Sunday, May 30, 2010

Heads Up

As the boys near their ten month mark we are facing some new challenges in their development. For awhile now we have noticed their head shapes changing. Reid more noticeable than Grant. Reid loves his back and even though he can roll over and sit up he prefers to play on his back.  He also hated turning his head while sleeping. All this together has caused a flat spot on his head that has been getting bigger. For the past several months we have been working on neck stretches and repositioning while sleeping and more tummy time but alas his little melon isn't changing so we have decided to put him in a helmet. This will hopefully round things out. Grant's head shape is a little different. He may have craniosynostosis which is the premature fusion of one or more cranial sutures, often resulting in an abnormal head shape. We are seeing more doctors later next month to confirm and decide on his course of treatment which may include surgery and will likely end in helmet treatment as well. We are going through Cranial Technologies for this treatment.  The staff has been very helpful so far in answering our questions and very friendly. Most helmet treatment is not covered by insurance but we should be able to get a portion paid through reimbursement.  The upfront cost is $3,500 each. I knew having kids would be expensive but these little boys know how to spend some money. They're worth every bit and we are happy to do whatever we can to ensure a good start for them in their lives. Reid will be in his helmet for about 3 months 23 hours a day. Grant will be around the same but probably longer because we are waiting on starting his treatment.  The earlier the better is also the case with this kind of treatment.

Reid's before picture. I'll post pictures through the process to see how his little head is shaping up.

 At Cranial Tech before his digital scan. He had to wear this stocking while sitting in the middle of several cameras so that a 3D digital image could be taken of the surface of his head. He did fabulous and sat very still so it was over rather quickly. We'll go back in another week to pick the helmet up and then return every two weeks to check the progress. 

I've been struggling with guilt over this situation wondering what I did wrong. I think most mothers going through this have similar feelings but ultimately it doesn't matter how this happened but that we are trying to fix it.  I don't want to have any regrets later and so we're going to get through this challenge the best we can. If motherhood has taught me anything it is patience. Not the kind of patience you need to raise two infants at the same time but the patience to trust in the Lord and know that the blessings and desires of our hearts come in his time. Of course I wanted my pregnancy, their birth and first year to be as normal as it could be but I'm learning and growing so much more through the challenges we've faced so far. I have faith and know that we are extremely blessed to have them and these minor challenges. I have two happy babies that eat and sleep well, and love each other and us.  I'd say we're pretty lucky.

3 comments:

jeana said...

LOL at his stocking head! You are an awesome mom! I'm always so amazed with how on top of things you are with two little babies to take care of.

Sean, Mary, and Katie said...

We didn't know about Reid and Grant's head issues... Sounds like you guys are doing everything you can to help fix the problem. And we love the way you guys decorated Reid's band!

Hope to get together with you guys soon!

Karena said...

I'm so glad you have a good attitude about the helmet thing. I think all helmet head mothers feel the same. Those darn good sleeping babies just insist on flat heads! You'll be so glad you did it. Seriously, it will be over before you know it. If only the insurance companies wouldn't be such a pain!!! I love your chunky boys. I'm sad I don't live down the street to watch them grow :(