Re: Two month old - FREAKING OUT!

[Guest guest]

Hi I noticed my son's flat spot on the back of his head at about 2 months. Mentioned it to the Ped at that appointment and she gave me hints on repositioning him. I was fanatical for 30 days and nothing improved. Went back to the the Dr and got a referral (not needed but I didn't know) for CT in Pasadena. He was moderate. I had at the time Health Net PPO and they wouldn't approve a band before the baby is 4 months but they did end up paying some of the bill. Not what I was hoping for which was a full 50% since CT was out of network. They ended up paying 50% of the amount that was normal and customary which ended up being alot less but at least it was something.

The techs at CT in Pasadena were great. My son saw mostly but did see the other tech on occasion as well. He graduated Nov. last year.Good luck,Cheri & Nicolas 1 yr, DOC Band grad

On Mon, Mar 21, 2011 at 7:45 PM, ralevalley@... <ralevalley@...> wrote:

 

Hi everyone,

I wanted to look through the posts before I started a new topic, but everything I typed in came back with over 5000 results and wanted me to narrow my search. So instead I'm starting a new topic.

I took my two month old to his 2 month check up today and my pediatrician, who is normally REALLY laid back and tells me not to worry, was worried about his head. I had noticed that he had a flat spot, but to be honest, everything I read online said at 2 months there is nothing to worry about because the ped would probably just have me reposition him. Ya, right. The pediatrician said Plagio is very common but very RARE to see such a severe case in a 2 month old. He said he would be shocked if they didn't give him a helmet.

How I didn't notice the asymmetry is beyond me, but his head is actually bulging a bit in the front on one side and his ears are way off. He wasn't born this way. The doc also referred us to a Physical Therapist for Torticollus. We're seeing the Cranial Technologists in Pasadena tomorrow (thank God they got us in so quickly) for a free evaluation. Their website says that it costs $3800 for the helmet and that insurance doesn't always cover it all because they consider it cosmetic. We have Anthem Blue Cross PPO. Apparently they are going to let us know at the appointment tomorrow what the cost to us would be. Sort of freaking out about that because we don't have any extra money for medical expenses at the moment.

Our PT appointment is set for Wednesday morning. They just want to know if the Cranial people say that anything other than the norm needs to be done.

So... not really sure what I'm writing for, other than to get advice from other families in our situation. Does anyone else know of a 2 month old getting a helmet? It sounds so young and sad, but the symmetry of his head is definitely off.

Glad to see that there are so many people out there willing to share their experiences. Thank you all!!!

[Guest guest]

Hi . Our pediatrician said the same thing for our son. We really began noticing it by 2 1/2 months and we got right in as well. When they did the evaluation it was very difficult to hear how severe his numbers were. My husband and I both cried wondering what we did wrong. We just didn't understand that there was so much else that could play into it.

Thankfully our POS did cover both bands that Peyton had since he was on the extreme severe side. Trying to get the first one approved did take some time. We opted to set up a payment plan and get started right away so that the band could get ordered. So glad we did since there was a mix up on the ins. end. In the end it was approved and we got our reimbursment from Cranial Tech.

It will all work out. Just take a deep breath:) CT is fantastic to work with if you do need a band.

Our son had his first band by four months and graduated from his second at 11 months.

From: ralevalley@... <ralevalley@...>Subject: Two month old - FREAKING OUT!Plagiocephaly Date: Monday, March 21, 2011, 9:45 PM

Hi everyone,I wanted to look through the posts before I started a new topic, but everything I typed in came back with over 5000 results and wanted me to narrow my search. So instead I'm starting a new topic. I took my two month old to his 2 month check up today and my pediatrician, who is normally REALLY laid back and tells me not to worry, was worried about his head. I had noticed that he had a flat spot, but to be honest, everything I read online said at 2 months there is nothing to worry about because the ped would probably just have me reposition him. Ya, right. The pediatrician said Plagio is very common but very RARE to see such a severe case in a 2 month old. He said he would be shocked if they didn't give him a helmet.How I didn't notice the asymmetry is beyond me, but his head is actually bulging a bit in the front on one side and his ears are way off. He wasn't born this way. The doc also referred us to a

Physical Therapist for Torticollus. We're seeing the Cranial Technologists in Pasadena tomorrow (thank God they got us in so quickly) for a free evaluation. Their website says that it costs $3800 for the helmet and that insurance doesn't always cover it all because they consider it cosmetic. We have Anthem Blue Cross PPO. Apparently they are going to let us know at the appointment tomorrow what the cost to us would be. Sort of freaking out about that because we don't have any extra money for medical expenses at the moment. Our PT appointment is set for Wednesday morning. They just want to know if the Cranial people say that anything other than the norm needs to be done. So... not really sure what I'm writing for, other than to get advice from other families in our situation. Does anyone else know of a 2 month old getting a helmet? It sounds so young and sad, but the symmetry of his head is definitely off.Glad to see that there

are so many people out there willing to share their experiences. Thank you all!!!

