Thursday, August 25, 2011

Been avoiding this. . .

Beginning yesterday, Sweet Pea started wearing a helmet. I've know this was coming but I was avoiding posting about it here. Partly because I just didn't want to have the conversation or answer the questions.

But I am going to answer them and then some hopefully. So let's get started:

  • Her condition is called "Plagiocephaly" which basically means her head is lopsided.
  • She's right in the middle of the scale between a normal head and Dick Tracy character.
  • She will have to wearing a skull shaping helmet for 3-6 months.
  • The helmet doesn't push on her head, it leaves open spaces where her head is dented so her skull can grow into it. . . like a Jello mold
  • She doesn't mind the helmet she just ignores it and does what she always does.
  • She does get sweaty in it, she gets time out of it, but once she's weened into it she'll have it on for 20-22 hours a day.
  • She did not get this way because we neglected her and never held her. She had the flat spot when she was born and that made it more comfortable for her to lay on that side. . . it just got worse.
  • The condition is classified cosmetic, though some studies are linking it to future brain problems.
  • No, our insurance (United Healthcare) won't cover it—because it's cosmetic. The company that makes the helmet gives a discount to those whose insurance won't cover the cost.
  • The hardest part is when she's wearing it we can't snuggle up close to her face like we used to. . . well we can but we'd be snuggling plastic.
There's more to the story, but I don't want to write it all. I just wanted to answer the questions. I may write more later.