I had Nathan's follow-up appointment for the Infant Torticollis. And for those of you who are not familiar with what this is, here is a definition:
“…a condition which affects the sternocleidomastoid muscle which connects the base of the skull to the collar bone. This muscle is the main muscle that is used to move the head from side to side. In an infant with Torticollis, the muscle is shorter on the side that the head is tilted to. With treatment, the muscle will grow and stretch; but if left untreated the condition may cause a permanent limitation of the infant's neck movement. If action is not taken, the infant's head may flatten on one side and the face may become mis-formed.”
The doctor was great. I was warned by friends that if I took him to the doctor it was a for sure helmet, which I did not want (unless it really needed). Two pediatricians agreed Nathan needed to see a specialist, so I went ahead and booked the appointment. The first appointment with the Cranial Facial Plastic Surgeon was the beginning of February. The doctor told me I needed to do neck stretches at every diaper change and ALOT of tummy time. Of course Nathan did not like this at all. When I went to stretch his neck, he fought it and made it harder to bend. I thought we were going backwards, not improving at all. I kept it up, I did not want him to have to wear a helmet.
At the appointment, the first thing the doctor did was ask me my opinion of how I thought his head looked. I really truly think his head looks so much better and it really isn't that bad. Evan thinks it still looks pretty flat and lopsided. So, that is what I told the doctor. He said that Nathan has a very mild case of Infant Torticollis, that it has improved so much since last time. He felt Nathan's soft spots, had Nathan turn his head. He then said "If it was my grandson . . . " I gave him a minute to finish his sentence and of course he didn't so I prodded him "That is the opinion I am after." So, he continued that if it was his grandson, he wouldn't do anything! Whew! He then said we could do the helmet if Evan really wants to, but it isn't necessary. And, Nathan's head will continue to improve as long as I continue the neck stretches and try my best to keep him off the back of his head. I can do that.
So I think we are good. I was very pleased that we don't need a helmet. Now I just need to figure out his food allergies and wheezing and then we are good to go.
5 comments:
Some little people just enter the world and face challenges right away don't they? He's adorable and I'm glad to hear that he's doing better!
The most important thing is that he's just stinking cute! Good job so far with the progress.
That's great! I think I've told you before Kathryn wheezes when she drinks milk so she is on lactose free milk. We did soy for a year and have now graduated to lactose free. There's been a major difference, although since Nathan's nursing I don't know how much of a difference that will make. One great resource I used though was the book "Super Foods for Children." Might be something worth looking into. Good luck!
That's fantastic! What great news. No baby would like to wear a helmet (in my opinion). We've had the same type of luck. The neck stretches cured Jake, he now likes his tummy, and his head is almost all better.
And yes, you can pray we come to Houston. There's a good chance actually, but we don't want to rule anywhere else out until we've heard back from all the schools and about financial aid.
He is such a cute little guy, I had no idea he had these challenges! I am so glad you have a good doctor and that you are such a devoted mom. Nathan will be just fine!
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