[Guest guest]

Hello,Two months is a little young for a band(higher chances of regression in treating young babies, especially those w/ unresolved tort.) Your baby's skull is still soft enough that repositioning may be of some benefit up until 5 months of age. However, since your baby has tort, repositioning may be of little benefit unless he makes quick improvement in PT. You are very lucky to be on the right track when your son is so young. You have more options than many of us had. You have plenty of time to wait and band at 6 months if there's no improvement. In fact, many insurance companies won't pay for a band unless the baby is older(about 6 months or older) and repositioning efforts have proven futile. We also have BCBS PPO (federal employee program) and we had to pay for the band up front

before we found out that it would be covered( my daughter was banded at 8 months and had severe plagio caused by severe tort.) Plans can vary even with the same insurance company.You are lucky to have an informed ped on this issue. Many are still in the dark.Good luck!-Amy From: "ralevalley@..." <ralevalley@...>Plagiocephaly Sent: Mon, March 21, 2011 10:45:46 PMSubject: Two month old - FREAKING

OUT!

Hi everyone,

I wanted to look through the posts before I started a new topic, but everything I typed in came back with over 5000 results and wanted me to narrow my search. So instead I'm starting a new topic.

I took my two month old to his 2 month check up today and my pediatrician, who is normally REALLY laid back and tells me not to worry, was worried about his head. I had noticed that he had a flat spot, but to be honest, everything I read online said at 2 months there is nothing to worry about because the ped would probably just have me reposition him. Ya, right. The pediatrician said Plagio is very common but very RARE to see such a severe case in a 2 month old. He said he would be shocked if they didn't give him a helmet.

How I didn't notice the asymmetry is beyond me, but his head is actually bulging a bit in the front on one side and his ears are way off. He wasn't born this way. The doc also referred us to a Physical Therapist for Torticollus. We're seeing the Cranial Technologists in Pasadena tomorrow (thank God they got us in so quickly) for a free evaluation. Their website says that it costs $3800 for the helmet and that insurance doesn't always cover it all because they consider it cosmetic. We have Anthem Blue Cross PPO. Apparently they are going to let us know at the appointment tomorrow what the cost to us would be. Sort of freaking out about that because we don't have any extra money for medical expenses at the moment.

Our PT appointment is set for Wednesday morning. They just want to know if the Cranial people say that anything other than the norm needs to be done.

So... not really sure what I'm writing for, other than to get advice from other families in our situation. Does anyone else know of a 2 month old getting a helmet? It sounds so young and sad, but the symmetry of his head is definitely off.

Glad to see that there are so many people out there willing to share their experiences. Thank you all!!!

[Guest guest]

My baby was diagnosed with positional plagio at 2.5 months. Did not get his helmet until 5 months old, after 2.5 months of aggressive repositioning. He wore a Hanger helmet for 3 months. He is 13 months old now with a beatiful head! Good Luck!

From: Cheri M <bachman21@...>Plagiocephaly Sent: Mon, March 21, 2011 11:26:38 PMSubject: Re: Two month old - FREAKING OUT!

Hi I noticed my son's flat spot on the back of his head at about 2 months. Mentioned it to the Ped at that appointment and she gave me hints on repositioning him. I was fanatical for 30 days and nothing improved. Went back to the the Dr and got a referral (not needed but I didn't know) for CT in Pasadena. He was moderate. I had at the time Health Net PPO and they wouldn't approve a band before the baby is 4 months but they did end up paying some of the bill. Not what I was hoping for which was a full 50% since CT was out of network. They ended up paying 50% of the amount that was normal and customary which ended up being alot less but at least it was something.The techs at CT in Pasadena were great. My son saw mostly but did see the other tech on occasion as well. He graduated Nov. last year.Good luck,Cheri & Nicolas 1 yr, DOC Band grad

On Mon, Mar 21, 2011 at 7:45 PM, ralevalley@... <ralevalley@...> wrote:

Hi everyone,I wanted to look through the posts before I started a new topic, but everything I typed in came back with over 5000 results and wanted me to narrow my search. So instead I'm starting a new topic. I took my two month old to his 2 month check up today and my pediatrician, who is normally REALLY laid back and tells me not to worry, was worried about his head. I had noticed that he had a flat spot, but to be honest, everything I read online said at 2 months there is nothing to worry about because the ped would probably just have me reposition him. Ya, right. The pediatrician said Plagio is very common but very RARE to see such a severe case in a 2 month old. He said he would be shocked if they didn't give him a helmet.How I didn't notice the asymmetry is beyond me, but his head is actually bulging a bit in the front on one side and his ears are way off. He wasn't born this way. The doc also referred us to a Physical

Therapist for Torticollus. We're seeing the Cranial Technologists in Pasadena tomorrow (thank God they got us in so quickly) for a free evaluation. Their website says that it costs $3800 for the helmet and that insurance doesn't always cover it all because they consider it cosmetic. We have Anthem Blue Cross PPO. Apparently they are going to let us know at the appointment tomorrow what the cost to us would be. Sort of freaking out about that because we don't have any extra money for medical expenses at the moment. Our PT appointment is set for Wednesday morning. They just want to know if the Cranial people say that anything other than the norm needs to be done. So... not really sure what I'm writing for, other than to get advice from other families in our situation. Does anyone else know of a 2 month old getting a helmet? It sounds so young and sad, but the symmetry of his head is definitely off.Glad to see that there are so many

people out there willing to share their experiences. Thank you all!!!

