We just got back from Elijah's appointment with the orthotist, and he does indeed need to wear a helmet for his plagiocephaly. Based on the measurements that were taken, he falls within the Moderate range for needing orthotic help. The orthotist strongly suggested that we do it and I wasn't about to argue. They took a plaster mold of his head today and he didn't like that so much. In fact, I've never seen him cry so hard before. He cried so hard that he threw up green beans all over the doctor! We'll head back on September 10th to get the helmet fitted, which will be custom made based on his molds taken today. He will need to wear it 23 hours per day for 4-5 months. That sounds like a long time, but I'm sure he'll get used to it quickly, as will we. We even got to pick out the design that will go on the helmet. I figured we may as well go all out and get the craziest design they had. The design is called "Tornado" and has multi-colored swirls. The doctor said, "Oh! No one has ever chosen that design before!" Then I guess that makes Elijah pretty cool, huh? This isn't exactly what we were hoping for, but we most definitely want the best for our baby and with all that he's been through and has yet to go through, it is the least of our concerns. He'll be the cutest little helmethead ever!
Gotta go wash all the dried plaster out of his double chins now...
9 comments:
I guess he showed that doctor what he thought of him, huh? You tell him Eli! More seriously, I know it is hard to do this, but you will be happy that you did--and he will be thanking you later I am sure. One of my friend's son needed to wear that helmet as well, but they were able to take it off sooner than expected...maybe that will happen for Mr. Eli as well, but if not, oh well.
Take care!
Hugs,
Samantha
That's funny about the green beans!!! You know...our oldest son was soo clumsy and always falling and busting his head open, I actually wished we had one of those helmets for him when he was little!!! He'll be the cutest!!! (and have the cutest round head around when it's all over!!!)
Take care you guys!
Kathy
and add a picture next time!
Awwwh.... little double chins are the best. You have such a good attitude and I'm for sure Eli will be the coolest!
Good to get the update - at least you guys now know how you'll be proceeding. It is better than the unknown. A fun, crazy looking helmet is much better than something boring - great choice!
LOL-
Ronda
Your post was so cute! Honestly, in the grand scheme of things, this is just a bump in the road. No matter what he wears on his head, he is ADORABLE! Way to go on the green beans buddy! Our little Eli peed in the MDs face as she was checking out his incision, just before he left Mpls :) Keep being the awesome parents that you are. We miss you!
Your little boy is so cute the helmet will only enhance his good looks. I know this isn't the news you were hoping for. Harrison got fitted for his afo's (ankle foot orthotics) in May. They become apart of our routine. My first son wore them for about 2.5 years...I like to nip things in the bud. Way to go Eli on getting the doctor. You did what a lot of our kiddos want to do. We will pray for a quick response to the helmet.
Tiffany
we all know Eli is a tough cookie! He'll make wearing helmets look cool. He is soooo cute! I love chunky babies! Keep up the good work.
Eli will adjust to his helmet very quickly.. And you will too... Take care of each other.. Way to go on choosing the wackiest colours too!!
little helmet head....
wonder if he'll get "helmet hair"
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