Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Finally Done with the DOC Band!
After 16 weeks and 2 helmets, Little Man is done with his DOC Band(s). This past Sunday, he developed red marks that did not fade after an hour. So Dude and I decided to remove the helmet and be done with it. I called Cranial Technologies on Monday morning and scheduled Little Man's exit appointment for Friday. Once I have the final photo study and measurements, I'll share here for my fellow plagio & brachy parents. But here are photos I took today of his head from top, right and left angles. I think he looks pretty darn good!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Family Vacation
Last Tuesday after Little Man's follow-up visit at the burn unit (did fabulously and is healing nicely and does not need to go back) we headed up to Newport, Rhode Island for our first family vacation to celebrate my 40th birthday. Dude's car was jam-packed with suitcases, baby gear, etc. It is NOT easy to travel with a baby in a Volkswagen Jetta!
But the trip was fun. Rhode Island was the only state on the East Coast that I had not been to, so that's why we chose it. The weather was GORGEOUS. Sunny and in the 70's for much of our trip. Very rare for the first week of April. Heck, it's even snowed on my birthday in the past. But not this year. Yay for me.
Little Man did very well on the trip. He slept in the car for most of the drive and was fine when he was awake. The main issue we had was sleeping at night—and it's continued since our return. The hotels provide a "port-a-crib" (a pack-n-play/playard) and Little Man does NOT sleep well in them. But we managed to put him down each night but then he'd wake up SCREAMING and would not go back to sleep. Finally, out of exhaustion, I put him in bed between Dude and I. That happened each night.
Of course when we got home on Saturday night, he would not sleep.
Dude, out of frustration, said to me: "That's what you get for letting a baby sleep with you!"
I sobbed. I was so hurt and upset and tired. I didn't know what to do and letting Little Man sleep with us allowed ME to sleep for a bit. I cannot function without at least SOME sleep.
The last 3 nights have not been much better. He keeps waking and it's not easy to get him back down. I'm not sure if it's the travel, teething or if he's having nightmares from being burned. But what I do know is that I'm seriously tired and am getting worried about commuting to work now. I'm finding it hard to stay awake in the afternoon.
But, overall, we had a fun vacation and I'm so glad we went away. Little Man was just so good and friendly at all the restaurants—he charmed everyone he met. And he loved the fish and the sea lions at the Mystic Aquarium—we stayed in Mystic on Friday night, yet another place I hadn't been. Plus he adored swimming in the hotel pool in Newport. I can't wait to start swim lessons with him.
Here's the one and only family photo from our trip (there are pics of Dude with Little Man and me with him, but just the one of the 3 of us) that was taken at night by the lighthouse on Goat Island, where we stayed. Self-timers are great things!
But the trip was fun. Rhode Island was the only state on the East Coast that I had not been to, so that's why we chose it. The weather was GORGEOUS. Sunny and in the 70's for much of our trip. Very rare for the first week of April. Heck, it's even snowed on my birthday in the past. But not this year. Yay for me.
Little Man did very well on the trip. He slept in the car for most of the drive and was fine when he was awake. The main issue we had was sleeping at night—and it's continued since our return. The hotels provide a "port-a-crib" (a pack-n-play/playard) and Little Man does NOT sleep well in them. But we managed to put him down each night but then he'd wake up SCREAMING and would not go back to sleep. Finally, out of exhaustion, I put him in bed between Dude and I. That happened each night.
Of course when we got home on Saturday night, he would not sleep.
Dude, out of frustration, said to me: "That's what you get for letting a baby sleep with you!"
I sobbed. I was so hurt and upset and tired. I didn't know what to do and letting Little Man sleep with us allowed ME to sleep for a bit. I cannot function without at least SOME sleep.
The last 3 nights have not been much better. He keeps waking and it's not easy to get him back down. I'm not sure if it's the travel, teething or if he's having nightmares from being burned. But what I do know is that I'm seriously tired and am getting worried about commuting to work now. I'm finding it hard to stay awake in the afternoon.
But, overall, we had a fun vacation and I'm so glad we went away. Little Man was just so good and friendly at all the restaurants—he charmed everyone he met. And he loved the fish and the sea lions at the Mystic Aquarium—we stayed in Mystic on Friday night, yet another place I hadn't been. Plus he adored swimming in the hotel pool in Newport. I can't wait to start swim lessons with him.
Here's the one and only family photo from our trip (there are pics of Dude with Little Man and me with him, but just the one of the 3 of us) that was taken at night by the lighthouse on Goat Island, where we stayed. Self-timers are great things!