[Guest guest]

I did forget to mention that our ped. gave us a referral for PT as well. She was fantastic. We were given exercises to work on at home. Though they were difficult to do, I was determined to help him any way that I could.

From: ralevalley@... <ralevalley@...>Subject: Two month old - FREAKING OUT!Plagiocephaly Date: Monday, March 21, 2011, 9:45 PM

Hi everyone,I wanted to look through the posts before I started a new topic, but everything I typed in came back with over 5000 results and wanted me to narrow my search. So instead I'm starting a new topic. I took my two month old to his 2 month check up today and my pediatrician, who is normally REALLY laid back and tells me not to worry, was worried about his head. I had noticed that he had a flat spot, but to be honest, everything I read online said at 2 months there is nothing to worry about because the ped would probably just have me reposition him. Ya, right. The pediatrician said Plagio is very common but very RARE to see such a severe case in a 2 month old. He said he would be shocked if they didn't give him a helmet.How I didn't notice the asymmetry is beyond me, but his head is actually bulging a bit in the front on one side and his ears are way off. He wasn't born this way. The doc also referred us to a

Physical Therapist for Torticollus. We're seeing the Cranial Technologists in Pasadena tomorrow (thank God they got us in so quickly) for a free evaluation. Their website says that it costs $3800 for the helmet and that insurance doesn't always cover it all because they consider it cosmetic. We have Anthem Blue Cross PPO. Apparently they are going to let us know at the appointment tomorrow what the cost to us would be. Sort of freaking out about that because we don't have any extra money for medical expenses at the moment. Our PT appointment is set for Wednesday morning. They just want to know if the Cranial people say that anything other than the norm needs to be done. So... not really sure what I'm writing for, other than to get advice from other families in our situation. Does anyone else know of a 2 month old getting a helmet? It sounds so young and sad, but the symmetry of his head is definitely off.Glad to see that there

are so many people out there willing to share their experiences. Thank you all!!!

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I'm in the same boat. My 2 month old son appears to have plagio. My pedi

showed me the " flatness " and started the discussion about using a helmet (sent

me home with helmet information). So last night I was all over the internet

trying to find out as much as I could. This morning I called Children's

Hospital (Craniofacial specialist) only to be told that they will not see him

until he is five months old ( I live in the Philadelphia, PA area).

Im confused why my pedi would begin the discussion about helmets if the

specialists are not willing to helmet until they are five months old. So my

question now is....

Has anyone found any repositioning techniques or equipment that has been

beneficial?

I feel like I want to do all I can in the next three months before the

specialist will see him.

Any other helpful information would be very much appreciated.

* hang in - I'll be thinking of you! *

~Colleen

>

> Hello,

>

> Two months is a little young for a band(higher chances of regression in

treating

> young babies, especially those w/ unresolved tort.) Your baby's skull is still

> soft enough that repositioning may be of some benefit up until 5 months of

age.

> However, since your baby has tort, repositioning may be of little benefit

unless

> he makes quick improvement in PT.

>

>

> You are very lucky to be on the right track when your son is so young. You

have

> more options than many of us had. You have plenty of time to wait and band at

6

> months if there's no improvement. In fact, many insurance companies won't pay

> for a band unless the baby is older(about 6 months or older) and repositioning

> efforts have proven futile. We also have BCBS PPO (federal employee program)

and

> we had to pay for the band up front before we found out that it would be

> covered( my daughter was banded at 8 months and had severe plagio caused by

> severe tort.) Plans can vary even with the same insurance company.

>

> You are lucky to have an informed ped on this issue. Many are still in the

dark.

>

> Good luck!

> -Amy

>

>

>

>

> ________________________________

> From: " ralevalley@... " <ralevalley@...>

> Plagiocephaly

> Sent: Mon, March 21, 2011 10:45:46 PM

> Subject: Two month old - FREAKING OUT!

>

>

> Hi everyone,

>

> I wanted to look through the posts before I started a new topic, but

everything

> I typed in came back with over 5000 results and wanted me to narrow my search.

> So instead I'm starting a new topic.

>

>

> I took my two month old to his 2 month check up today and my pediatrician, who

> is normally REALLY laid back and tells me not to worry, was worried about his

> head. I had noticed that he had a flat spot, but to be honest, everything I

read

> online said at 2 months there is nothing to worry about because the ped would

> probably just have me reposition him. Ya, right. The pediatrician said Plagio

is

> very common but very RARE to see such a severe case in a 2 month old. He said

he

> would be shocked if they didn't give him a helmet.

>

> How I didn't notice the asymmetry is beyond me, but his head is actually

bulging

> a bit in the front on one side and his ears are way off. He wasn't born this

> way. The doc also referred us to a Physical Therapist for Torticollus. We're

> seeing the Cranial Technologists in Pasadena tomorrow (thank God they got us

in

> so quickly) for a free evaluation. Their website says that it costs $3800 for

> the helmet and that insurance doesn't always cover it all because they

consider

> it cosmetic. We have Anthem Blue Cross PPO. Apparently they are going to let

us

> know at the appointment tomorrow what the cost to us would be. Sort of

freaking

> out about that because we don't have any extra money for medical expenses at

the

> moment.

>

>

> Our PT appointment is set for Wednesday morning. They just want to know if the

> Cranial people say that anything other than the norm needs to be done.

