We are back from our appointment with the Crainio-Facial Surgeon. It was informative but not quite as positive as we had hoped. Walking in to the appointment I was overcome by my emotions. Looking around the waiting room in the office there was at least 3 or 4 infants wearing their helmets. It took everything in my power to not break down completely.
After meeting with the Dr he told us that he "strongly recommends" that we pursue Helmet Therapy to correct Tate's plagiocephaly. We were given a lot to think about over the course of our brief (15 minute) appointment. It was all a little completely overwhelming. We were told to take a few days to think it over, then we need to call and set up an appointment to get the helmet ordered.
As for the helmet, Tate will be required to wear it a minimum of 23 hours a day. It will need to be removed a couple of times throughout each day to clean both his head, as well as to clean the helmet itself. You can imagine how much perspiration, etc will accumulate under the helmet and on his head during this time. To actually cast the helmet will take 2-3 hours according to the staff at the Dr's office. Then they send the dimensions off and the helmet will arrive 7-14 days later. He will wear the helmet for approximately 6 months and we will need to visit the Dr's office every 4-5 weeks to have the helmet readjusted as his head grows and hopefully rounds out.
Right now we are waiting to hear if miraculously the helmet and treatment/adjustments will be covered by insurance. If it isn't, it isn't, and we move forward. The treatment is expensive, and half of the cost for the helmet is due before they make the cast of the helmet, the remaining cost for the helmet due when they do the first fitting. Ya know because money trees grow and replenish in a matter of 7-10 days, right!?!
Unfortunately, insurance companies often deem this as "cosmetic" and therefore, deny the pre-determination. What they fail to realize, however, is that it stretches beyond cosmetics. In Tate's situation currently the right side of his forehead and his right eye socket and cheek are recessed while his left cheek is slightly larger than the right and his forehead/eye socket projects further outward. Over time these *could* improve. They could also get worse- much worse- to the point where he could have substantial facial deformities. It would be difficult to get glasses to sit on his head correctly. Wearing hats would be difficult. Vision and jaw alignment issues could arise.....
After very prayerful consideration we've decided the best option for Tate and his future is to go through with the helmet therapy. Thank you for praying for our family. We kindly ask for continued prayers as we go through these next weeks and months. It's amazing how many people have been praying for us, and you prayer warriors are the reason we have gotten through. We are very thankful that Tate doesn't need surgery, but still very anxious and worried and overwhelmed. We will keep everyone posted.
5 comments:
sorry you guys are going through this, I know what it is like to worry about your children (i.e, my entire pregnancy with Greer!) and it sucks when you have to see them go through something. Just remember that this is temporary and he won't remember any of it! Thinking about you and praying for you, friend.
I know it's difficult but hang in there. My baby girl is doing just fine and we've already seen progress. Hopefully it won't take a full six months to get it straightened out. You go in for adjustments once a month? We are in once a week...just wanted to make sure I read that correctly. It's really not as bad as I thought it would be. Really..and people have been very kind. Good luck! And let me know if you need anything!
Sending prayers!
I really hope the insurance company will cover this!
Thank you Leah. He is getting a helmet as opposed to the DOC band. I confirmed that he would only go back once every 4-5 weeks and was told that was correct. I will make sure to reconfirm this, however. Thank you.
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