Friday, April 2, 2010
Little Man Got Burned
I haven't been feeling up to blogging about this before now. Plus Dude asked me NOT to put this on Facebook—so if you know me IRL and are a FB friend, please do not post about this. Thank you.
First off, Little Man is doing OK and should completely recover. He has a 2nd degree burn on his left foot. Here's how it happened.
Monday night we were at my MIL's home for Passover. The Seder was nice (too long for us, however) and after dinner the family brought out a cake for my birthday, which is next Wednesday. After we had cake (Kosher for Passover, by the way), my MIL was holding Little Man as Dude and I were packing up the diaper bag and gathering items to put in the car.
Then I heard the most AWFUL shrieking. At first I couldn't understand why he was crying so.
Apparently when my MIL wasn't looking, my SIL (Aunt S) put a cup of hot coffee in front of her at the table and Little Man pulled the tablecloth and scalding hot, black coffee poured on his left leg and foot. He was not wearing socks but was wearing pants. My SIL got the pants off and ran him to the kitchen and began to run his leg under cold water.
I took over while SIL called our pediatrician (we go to the same one). As I splashed cold water over his leg and foot, he screamed even louder and was in hysterics. Then his foot began to blister and I asked my MIL to call 911. They arrived within minutes, but it seemed like forever.
The EMTs agreed he needed to go to the hospital (a 2nd degree burn) so Dude loaded Little Man's carseat in the ambulance and I went with him—DH followed. We got to the local hospital (no burn unit) because it was contained to his foot. Little Man was hysterical crying the entire time. It was so awful The EMT kept the oxygen near him (from the tube, the mask scared him) and that helped a bit.
I actually knew one of the medical techs (from his day job) and the ER pedi was so good. But they basically just dressed the burn—put a cream on it and wrapped his foot (2nd degree burn) and leg (bad 1st degree) and gave me a sleeve to cover it. We were given the number of the Burn Center at another hospital and were told to make an appointment for Tuesday.
Before we left the ER, they gave Little Man Motrin and Tylenol with Codeine. He slept for the ride home and when we got into our apt. he was actually awake and pretty cheerful. He slept OK, only waking up once when his pacifier came out and I didn't have to give him more painkillers.
I slept terribly, of course.
On Tuesday morning, I called the burn unit at the other hospital and made an appointment for 2:45 pm. Dude stayed home from work to go with us. The doctor who saw Little Man said the burn was mostly concerning due to Little Man's young age otherwise it would be a minor 2nd degree burn. She basically told us to keep it clean (he can have baths) and to dress the burn daily. The cream that was prescribed is Silvadene Cream (Silver sulfadiazine) and in an odd twist of fate, I may be allergic to it so I have to wear gloves when handling it.
We didn't change the bandage on Tuesday, since the nurse at the burn unit had, but we did the last two nights and Little Man is NOT happy when we do so. It's so pitiful listening to him cry in pain—even more so because he seldom did before. When he cried it was hunger or "pick me up" but never a pained cry. But overall he is doing well and seems to be his normal, cheerful self. Only with a large bandage on his left foot/leg.
We go back for a follow-up visit on Tuesday before we leave for our family vacation (to celebrate my 40th birthday) and the doctor said it would take 2-3 weeks to heal and then 2-3 months for the new skin to lose its redness. She did not think he'd have a raised scar but he may have skin discoloration.
It's been a very stressful week. Beyond our fear for our son, we now have medical bills (ambulance ride, ER visit and burn doctor, even though we're filing a claim) and a baby who is not comfortable. The last week of my 30s aren't ending as I had hoped. But I am so grateful that it wasn't worse.
First off, Little Man is doing OK and should completely recover. He has a 2nd degree burn on his left foot. Here's how it happened.
Monday night we were at my MIL's home for Passover. The Seder was nice (too long for us, however) and after dinner the family brought out a cake for my birthday, which is next Wednesday. After we had cake (Kosher for Passover, by the way), my MIL was holding Little Man as Dude and I were packing up the diaper bag and gathering items to put in the car.
Then I heard the most AWFUL shrieking. At first I couldn't understand why he was crying so.
Apparently when my MIL wasn't looking, my SIL (Aunt S) put a cup of hot coffee in front of her at the table and Little Man pulled the tablecloth and scalding hot, black coffee poured on his left leg and foot. He was not wearing socks but was wearing pants. My SIL got the pants off and ran him to the kitchen and began to run his leg under cold water.