>

>

> So... not really sure what I'm writing for, other than to get advice from

other

> families in our situation. Does anyone else know of a 2 month old getting a

> helmet? It sounds so young and sad, but the symmetry of his head is definitely

> off.

>

> Glad to see that there are so many people out there willing to share their

> experiences. Thank you all!!!

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Physical therapy if there might evenbe the slightest hint of neck tightness. I wod try to also do craniosacrsl therapy or cranial osteopathy. These can help improve symmetry during all the growth spurts between now and helmet daySent from my iPhoneOn Mar 25, 2011, at 7:13 AM, "c.tessing" <c.tessing@...> wrote:

Hi,

I'm in the same boat. My 2 month old son appears to have plagio. My pedi showed me the "flatness" and started the discussion about using a helmet (sent me home with helmet information). So last night I was all over the internet trying to find out as much as I could. This morning I called Children's Hospital (Craniofacial specialist) only to be told that they will not see him until he is five months old ( I live in the Philadelphia, PA area).

Im confused why my pedi would begin the discussion about helmets if the specialists are not willing to helmet until they are five months old. So my question now is....

Has anyone found any repositioning techniques or equipment that has been beneficial?

I feel like I want to do all I can in the next three months before the specialist will see him.

Any other helpful information would be very much appreciated.

* hang in - I'll be thinking of you! *

~Colleen

>

> Hello,

>

> Two months is a little young for a band(higher chances of regression in treating

> young babies, especially those w/ unresolved tort.) Your baby's skull is still

> soft enough that repositioning may be of some benefit up until 5 months of age.

> However, since your baby has tort, repositioning may be of little benefit unless

> he makes quick improvement in PT.

>

>

> You are very lucky to be on the right track when your son is so young. You have

> more options than many of us had. You have plenty of time to wait and band at 6

> months if there's no improvement. In fact, many insurance companies won't pay

> for a band unless the baby is older(about 6 months or older) and repositioning

> efforts have proven futile. We also have BCBS PPO (federal employee program) and

> we had to pay for the band up front before we found out that it would be

> covered( my daughter was banded at 8 months and had severe plagio caused by

> severe tort.) Plans can vary even with the same insurance company.

>

> You are lucky to have an informed ped on this issue. Many are still in the dark.

>

> Good luck!

> -Amy

>

>

>

>

> ________________________________

> From: "ralevalley@..." <ralevalley@...>

> Plagiocephaly

> Sent: Mon, March 21, 2011 10:45:46 PM

> Subject: Two month old - FREAKING OUT!

>

>

> Hi everyone,

>

> I wanted to look through the posts before I started a new topic, but everything

> I typed in came back with over 5000 results and wanted me to narrow my search.

> So instead I'm starting a new topic.

>

>

> I took my two month old to his 2 month check up today and my pediatrician, who

> is normally REALLY laid back and tells me not to worry, was worried about his

> head. I had noticed that he had a flat spot, but to be honest, everything I read

> online said at 2 months there is nothing to worry about because the ped would

> probably just have me reposition him. Ya, right. The pediatrician said Plagio is

> very common but very RARE to see such a severe case in a 2 month old. He said he

> would be shocked if they didn't give him a helmet.

>

> How I didn't notice the asymmetry is beyond me, but his head is actually bulging

> a bit in the front on one side and his ears are way off. He wasn't born this

> way. The doc also referred us to a Physical Therapist for Torticollus. We're

> seeing the Cranial Technologists in Pasadena tomorrow (thank God they got us in

> so quickly) for a free evaluation. Their website says that it costs $3800 for

> the helmet and that insurance doesn't always cover it all because they consider

> it cosmetic. We have Anthem Blue Cross PPO. Apparently they are going to let us

> know at the appointment tomorrow what the cost to us would be. Sort of freaking

> out about that because we don't have any extra money for medical expenses at the

> moment.

>

>

> Our PT appointment is set for Wednesday morning. They just want to know if the

> Cranial people say that anything other than the norm needs to be done.

>

>

> So... not really sure what I'm writing for, other than to get advice from other

> families in our situation. Does anyone else know of a 2 month old getting a

> helmet? It sounds so young and sad, but the symmetry of his head is definitely

> off.

>

> Glad to see that there are so many people out there willing to share their

> experiences. Thank you all!!!

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

You insurance may not cover al the alternative treatments but the total cost could easily be less than a helmetSent from my iPhoneOn Mar 25, 2011, at 7:13 AM, "c.tessing" <c.tessing@...> wrote:

Hi,

I'm in the same boat. My 2 month old son appears to have plagio. My pedi showed me the "flatness" and started the discussion about using a helmet (sent me home with helmet information). So last night I was all over the internet trying to find out as much as I could. This morning I called Children's Hospital (Craniofacial specialist) only to be told that they will not see him until he is five months old ( I live in the Philadelphia, PA area).

Im confused why my pedi would begin the discussion about helmets if the specialists are not willing to helmet until they are five months old. So my question now is....

Has anyone found any repositioning techniques or equipment that has been beneficial?

I feel like I want to do all I can in the next three months before the specialist will see him.

Any other helpful information would be very much appreciated.

