Eye Appointment

[mom2mykidos3]

Today Miriam had her eye appointment. I thought for sure Dr. Dries was going to tell us that she was going to need another eye surgery. Her right eye has been crossing now and I was worried.
Well, he said he can see what I am talking about, but that she is fixing it on her own. Meaning she knows it is crossing and she will move it back. So, for now he wants to leave it alone. Which was fine with me. I wasn't sure I wanted to try another surgery right now anyway.
He also said this isn't a grauntee that she won't need more surgeries he just wants to wait and see. I was very glad with that answer.
Miriam should get her helmet this week. I am so sad. My sisters son had a helmet, just for cosmetic reasons, and she said his head sweated so bad she had to shave his head. Anyone else had that problem. I know that I have heard of the oder that goes along with the helmets and maybe that is why. I don't remember my sister ever complaining about the oder. Anyway, I will give it a week and see if I have too. I am so sad because I have been able to start doing her hair in clips.
I have to go and get her 1 year pictures early so she will have hair in them. When I get them I will post them for all of you to see.

[cheryl2]

Glad to hear she won't need an eye surgery right now. I think the sweating usually only lasts the first week or so, then most of the time their body adjusts to the helmet. With Clara, we faithfully wiped the helmet with 99% rubbing alcohol and washed her hair with Johnson&Johnson lavender shampoo. That brand was specifically recommended by the orthotist, I can't remember why he said not to buy the generic. Take care.

[Dean'smom]

Hi Heather-

The helmet does smell bad, and the sweating is bad for a couple weeks, but it was amazing how it stopped all of a sudden....the head does adjust. We also wash it with alcohol every night, and wash his hair too- we use Aveeno. To be honest, and this might sound selfish, (I have had a bad day today, so forgive me if I'm a little negative.....) it is kind of hard for me to have him in the helmet sometimes- he is not as cuddly, and it is nice to see his hair, the helmet isn't nearly as soft, and you know what? He is starting to pull at it, which is telling me he doesn't like it anymore.......that is hard to watch. I know we are doing the right thing, but it can still be hard sometimes. We were actually supposed to stop therapy today, but our NS said he wants him to wear it until he grows out of it. I am upset. I don't know when that will be. I am tired of the whole thing. I really hope you have a great orthotist, ours are terrible, and we feel like they are not making the correct adjustments to the helmet to encourage the best growth.......I know we could be further along if they would just know how to adjust the stupid thing......our NS is upset with them too, and is actually contacting the person in charge ASAP....we are thinking of getting a 2nd opinion on the efficacy of the helmet, as it is right now........I will pray that you have great orthotists who know exactly how to adjust the helmet.........sorry for dumping all this- all I meant to do was answer your question about the smell!!!

[mom2mykidos3]

Never feel bad about fenting off steam. I know sometimes we all need that. Our orthotsis is great. He works part time actually at me PS office, so we were able to meet him there first. When we went in to FIT-WELL they tried to give us another person and we held our guns and said that our PS wanted us to go to Sean. I think the receptionist was annoyed but oh well, this is my kid.
FIT-WELL is one of 13 Orthotic Centers that make the helmets right here. That is why we get it back so soon. Plus, it will be the same guy that did the casting that will make the helmet. They took digital photos and did a casting.
Thanks so much for the input. I will keep it in mind.