I took over while SIL called our pediatrician (we go to the same one). As I splashed cold water over his leg and foot, he screamed even louder and was in hysterics. Then his foot began to blister and I asked my MIL to call 911. They arrived within minutes, but it seemed like forever.
The EMTs agreed he needed to go to the hospital (a 2nd degree burn) so Dude loaded Little Man's carseat in the ambulance and I went with him—DH followed. We got to the local hospital (no burn unit) because it was contained to his foot. Little Man was hysterical crying the entire time. It was so awful The EMT kept the oxygen near him (from the tube, the mask scared him) and that helped a bit.
I actually knew one of the medical techs (from his day job) and the ER pedi was so good. But they basically just dressed the burn—put a cream on it and wrapped his foot (2nd degree burn) and leg (bad 1st degree) and gave me a sleeve to cover it. We were given the number of the Burn Center at another hospital and were told to make an appointment for Tuesday.
Before we left the ER, they gave Little Man Motrin and Tylenol with Codeine. He slept for the ride home and when we got into our apt. he was actually awake and pretty cheerful. He slept OK, only waking up once when his pacifier came out and I didn't have to give him more painkillers.
I slept terribly, of course.
On Tuesday morning, I called the burn unit at the other hospital and made an appointment for 2:45 pm. Dude stayed home from work to go with us. The doctor who saw Little Man said the burn was mostly concerning due to Little Man's young age otherwise it would be a minor 2nd degree burn. She basically told us to keep it clean (he can have baths) and to dress the burn daily. The cream that was prescribed is Silvadene Cream (Silver sulfadiazine) and in an odd twist of fate, I may be allergic to it so I have to wear gloves when handling it.
We didn't change the bandage on Tuesday, since the nurse at the burn unit had, but we did the last two nights and Little Man is NOT happy when we do so. It's so pitiful listening to him cry in pain—even more so because he seldom did before. When he cried it was hunger or "pick me up" but never a pained cry. But overall he is doing well and seems to be his normal, cheerful self. Only with a large bandage on his left foot/leg.
We go back for a follow-up visit on Tuesday before we leave for our family vacation (to celebrate my 40th birthday) and the doctor said it would take 2-3 weeks to heal and then 2-3 months for the new skin to lose its redness. She did not think he'd have a raised scar but he may have skin discoloration.
It's been a very stressful week. Beyond our fear for our son, we now have medical bills (ambulance ride, ER visit and burn doctor, even though we're filing a claim) and a baby who is not comfortable. The last week of my 30s aren't ending as I had hoped. But I am so grateful that it wasn't worse.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
A Night (and Morning) in the Life...
Last night, around 2:00 am, Little Man was crying in his sleep because he couldn't find his pacifier (we call it a noonie because that's what Dude called his as a baby). He generally feels around in his crib and then pops it in his mouth and falls back into a deep sleep. I often hear him whimpering and watch this on the video monitor.
But last night he couldn't find it and so I went into his room and moved him (he'd rolled on top of it) to put it in his mouth. But when I moved him, I felt that he was sopping wet. He'd peed through his diaper, pajamas and sleep sack.
The dilemma!
He was ASLEEP. But I couldn't let him sleep in soaking wet clothes (sheets were dry, peed up front). So I tried to change Little Man in his sleep without waking him.
No go! He woke up SCREAMING!
He wailed throughout the diaper change as I fumbled in the dark, only lit by a night light. Then he sniffled and snuffled for about 15 minutes as I rocked him back to sleep in the glider.
I went back into my bedroom and Dude was like "what was that all about?" When I told him he'd peed through he was like well you had to change him and we both went back to sleep.
Little Man kvetched again at 5:45 am, but I easily popped in his pacifier and then he slept until nearly 7. I changed him, gave him his bottle and he was rubbing his eyes. He was still tired. So I put him back in his crib but he was having none of that this morning! He just wanted to be HELD! So I rocked with him in the glider for about a half hour. I thought, how often in life will he want me like this? So I held him and he's sleeping again and now I'll get my day started.
And he's teething, no less. Top right center tooth and two more bottom teeth (that I can see). Haven't poked out of the gums yet... but soon!
But last night he couldn't find it and so I went into his room and moved him (he'd rolled on top of it) to put it in his mouth. But when I moved him, I felt that he was sopping wet. He'd peed through his diaper, pajamas and sleep sack.