* hang in - I'll be thinking of you! *

~Colleen

>

> Hello,

>

> Two months is a little young for a band(higher chances of regression in treating

> young babies, especially those w/ unresolved tort.) Your baby's skull is still

> soft enough that repositioning may be of some benefit up until 5 months of age.

> However, since your baby has tort, repositioning may be of little benefit unless

> he makes quick improvement in PT.

>

>

> You are very lucky to be on the right track when your son is so young. You have

> more options than many of us had. You have plenty of time to wait and band at 6

> months if there's no improvement. In fact, many insurance companies won't pay

> for a band unless the baby is older(about 6 months or older) and repositioning

> efforts have proven futile. We also have BCBS PPO (federal employee program) and

> we had to pay for the band up front before we found out that it would be

> covered( my daughter was banded at 8 months and had severe plagio caused by

> severe tort.) Plans can vary even with the same insurance company.

>

> You are lucky to have an informed ped on this issue. Many are still in the dark.

>

> Good luck!

> -Amy

>

>

>

>

> ________________________________

> From: "ralevalley@..." <ralevalley@...>

> Plagiocephaly

> Sent: Mon, March 21, 2011 10:45:46 PM

> Subject: Two month old - FREAKING OUT!

>

>

> Hi everyone,

>

> I wanted to look through the posts before I started a new topic, but everything

> I typed in came back with over 5000 results and wanted me to narrow my search.

> So instead I'm starting a new topic.

>

>

> I took my two month old to his 2 month check up today and my pediatrician, who

> is normally REALLY laid back and tells me not to worry, was worried about his

> head. I had noticed that he had a flat spot, but to be honest, everything I read

> online said at 2 months there is nothing to worry about because the ped would

> probably just have me reposition him. Ya, right. The pediatrician said Plagio is

> very common but very RARE to see such a severe case in a 2 month old. He said he

> would be shocked if they didn't give him a helmet.

>

> How I didn't notice the asymmetry is beyond me, but his head is actually bulging

> a bit in the front on one side and his ears are way off. He wasn't born this

> way. The doc also referred us to a Physical Therapist for Torticollus. We're

> seeing the Cranial Technologists in Pasadena tomorrow (thank God they got us in

> so quickly) for a free evaluation. Their website says that it costs $3800 for

> the helmet and that insurance doesn't always cover it all because they consider

> it cosmetic. We have Anthem Blue Cross PPO. Apparently they are going to let us

> know at the appointment tomorrow what the cost to us would be. Sort of freaking

> out about that because we don't have any extra money for medical expenses at the

> moment.

>

>

> Our PT appointment is set for Wednesday morning. They just want to know if the

> Cranial people say that anything other than the norm needs to be done.

>

>

> So... not really sure what I'm writing for, other than to get advice from other

> families in our situation. Does anyone else know of a 2 month old getting a

> helmet? It sounds so young and sad, but the symmetry of his head is definitely

> off.

>

> Glad to see that there are so many people out there willing to share their

> experiences. Thank you all!!!

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

HI Colleen,

My daughter was diagnosed at two months as well by her pediatrician and I was told to try repositioning or else she would need a helmet. I half-heartedly tried between 2-4 months and really tried from 4-6 months. If you are EXTREMELY vigilant now it will definitely help. I started taking pictures from above to document for myself. I wanted to see if it was really getting better to determine if she really needed a helmet. Don't let the baby's head touch anything when awake (tummy time!) and when asleep prop him on the side that is least impacted. It did not cure the problem completely, I am still going to ask about getting a helmet next week at her 6 m visit, but she is at a much, much better starting point now. I think if I had started being vigilant at two months she would be even better. Your baby's head is going to grow a lot between 2-5 months, so you

have a lot of opportunity to help him yourself

Carmen

From: c.tessing <c.tessing@...>Plagiocephaly Sent: Fri, March 25, 2011 7:13:16 AMSubject: Re: Two month old - FREAKING OUT!

Hi, I'm in the same boat. My 2 month old son appears to have plagio. My pedi showed me the "flatness" and started the discussion about using a helmet (sent me home with helmet information). So last night I was all over the internet trying to find out as much as I could. This morning I called Children's Hospital (Craniofacial specialist) only to be told that they will not see him until he is five months old ( I live in the Philadelphia, PA area). Im confused why my pedi would begin the discussion about helmets if the specialists are not willing to helmet until they are five months old. So my question now is....Has anyone found any repositioning techniques or equipment that has been beneficial?I feel like I want to do all I can in the next three months before the specialist will see him.Any other helpful information would be very much appreciated.* hang in - I'll be thinking of you! *~Colleen>> Hello,> > Two months is a little young for a band(higher chances of regression in treating > young babies, especially those w/ unresolved tort.) Your baby's skull is still > soft enough that repositioning may be of some benefit up until 5 months of age. > However, since your baby has tort, repositioning may be of little benefit unless > he makes quick improvement in PT. > > > You are very lucky to be on the right track when your son is so young. You have > more options than many of us had. You have plenty of time to wait and band at 6 > months if there's no improvement. In fact, many insurance companies won't pay > for a band unless the baby is older(about 6

months or older) and repositioning > efforts have proven futile. We also have BCBS PPO (federal employee program) and > we had to pay for the band up front before we found out that it would be > covered( my daughter was banded at 8 months and had severe plagio caused by > severe tort.) Plans can vary even with the same insurance company.> > You are lucky to have an informed ped on this issue. Many are still in the dark.> > Good luck!> -Amy> > > > > ________________________________> From: "ralevalley@..." <ralevalley@...>> Plagiocephaly > Sent: Mon, March 21, 2011 10:45:46 PM> Subject: Two month old - FREAKING OUT!> > > Hi everyone,> >

