has plagiocephaly,

from what I can tell. His head is flat on his right side behind his ear (Maybe

that's a poor description-but, when I look online at pictures it's similar to

the examples they have). I had his well check today and my Dr. again (2nd time)

blew me off. She said a few things that probably aren't true (it could still pop

out on it's own and the band wouldn't fix it). She then said they wouldn't band

it because it's not severe enough. She blamed it on the way he sleeps and I

changed that MONTHS ago. I really wanted the referral...if THEY (they being the

professionals) say it's fine then I would be fine with that. I will admit it is

slight...but,I notice it. And, with him being a boy he might want to have a

shaved/buzzed head and what if it looks worse when he's older?? Maybe I can call

the band place myself? On the other hand I am scared to band him. So, part of me

wants to just accept the Dr's thoughts...although in my heart I think he *might*

need the band. From the front his head shape is fine (Dr. pointed this out)-have

even gotten compliments about his pretty round head and must be a c-section baby

(he was). Not sure what to do. Figured she would just give me the referral...

> > Thoughts?!

> > Thanks,

> > Sharon

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Sharon,

I have a 10 month old son and had the same problem with his doctor. He told me

that " we can't all be perfect " . My son did not have a flat spot, he had

asymmetry of his face because his whole head was shaped kind of like a

parallelogram. It was very minor and you could only see the facial asymmetry in

the mirror or in pictures. I also had comments about the shape of his head

being nice and round. Obviously, as a mother, you want to do everything you can

for your child, so I changed doctors. My new doctor sent me to the orthotist.

They took measurements and told me he was just slightly misshaped. He has been

in a helmet now for three months and has had physical therapy for torticollis of

the neck. He looks so much better. I don't like the idea of my son having to

wear a helmet, but I did not want him to grow up with a problem that could be

fixed. You only have so much time before the skull hardens and then nothing can

be done. If you have any doubts, get a second opinion. Go see another

pediatrician. See 3-4 if you have to. Don't settle just because one doctor

said there is nothing to worry about. Obviously, you are concerned about this,

and you have every right to be. I hope this helps you. To put you at ease

about the helmet, my son never had any problems. The great thing about babies

is that they don't know any different and they won't remember when they grow up.

Plus, it's a real bonus when he started crawling and walking, not as many bumps

and bruises!!!

>

> Hello. I have a Baby Boy who just turned 9 months. He has plagiocephaly, from

what I can tell. His head is flat on his right side behind his ear (Maybe that's

a poor description-but, when I look online at pictures it's similar to the

examples they have). I had his well check today and my Dr. again (2nd time) blew

me off. She said a few things that probably aren't true (it could still pop out

on it's own and the band wouldn't fix it). She then said they wouldn't band it

because it's not severe enough. She blamed it on the way he sleeps and I changed

that MONTHS ago. I really wanted the referral...if THEY (they being the

professionals) say it's fine then I would be fine with that. I will admit it is

slight...but,I notice it. And, with him being a boy he might want to have a

shaved/buzzed head and what if it looks worse when he's older?? Maybe I can call

the band place myself? On the other hand I am scared to band him. So, part of me

wants to just accept the Dr's thoughts...although in my heart I think he *might*

need the band. From the front his head shape is fine (Dr. pointed this out)-have

even gotten compliments about his pretty round head and must be a c-section baby

(he was). Not sure what to do. Figured she would just give me the referral...

> Thoughts?!

> Thanks,

> Sharon

>

[Guest guest]

,

You situation sounds similiar to my daughter except cranial tech did not want to

band her becuase her head shape was not that bad and I am actually okay with the

head shape but am concerned about the lack of improvement in her facial

asymmetry. What kind of asymmetries did you son have and which do you think

improved with the helmet. My daughter has a slight parallelogram shape also

which gives her a flatter check, tilted jaw and and higher sitting eye on the

side of her face that is opposite to the back of her head that was slightly flat

at one point. It's almost like her whole head needs to push forward on that

side to match the other side. CT basically told me that the helmet would not

help with the facial asymmetries so I felt like I had no choice but not to band.

After reading your post, I'm wondering if i made a mistake in not pushing for it

and am still wondering if i have time to still give it a try (she is almost 12

months).

I would appreciate your insight and experience regarding your son's asymmetries.

Annette

> >

> > Hello. I have a Baby Boy who just turned 9 months. He has plagiocephaly,

from what I can tell. His head is flat on his right side behind his ear (Maybe

that's a poor description-but, when I look online at pictures it's similar to

the examples they have). I had his well check today and my Dr. again (2nd time)

blew me off. She said a few things that probably aren't true (it could still pop

out on it's own and the band wouldn't fix it). She then said they wouldn't band

it because it's not severe enough. She blamed it on the way he sleeps and I

changed that MONTHS ago. I really wanted the referral...if THEY (they being the

professionals) say it's fine then I would be fine with that. I will admit it is

slight...but,I notice it. And, with him being a boy he might want to have a

shaved/buzzed head and what if it looks worse when he's older?? Maybe I can call

the band place myself? On the other hand I am scared to band him. So, part of me

wants to just accept the Dr's thoughts...although in my heart I think he *might*

need the band. From the front his head shape is fine (Dr. pointed this out)-have

even gotten compliments about his pretty round head and must be a c-section baby

(he was). Not sure what to do. Figured she would just give me the referral...

> > Thoughts?!

> > Thanks,

> > Sharon

> >

>