STOP... Helmet Time!

We had our second appointment at STAR Cranial today, and they confirmed what our physical therapist and our pediatricians have said (and what we thought would be the case): Tycho's gotta be helmeted.

It's not that our methods have failed; in fact, the measures we took to round out his head -- more tummy time, holding him on his side to stretch out his neck muscle, generally keeping his head up as much as possible, and others -- worked on his mild case of plagiocephaly, and with further physical therapy and chiropractic work for his torticollis, that will only improve.

But his issues are all congenital, meaning they were there at or as a result of birth. Any measures that we took therefore didn't mean too much, at least in regards to the brachycephaly, as his head was already molded that way and would only continue to get worse without some sort of intervention.

Hence the helmet. STARband, to be precise. Among the physical therapist... and the chiropractor... and the guidelines we still follow... and just, everything.



His helmet fitting is two weeks from now, and we'll have it shortly afterward. He's going to be in it 23 hours of the day, taking it off only for physical therapy (basically 45 minutes or so, three times a month) and for bathtime. They estimate he shouldn't need it any longer than four months; the first two is critical as his brain and head are expanding so rapidly, and the last two would act as a "retainer" so the bones can settle.

Since football season is around the corner, we're planning on getting some Miami Dolphins decals and decorating his helmet. Matt said that, if they do well this season, he might want Tycho to keep it on through January. ;)



As for how we're taking all this in... I do feel confident that the helmet is going to do its job, and if we're proactive about his exercises and keeping the orthotic on as long as needed, Tycho should be 100% by his first birthday at the latest. I am nervous and admittedly disappointed that it had to come to this, but we tried our best and now know that this is the best option.

I mean, come on, what wouldn't you do for this precious face. <3

[caption id="attachment_1862" align="aligncenter" width="373"] (Thank you to a wonderful DCP at his daycare for this one. Tycho Suave, wassup. ;))[/caption]