I wanted to look through the posts before I started a new topic, but everything > I typed in came back with over 5000 results and wanted me to narrow my search. > So instead I'm starting a new topic. > > > I took my two month old to his 2 month check up today and my pediatrician, who > is normally REALLY laid back and tells me not to worry, was worried about his > head. I had noticed that he had a flat spot, but to be honest, everything I read > online said at 2 months there is nothing to worry about because the ped would > probably just have me reposition him. Ya, right. The pediatrician said Plagio is > very common but very RARE to see such a severe case in a 2 month old. He said he > would be shocked if they didn't give him a helmet.> > How I didn't notice the asymmetry is beyond me, but his head is actually bulging > a bit in the front on one side

and his ears are way off. He wasn't born this > way. The doc also referred us to a Physical Therapist for Torticollus. We're > seeing the Cranial Technologists in Pasadena tomorrow (thank God they got us in > so quickly) for a free evaluation. Their website says that it costs $3800 for > the helmet and that insurance doesn't always cover it all because they consider > it cosmetic. We have Anthem Blue Cross PPO. Apparently they are going to let us > know at the appointment tomorrow what the cost to us would be. Sort of freaking > out about that because we don't have any extra money for medical expenses at the > moment. > > > Our PT appointment is set for Wednesday morning. They just want to know if the > Cranial people say that anything other than the norm needs to be done. > > > So... not really sure what I'm writing for, other than to get advice

from other > families in our situation. Does anyone else know of a 2 month old getting a > helmet? It sounds so young and sad, but the symmetry of his head is definitely > off.> > Glad to see that there are so many people out there willing to share their > experiences. Thank you all!!!> > >

[Guest guest]

He doesn't need to see a specialist. Your regular doc can give you the prescription. A cranio specialist can't give you a helmet anyway.. you need to go to an orthotist office to get one like DOC or Hanger etc. He's young and if you have to save up for a helmet that gives you some time. At 2 months you can reposition him until you get a helmet.From: c.tessing <c.tessing@...>To:

Plagiocephaly Sent: Fri, March 25, 2011 7:13:16 AMSubject: Re: Two month old - FREAKING OUT!

Hi,

I'm in the same boat. My 2 month old son appears to have plagio. My pedi showed me the "flatness" and started the discussion about using a helmet (sent me home with helmet information). So last night I was all over the internet trying to find out as much as I could. This morning I called Children's Hospital (Craniofacial specialist) only to be told that they will not see him until he is five months old ( I live in the Philadelphia, PA area).

Im confused why my pedi would begin the discussion about helmets if the specialists are not willing to helmet until they are five months old. So my question now is....

Has anyone found any repositioning techniques or equipment that has been beneficial?

I feel like I want to do all I can in the next three months before the specialist will see him.

Any other helpful information would be very much appreciated.

* hang in - I'll be thinking of you! *

~Colleen

>

> Hello,

>

> Two months is a little young for a band(higher chances of regression in treating

> young babies, especially those w/ unresolved tort.) Your baby's skull is still

> soft enough that repositioning may be of some benefit up until 5 months of age.

> However, since your baby has tort, repositioning may be of little benefit unless

> he makes quick improvement in PT.

>

>

> You are very lucky to be on the right track when your son is so young. You have

> more options than many of us had. You have plenty of time to wait and band at 6

> months if there's no improvement. In fact, many insurance companies won't pay

> for a band unless the baby is older(about 6 months or older) and repositioning

> efforts have proven futile. We also have BCBS PPO (federal employee program) and

> we had to pay for the band up front before we found out that it would be

> covered( my daughter was banded at 8 months and had severe plagio caused by

> severe tort.) Plans can vary even with the same insurance company.

>

> You are lucky to have an informed ped on this issue. Many are still in the dark.

>

> Good luck!

> -Amy

>

>

>

>

> ________________________________

> From: "ralevalley@..." <ralevalley@...>

> Plagiocephaly

> Sent: Mon, March 21, 2011 10:45:46 PM

> Subject: Two month old - FREAKING OUT!

>

>

> Hi everyone,

>

> I wanted to look through the posts before I started a new topic, but everything

> I typed in came back with over 5000 results and wanted me to narrow my search.

> So instead I'm starting a new topic.

>

>

> I took my two month old to his 2 month check up today and my pediatrician, who

> is normally REALLY laid back and tells me not to worry, was worried about his

> head. I had noticed that he had a flat spot, but to be honest, everything I read

> online said at 2 months there is nothing to worry about because the ped would

> probably just have me reposition him. Ya, right. The pediatrician said Plagio is

> very common but very RARE to see such a severe case in a 2 month old. He said he

> would be shocked if they didn't give him a helmet.