The dilemma!
He was ASLEEP. But I couldn't let him sleep in soaking wet clothes (sheets were dry, peed up front). So I tried to change Little Man in his sleep without waking him.
No go! He woke up SCREAMING!
He wailed throughout the diaper change as I fumbled in the dark, only lit by a night light. Then he sniffled and snuffled for about 15 minutes as I rocked him back to sleep in the glider.
I went back into my bedroom and Dude was like "what was that all about?" When I told him he'd peed through he was like well you had to change him and we both went back to sleep.
Little Man kvetched again at 5:45 am, but I easily popped in his pacifier and then he slept until nearly 7. I changed him, gave him his bottle and he was rubbing his eyes. He was still tired. So I put him back in his crib but he was having none of that this morning! He just wanted to be HELD! So I rocked with him in the glider for about a half hour. I thought, how often in life will he want me like this? So I held him and he's sleeping again and now I'll get my day started.
And he's teething, no less. Top right center tooth and two more bottom teeth (that I can see). Haven't poked out of the gums yet... but soon!
Friday, March 19, 2010
Having a baby is fun, too!
I seem to have blogged primarily about Little Man's problems. The torticollis. The brachycephaly. But for the most part, having a baby is pretty darn fun. You get to watch your little one make discoveries, like when Little Man found his feet. And he smiles when he's happy and is beginning to say dada and mama—and perhaps he'll know what those words mean someday soon.
There is a look of pure joy on Little Man's face when he's in his exersaucer. He jumps up and down and almost cackles in enjoyment. I so wish I could get him a jumperoo... but, alas, the torticollis prohibits that (per his physical therapists). But he sure does love to jump. I'm sure he'll be jumping all over the place when he's older.
It's so hard to believe at times that seven months have gone by. My baby boy doesn't really look so little, since he's a big fellow at 22 odd pounds. He's wearing 12 month clothing, too. He WANTS to crawl. He creeps backwards as he tries to get to toys or other objects he wants (our TV remote) that's in front of him. And he's clever, too, as he rolls around the crib to get to a toy. He's figured out how to get what he wants.
I know one cannot spoil a baby, but it's become apparent he's playing me now. He knows too much... he knows he can get mommy to do pretty much whatever he wants. But I want to foster independence and I'll let him play by himself in the pack-n-play in my office while I attempt to get some work done.
His smile cheers up everyone who meets him. I think Little Man inherited that from my grandfather, who he is named for. Grandpa always smiled—and so does my son.
There is a look of pure joy on Little Man's face when he's in his exersaucer. He jumps up and down and almost cackles in enjoyment. I so wish I could get him a jumperoo... but, alas, the torticollis prohibits that (per his physical therapists). But he sure does love to jump. I'm sure he'll be jumping all over the place when he's older.
It's so hard to believe at times that seven months have gone by. My baby boy doesn't really look so little, since he's a big fellow at 22 odd pounds. He's wearing 12 month clothing, too. He WANTS to crawl. He creeps backwards as he tries to get to toys or other objects he wants (our TV remote) that's in front of him. And he's clever, too, as he rolls around the crib to get to a toy. He's figured out how to get what he wants.
I know one cannot spoil a baby, but it's become apparent he's playing me now. He knows too much... he knows he can get mommy to do pretty much whatever he wants. But I want to foster independence and I'll let him play by himself in the pack-n-play in my office while I attempt to get some work done.
His smile cheers up everyone who meets him. I think Little Man inherited that from my grandfather, who he is named for. Grandpa always smiled—and so does my son.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
The Saga of DOC Band #2
When we had the DSi for Little Man's second helmet, it was 7 weeks into his first one. I was told he had two weeks remaining and, thus, thought there would be no lapse. However, when he went for his weekly adjustment at Cranial Technologies on February 18th, his clinician shaved the foam inside the helmet down to the plastic and told me if I see redness on his forehead or anywhere else that doesn't fade after an hour to just discontinue use.
Of course that happened that very night.
So Little Man was going to be sans helmet for a week. As he now sleeps on both sides, rolling all over the crib, I wasn't too worried about regression. But I was a bit upset that if he had a growth spurt, he'd miss the opportunity to redirect the growth to the back of his head. We were scheduled to pick up DOC Band #2 on Thursday, February 25th.
