As we were predicting, the physical therapist recommended a helmet for Owen. She checked out his abilities and for the most part he’s right on track—reaching, propping himself up on his arms, head and neck strength—but he’s a little behind in some areas because he hasn’t spent much time on his tummy (which we all know he HATES, although he’s getting a little better).
So we have a list of exercises to do with him and we have another PT appointment next week…and he goes in to get measured for a helmet hopefully next week. The process isn’t nearly as bad as we thought it would be, either—all we had found online was a casting process but we actually met with the orthotic specialist today and they have one of two head scanners in the entire state—the STARscanner uses eight cameras and four eye-safe lasers to capture head shapes in less than two seconds:
So, he will have to wear the helmet for 4-6 months (depending on his progress) for 23 hours a day, plus have an appointment every other week to measure his head again to reconfigure the helmet.
I know he won’t remember it at all—and I know it’s what’s best for him—but it still kills me that we have to do this. But, I guess in the grand scheme of things, he could have MUCH worse problems, so we should be grateful.
You are very right–in the grand scheme of things, this is okay. He is healthy and active and beautiful! He won’t remember this at all and it won’t change his smile! At least he doesn’t have to have surgery or something like that. We all know babies that had to go through that horrible experience. WE WILL LOVE HIM EVEN MORE!!!!!