>

> How I didn't notice the asymmetry is beyond me, but his head is actually bulging

> a bit in the front on one side and his ears are way off. He wasn't born this

> way. The doc also referred us to a Physical Therapist for Torticollus. We're

> seeing the Cranial Technologists in Pasadena tomorrow (thank God they got us in

> so quickly) for a free evaluation. Their website says that it costs $3800 for

> the helmet and that insurance doesn't always cover it all because they consider

> it cosmetic. We have Anthem Blue Cross PPO. Apparently they are going to let us

> know at the appointment tomorrow what the cost to us would be. Sort of freaking

> out about that because we don't have any extra money for medical expenses at the

> moment.

>

>

> Our PT appointment is set for Wednesday morning. They just want to know if the

> Cranial people say that anything other than the norm needs to be done.

>

>

> So... not really sure what I'm writing for, other than to get advice from other

> families in our situation. Does anyone else know of a 2 month old getting a

> helmet? It sounds so young and sad, but the symmetry of his head is definitely

> off.

>

> Glad to see that there are so many people out there willing to share their

> experiences. Thank you all!!!

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

You can have your baby banded before 5 months. I believe the age that most band

makers will band is 3 months. The craniofacial specialist sometimes writes a

prescription for the band, but your regular pediatrician can also write the

prescription and you can skip the craniofacial doc unless your baby needs

craniosynostosis ruled out before banding. Some band makers will see your baby

for a free initial consulation to tell you if your baby's measurements show

plagiocephaly or brachycephaly before you even have a prescription. If the

measurements show your baby needs a band, the band maker may even request the

prescription from the band maker for you. Check out www.cranialtech.com. Other

brands are Hanger Orthotics and Orthomerica (starband). You can google them.

Good luck!

> > >

> > > Hello,

> > >

> > > Two months is a little young for a band(higher chances of regression in

treating

> > > young babies, especially those w/ unresolved tort.) Your baby's skull is

still

> > > soft enough that repositioning may be of some benefit up until 5 months of

age.

> > > However, since your baby has tort, repositioning may be of little benefit

unless

> > > he makes quick improvement in PT.

> > >

> > >

> > > You are very lucky to be on the right track when your son is so young. You

have

> > > more options than many of us had. You have plenty of time to wait and band

at 6

> > > months if there's no improvement. In fact, many insurance companies won't

pay

> > > for a band unless the baby is older(about 6 months or older) and

repositioning

> > > efforts have proven futile. We also have BCBS PPO (federal employee

program) and

> > > we had to pay for the band up front before we found out that it would be

> > > covered( my daughter was banded at 8 months and had severe plagio caused

by

> > > severe tort.) Plans can vary even with the same insurance company.

> > >

> > > You are lucky to have an informed ped on this issue. Many are still in the

dark.

> > >

> > > Good luck!

> > > -Amy

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > ________________________________

> > > From: " ralevalley@ " <ralevalley@>

> > > Plagiocephaly

> > > Sent: Mon, March 21, 2011 10:45:46 PM

> > > Subject: Two month old - FREAKING OUT!

> > >

> > >

> > > Hi everyone,

> > >

> > > I wanted to look through the posts before I started a new topic, but

everything

> > > I typed in came back with over 5000 results and wanted me to narrow my

search.

> > > So instead I'm starting a new topic.

> > >

> > >

> > > I took my two month old to his 2 month check up today and my pediatrician,

who

> > > is normally REALLY laid back and tells me not to worry, was worried about

his

> > > head. I had noticed that he had a flat spot, but to be honest, everything

I read

> > > online said at 2 months there is nothing to worry about because the ped

would

> > > probably just have me reposition him. Ya, right. The pediatrician said

Plagio is

> > > very common but very RARE to see such a severe case in a 2 month old. He

said he

> > > would be shocked if they didn't give him a helmet.

> > >

> > > How I didn't notice the asymmetry is beyond me, but his head is actually

bulging

> > > a bit in the front on one side and his ears are way off. He wasn't born

this

> > > way. The doc also referred us to a Physical Therapist for Torticollus.

We're

> > > seeing the Cranial Technologists in Pasadena tomorrow (thank God they got

us in

> > > so quickly) for a free evaluation. Their website says that it costs $3800

for

> > > the helmet and that insurance doesn't always cover it all because they

consider

> > > it cosmetic. We have Anthem Blue Cross PPO. Apparently they are going to

let us

> > > know at the appointment tomorrow what the cost to us would be. Sort of

freaking

> > > out about that because we don't have any extra money for medical expenses

at the

> > > moment.

> > >

> > >

> > > Our PT appointment is set for Wednesday morning. They just want to know if

the

> > > Cranial people say that anything other than the norm needs to be done.

> > >

> > >

> > > So... not really sure what I'm writing for, other than to get advice from

other

> > > families in our situation. Does anyone else know of a 2 month old getting

a

> > > helmet? It sounds so young and sad, but the symmetry of his head is

definitely

> > > off.

> > >

> > > Glad to see that there are so many people out there willing to share their

> > > experiences. Thank you all!!!

