We had our first check up today for the helmet. We thought we would get some measurements to see any progress that has been made, but we found out today that we won't know that until another 6 weeks- ug! I think it would be nice to see that at least all this is working, but we have to wait a while for that I guess.
The doctor ended up shaving down some parts that rub against Andrew's head and make those parts red. I asked him about tightening the belt (which I had been doing) and he told me that it is supposed to be a little loose to leave the room to let his head grow in the different areas. There is supposed to be about 1/2 inch around his head for room for it to grow, so it shifts up and down on his head. I didn't think it was supposed to do that, so I had been strapping it tighter than I was supposed to... whoops. Anyway, now we know.
Our next appointment is on 9/3. It's just another check up, and then the next appointment 3 weeks after that we will be able to get some measurements.
I asked again today how long he thought we would need it on, and he said for at least 3 months (booo). I was hoping for only 2, but we shall see.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Car Seat
Tomorrow will be the first day we can have Andrew wear his helmet while in his car seat. We had to wait a week to have it on while he was in the car seat, so tomorrow is it! Because of that, we have only had it on about 21 hours a day or so, just because of the driving time to and from work and whatnot. Also the time to take it off to clean it at night and air it out in the morning.
We are driving to YOGI Bear campground tomorrow to stay for the weekend, so it will be a long drive with the helmet on, but we will see how it goes. I'm excited to get away again for the weekend. We'll see how good we do with the helmet staying on. If it's too hot we have to take it off so he doesn't overheat. He also can't wear it if we go in the water. So I bet this weekend we won't have it on the full 23 hours we are supposed to. I know for sure while he's sleeping (overnight and naps) we will have it on- so that's about 14 hour all together in itself. I suppose we'll just have it off in the heat of the day, but we'll do the best we can!
The good news is that we are already able to see progress from the helmet. His cone has really gone down and the flatness has somewhat rounded out. We have an appointment on Monday afternoon to check the progress, I'm excited to see what the doc will say!
We are driving to YOGI Bear campground tomorrow to stay for the weekend, so it will be a long drive with the helmet on, but we will see how it goes. I'm excited to get away again for the weekend. We'll see how good we do with the helmet staying on. If it's too hot we have to take it off so he doesn't overheat. He also can't wear it if we go in the water. So I bet this weekend we won't have it on the full 23 hours we are supposed to. I know for sure while he's sleeping (overnight and naps) we will have it on- so that's about 14 hour all together in itself. I suppose we'll just have it off in the heat of the day, but we'll do the best we can!
The good news is that we are already able to see progress from the helmet. His cone has really gone down and the flatness has somewhat rounded out. We have an appointment on Monday afternoon to check the progress, I'm excited to see what the doc will say!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
First 5 days down!
I didn't have a chance to update over the first 5 days of transitioning to the helmet. Andrew actually did quite well with it. The first 5 days, the schedule was as follows:
Day 1 ---- 1 hour on, 1 hour off, repeat (not on during naps/night time)
Day 2 ---- 2 hours on, 1 hour off, repeat (not on during naps/night time)
Day 3 ---- 4 hours on, 1 hour off, repeat (on during naps, 1/2 the night)
Day 4 ---- 8 hours on, 1 hour off, repeat (on during naps, full night)
Day 5 ---- 23 hours on
So yea, the first 5 days were hard to keep up with the taking on and off, but really Andrew didn't seem to mind it. I only broke down and cried twice. Once was when I first saw him with it on at the doctors office, and once was on Sunday (day 4) when I had to go to a public place with it on. I was just a little embarrassed and its pretty obvious that he has this big helmet on (he looks like hes an astronaut going to outer space!) So yea, it's been ok. He is just starting to get a little Redness now since he wears it most of the day, but we bought the cream tonight to put on it, so hopefully it will get better. Oh and also, the first few days he had so much sweat! Every time we took it off his head was drenched. But the doctor did say it will take some time for his body to figure out temperatures with it on.
Phill is still working on the insurance thing. For now the Dr's office is sending the claim in knowing that it will be denied.
Day 1 ---- 1 hour on, 1 hour off, repeat (not on during naps/night time)
Day 2 ---- 2 hours on, 1 hour off, repeat (not on during naps/night time)
Day 3 ---- 4 hours on, 1 hour off, repeat (on during naps, 1/2 the night)
Day 4 ---- 8 hours on, 1 hour off, repeat (on during naps, full night)
Day 5 ---- 23 hours on
So yea, the first 5 days were hard to keep up with the taking on and off, but really Andrew didn't seem to mind it. I only broke down and cried twice. Once was when I first saw him with it on at the doctors office, and once was on Sunday (day 4) when I had to go to a public place with it on. I was just a little embarrassed and its pretty obvious that he has this big helmet on (he looks like hes an astronaut going to outer space!) So yea, it's been ok. He is just starting to get a little Redness now since he wears it most of the day, but we bought the cream tonight to put on it, so hopefully it will get better. Oh and also, the first few days he had so much sweat! Every time we took it off his head was drenched. But the doctor did say it will take some time for his body to figure out temperatures with it on.
Phill is still working on the insurance thing. For now the Dr's office is sending the claim in knowing that it will be denied.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Insurance
Ugh... So frustrated.
I just got a call from the Doctors office that the insurance company (Medica/United Healthcare) called to say that our medical policy specifically states that Cranial Remodeling Bands/Helmets are NOT covered. This just seems silly for something that is medically necessary.
I'm hoping we can appeal it or something, but I don't know. Crap, this sucks. We are obviously getting the helmet anyway because we want to do the right thing, but jeesh where are we gonna get $3,5000 from? ACK!!!
2 more days...
I just got a call from the Doctors office that the insurance company (Medica/United Healthcare) called to say that our medical policy specifically states that Cranial Remodeling Bands/Helmets are NOT covered. This just seems silly for something that is medically necessary.
I'm hoping we can appeal it or something, but I don't know. Crap, this sucks. We are obviously getting the helmet anyway because we want to do the right thing, but jeesh where are we gonna get $3,5000 from? ACK!!!
2 more days...
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Last Weekend Before We Get "The Helmet"
Well, this is Andrews last weekend for a few months helmet free. We tried to make the best of it. We went up north with a few of our friends, Tammy and Bobby, to Balsam lake. We enjoyed our time. Here are a few pics from the trip (mostly went boating!)
He looks so happy helmet free. Obviously I'm still not excited for Thursday to get the helmet, and a little scared Andrew will go from happy baby to grumpy man.
We shall see.
He looks so happy helmet free. Obviously I'm still not excited for Thursday to get the helmet, and a little scared Andrew will go from happy baby to grumpy man.
We shall see.
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