MrsWhite

dle927

Evan has an appointment with Dr. Li on the 7th of November.  I was thankful that they got us in within two and a half weeks. 

Any tips on what I can expect?  I assume if he needs a helmet that he won't be fitted that day, correct?  I'm much calmer this week about the entire thing but trying to anticipate what we're potentially facing in the next several weeks. 

Thanks!  

 

MrsWhiteonWhiteSt

I've heard from many people that Dr Li is incredible at what he does and he's a nice guy. He is very "serious"/hard to read to me. I get the feeling he is not a big helmet fan. He said he could not sway us either way- that it was a personal decision. Also, he said he doesn't like to be so black and white because it's a very expensive treatment for something technically "cosmetic". He did however say he categorized B's head as "severe" and the helmets are recommended for severe cases. He will go over your xrays and do a few measurements. My best advice would be to talk over your feelings about the helmet with DH before hand. I expected Dr Li to say, "yes, he needs a helmet" or "no helmet"... he won't make that straight answer. After you speak with him, you can either agree to a helmet and start the "process" or take time to think. I guess it's a long process and many insurances deny it, so you need to start asap.

If you do decide yes, you need to chose a Orthotist. The only one in our area when we saw Dr Li, was Great Lakes Orthotics. We have had a great experience. They are in the basement of Children's and on Genesee in Cheektowaga/Buffalo area. We were approved very quickly due to his measurements and they had a appt for him to be casted 2 days after we were approved.

Time is really important with this. The earlier they get the helmet (if you decide yes) the more pliable/moldable their skulls are and the more quickly you can get it off. After I met with Dr Li, I cried the whole way home because getting the helmet seemed like such a HUGE decision in my own hands. Page me if you need anything.

dle927

Thank you for your response. 

I don't know if E would be labeled as "severe" but certainly our ped saw something the second time I brought it up that pushed her for the x-rays.  Understanding time is of the essence, and repositioning hasn't helped, DH and I feel that we'd rather get this taken care of as quickly, and painlessly, as possible.  As much as we don't want for E to have to be uncomfortable and wear a helmet, we're ready to think bigger picture.  But of course, they may not even recommend one. 

It's also helped a tremendous amount to hear what B (and you) have gone through which makes facing it a bit easier for us. 

I'll let you know what we find out on the 7th. 

MrsWhiteonWhiteSt

I was so, so hesitant but to be honest it was more MY adjustment than B's. Sure it's a lot of appts/adjustments which are a PITA but the helmet it's self hasn't bugged B, not even for 1 day. If E gets it on soon, he should be done with it before sweaty summer comes so it's great timing