Football? Hockey? No, a flat head!

Hey everyone! I know, I know, the posting is out of control. I am trying to make up for lost time! So, from the title, you probably already know what I am going to write about. As I mentioned in a previous post, our baby, Ian, had colic when he was two months old. One of the only places we could calm him down was his bouncy seat, which also had a vibrator in it. He like it better than our arms! Unfortunately, he also had a condition that we were unaware of, torticollis. In Ian's case, this means that while he was inside me, he probably had his head in a position that caused his neck muscles to tighten on one side. It wasn't severe enough for us to notice it right away, and all through his second month we would put him in the bouncer and not notice that his head was always tilted to one side.

It was only when a good friend of ours, who's daughter also had the condition, took notice while she was attending a shower at our home, that we were made aware of it. Even when she pointed it out, we weren't sure if she was right. However, not wanting to take any chances, I set up an appointment with our doctor. After examining him, our doctor agreed that he did have torticollis and that he should see a physical therapist. She also mentioned that if the flat spot didn't get better, we may also want to have him wear a helmet to correct his head.

I was really surprised that he actually had this, and was thinking only positive thoughts at this point. I really didn't think he would need a helmet. After about six weeks of physical therapy, it was decided that he would need one after all. It wasn't what we wanted to hear, but we also wanted to see Ian get better. Of course, there was some guilt about how many hours he had been in that bouncy seat, but we really didn't know until it was too late!

Many insurance companies do not choose to pay for treatment of flat heads, citing that it is "cosmetic." While it might be cosmetic, having a flat head is not going to do anyone any favors in school. We all know how cruel the world can be to even a "normal" kid, so we opted to go with the treatment. Fortunately, we have insurance that covered the physical therapy. They also cover the helmet, after a $2500 deductible is met! Which means we are paying for the helmet out of our pocket. Again, lots of money, but worth the sacrifice.

A lot of people ask me if I am having a hard time with this. I have to say that yes, it's hard to make Ian so hot in the middle of the summer (his head gets really sweaty), and it's hard because I can't get in there to nuzzle him. I feel the helmet blocking me whenever I go in for a hug or kiss. However, in the grand scheme of things, this really is a minor setback. We have a niece with severe epilepsy who cannot even talk, and she is five years old. Therefore, we are counting our blessings and thankful that nothing more severe is wrong with Ian.

So, this should answer all the questions regarding the helmet! I am happy to report that at his two week check up two weeks ago, they were already impressed with his progress! I am hoping by the end of the summer that we will be able to have the helmet off!