When is it too late to begin? [WAS: When to call it quits?]

[Guest guest]

Mike,

We STARTED after fifteen months. It still sounds as though we would

have been unable to obtain service at your clinic. The cut-off age

for /initiating/ treatment is the policy I inferred from the quoted

statement, seemingly clear enough.

If that is the case, I would attempt to persuade you to allow parents

that decision as well, at least until 18 months. Or later if, as

with the DOC band, the expected duration of the orthosis is less than

six months. It is generally believed that appreciable growth occurs

up to 24 months. Every available opportunity to thwart the plagio is

a godsend; even if unrealistic hopes are not realized, and

disappointment with the treatment is ultimately expressed.

I just can't imagine even a wounded soul such as myself saying, " Wow,

that really wasn't worth the time and effort. " However, I can easily

imagine them creating such a stink of criticism and complaint that

the orthotist would refuse similar cases from then forward.

--

Thad

On Aug 16, 2010, at 11:43 PM, Mike Hall wrote:

>

> Hello Thad

>

> In my reply to Kathy I clarified my statement about treating beyond

> 15 months. In your post you just reinforced what I was trying to

> get at. The parents have the final say.

>

> In my post to Christy my first line was " There are several factors

> that are used to determine when parents should decide to end

> treatment. " I don't believe anywhere did I state it was a policy?

>

> I am sorry that you had such a negative experience with your

> service provider. I know how frustrating it can be for non-medical

> parents to assess who will the best care provider for their child.

> This and other forums are full of post from parents attempting to

> decide which clinic or helmet to select.

>

> Despite your negative experience, the passion in your post shows

> that parents are still the best advocates for their children and

> these forums are a great resource to help parents make sense of

> confusing issues.

>

> I know that Clara will appreciate all your efforts later on in life.

>

> Respectfully

>

> Mike Hall

>

> Certified Orthotist

> Hamilton Health Sciences

> Chedoke Hospital

> Hamilton Ontario

> Canada

>

>

> >

> > > In our clinic we do not treat beyond 15 months of age. Parents

> find

> > > that the time required to gain a few mm is not worth the time

> spent

> > > in the helmet and they want to get on with other stages in the

> > > child's life.

> >

> > I doubt a parent expressed disappointment in that way, having

> > personally found it worthwhile to utilize even proven lousy

> resources

> > for " a few mm. " For us, it seemed to make a difference with a vision

> > problem. I would even count holding our own as a qualified success,

> > next to letting the plagiocephaly worsen.

> >

> > If it were believed it to be a cosmetic issue only, still some of us

> > would probably keep that helmet on until age 5! I'm not saying that

> > would be reasonable; but otherwise, you probably wouldn't need to

> set

> > a policy. Having found the pediatrician untrustworthy, is it any

> > surprise if the parent who's been blown off for 15 months is

> > disinclined to accept a negative opinion from some guy who makes

> > artificial limbs?

> >

> > Thad Launderville

> > town, VT

> > Clara age 2, STARband '10

>