> > >

> > >

> > >

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Colleen, The Hanger office that my son went to said that 2.5 months was way to early to band, but he was more than happy to bring me in immediately to measure my son's head and talk to me about repositioning. He measured 10mm diagonal difference at that time. We went back at 4 months and he was measuring the same. We repositioned for 1 more month and banded at 5 months. If your son is 2 months old now, the best thing you can do is keep him off of that flat spot as much as possible. No more swings, bouncy seats, and only the carseat for driving. Unless you can put a rolled up blanket on the flat side to keep his head turned the other way. Front side carriers are great. So are Bumbo seats. I went ahead and got the ny Jump Up out and sit him in that with blankets

around him to support him, but some people don't think that's a good idea at such a young age, especially if they have torticollis. It is too much strain on their underdeveloped neck muscles. I also would use the exersaucer, again with the blankets around him.

Do you stay home with him or is he in daycare? It is much harder to reposition if he is in daycare, because it has to be very diligent work for it to succeed. It is so easy to put a baby in a swing or bouncy chair at daycare or if you are busy. Anyway, after 2.5 months of CONSTANT repositioning my son's difference did not change from the 10mm, however, it did not get worse, which I am sure it would have as much as he kept his head tilted to the right. Therefore, he did not have to stay in the band as long.

So, basically, keep your little one off of that flat spot as much as possible. Oh yeah, I did go buy the wedges for him to sleep in. My son's flat spot was on the right side so I would lay him on his left to sleep. Inevitably, during the night, he would wiggle on to his back and turn his head back to the right. I would just put him back on the left after feedings. Good Luck and stay tough. This whole thing seems so awful at first, but it really is not that bad. You will be through it before you know it. It just seems like yesterday when I was in the peds office when she first mentioned "helmet" (and I started crying), and now my baby is 13 months old and has been out of his band for 5 months.

From: c.tessing <c.tessing@...>Plagiocephaly Sent: Fri, March 25, 2011 10:13:16 AMSubject: Re: Two month old - FREAKING OUT!

Hi, I'm in the same boat. My 2 month old son appears to have plagio. My pedi showed me the "flatness" and started the discussion about using a helmet (sent me home with helmet information). So last night I was all over the internet trying to find out as much as I could. This morning I called Children's Hospital (Craniofacial specialist) only to be told that they will not see him until he is five months old ( I live in the Philadelphia, PA area). Im confused why my pedi would begin the discussion about helmets if the specialists are not willing to helmet until they are five months old. So my question now is....Has anyone found any repositioning techniques or equipment that has been beneficial?I feel like I want to do all I can in the next three months before the specialist will see him.Any other helpful information would be very much appreciated.* hang in - I'll be thinking of you! *~Colleen>> Hello,> > Two months is a little young for a band(higher chances of regression in treating > young babies, especially those w/ unresolved tort.) Your baby's skull is still > soft enough that repositioning may be of some benefit up until 5 months of age. > However, since your baby has tort, repositioning may be of little benefit unless > he makes quick improvement in PT. > > > You are very lucky to be on the right track when your son is so young. You have > more options than many of us had. You have plenty of time to wait and band at 6 > months if there's no improvement. In fact, many insurance companies won't pay > for a band unless the baby is older(about 6

months or older) and repositioning > efforts have proven futile. We also have BCBS PPO (federal employee program) and > we had to pay for the band up front before we found out that it would be > covered( my daughter was banded at 8 months and had severe plagio caused by > severe tort.) Plans can vary even with the same insurance company.> > You are lucky to have an informed ped on this issue. Many are still in the dark.> > Good luck!> -Amy> > > > > ________________________________> From: "ralevalley@..." <ralevalley@...>> Plagiocephaly > Sent: Mon, March 21, 2011 10:45:46 PM> Subject: Two month old - FREAKING OUT!> > > Hi everyone,> >

I wanted to look through the posts before I started a new topic, but everything > I typed in came back with over 5000 results and wanted me to narrow my search. > So instead I'm starting a new topic. > > > I took my two month old to his 2 month check up today and my pediatrician, who > is normally REALLY laid back and tells me not to worry, was worried about his > head. I had noticed that he had a flat spot, but to be honest, everything I read > online said at 2 months there is nothing to worry about because the ped would > probably just have me reposition him. Ya, right. The pediatrician said Plagio is > very common but very RARE to see such a severe case in a 2 month old. He said he > would be shocked if they didn't give him a helmet.> > How I didn't notice the asymmetry is beyond me, but his head is actually bulging > a bit in the front on one side

and his ears are way off. He wasn't born this > way. The doc also referred us to a Physical Therapist for Torticollus. We're > seeing the Cranial Technologists in Pasadena tomorrow (thank God they got us in > so quickly) for a free evaluation. Their website says that it costs $3800 for > the helmet and that insurance doesn't always cover it all because they consider > it cosmetic. We have Anthem Blue Cross PPO. Apparently they are going to let us > know at the appointment tomorrow what the cost to us would be. Sort of freaking > out about that because we don't have any extra money for medical expenses at the > moment. > > > Our PT appointment is set for Wednesday morning. They just want to know if the > Cranial people say that anything other than the norm needs to be done. > > > So... not really sure what I'm writing for, other than to get advice

from other > families in our situation. Does anyone else know of a 2 month old getting a > helmet? It sounds so young and sad, but the symmetry of his head is definitely > off.> > Glad to see that there are so many people out there willing to share their > experiences. Thank you all!!!> > >