Then it snowed. And Little Man got a cold. So we rescheduled for Monday, March 1st. Little Man didn't wear a helmet for 11 days and when he got the new one, I was all pumped. I'm thinking, he's only 6.5 months old and has lots of growth ahead of him. I thought some babies don't even get helmets this young and they see great improvement and this is my son's SECOND one. Well, the posterior (some call it "brachy") band he wears has stronger pressure than most of Cranial Technologies' designs. And I took him back the next day for a check. We were on a modified schedule at first but he slept in it by Wednesday night and wore it all day on Thursday (3/4). I took it off for his torticollis stretches and all looked OK. But during his hour off on Thursday night, the red marks didn't fade. So he slept without it.
Friday, March 5th, I called Cranial Technologies in the morning and told them what had happened. They had me put the band back on for a few hours and come by. I'm lucky that the one I go to—in Paramus, NJ—is only 30 miles from my office (a bit further from my home) so it wasn't too bad of a trip. The tech who saw me (not my usual one, though she stopped in) made some adjustments to the holding points and told me to let the redness completely fade before putting it back on. And after that, to be on a 3 hours on/1 hour off schedule through the weekend and to call on Monday. He tolerated it well during the weekend but did not sleep in it.
Monday, I called and we were on a 6 hours on/1 hour off schedule. Tuesday morning (3/9) was his first day wearing it 23/7. He did OK and when I took off the helmet on Wednesday morning to check him, there were red marks again. They faded, but it took around 2 hours. We saw our usual clinician on Wed. and she made another relief on the holding point and an adjustment to the back of the band (to allow for growth). He seemed fine last night. But, again, this morning, he had redness.
I spoke to our clinician and she feels for the next several days, to just give him more off time. If he doesn't adjust to the pressure of this helmet, Cranial Technologies will make a new band. But they're not sure if it's a fit issue or because of something else. Honestly, it is fitting OK but after he sleeps in it and rolls around, it shifts too much. I don't think I'm doing the wrong thing by not insisting they remake it immediately. This could happen again. So he'll have two hour breaks (in the AM and in the PM) instead of one. I don't think that 22/7 should hinder his progress.
So that's the saga. I hope we're on track now. I'll update next week after his appointment.
Of course that happened that very night.
So Little Man was going to be sans helmet for a week. As he now sleeps on both sides, rolling all over the crib, I wasn't too worried about regression. But I was a bit upset that if he had a growth spurt, he'd miss the opportunity to redirect the growth to the back of his head. We were scheduled to pick up DOC Band #2 on Thursday, February 25th.
Then it snowed. And Little Man got a cold. So we rescheduled for Monday, March 1st. Little Man didn't wear a helmet for 11 days and when he got the new one, I was all pumped. I'm thinking, he's only 6.5 months old and has lots of growth ahead of him. I thought some babies don't even get helmets this young and they see great improvement and this is my son's SECOND one. Well, the posterior (some call it "brachy") band he wears has stronger pressure than most of Cranial Technologies' designs. And I took him back the next day for a check. We were on a modified schedule at first but he slept in it by Wednesday night and wore it all day on Thursday (3/4). I took it off for his torticollis stretches and all looked OK. But during his hour off on Thursday night, the red marks didn't fade. So he slept without it.
Friday, March 5th, I called Cranial Technologies in the morning and told them what had happened. They had me put the band back on for a few hours and come by. I'm lucky that the one I go to—in Paramus, NJ—is only 30 miles from my office (a bit further from my home) so it wasn't too bad of a trip. The tech who saw me (not my usual one, though she stopped in) made some adjustments to the holding points and told me to let the redness completely fade before putting it back on. And after that, to be on a 3 hours on/1 hour off schedule through the weekend and to call on Monday. He tolerated it well during the weekend but did not sleep in it.
Monday, I called and we were on a 6 hours on/1 hour off schedule. Tuesday morning (3/9) was his first day wearing it 23/7. He did OK and when I took off the helmet on Wednesday morning to check him, there were red marks again. They faded, but it took around 2 hours. We saw our usual clinician on Wed. and she made another relief on the holding point and an adjustment to the back of the band (to allow for growth). He seemed fine last night. But, again, this morning, he had redness.
I spoke to our clinician and she feels for the next several days, to just give him more off time. If he doesn't adjust to the pressure of this helmet, Cranial Technologies will make a new band. But they're not sure if it's a fit issue or because of something else. Honestly, it is fitting OK but after he sleeps in it and rolls around, it shifts too much. I don't think I'm doing the wrong thing by not insisting they remake it immediately. This could happen again. So he'll have two hour breaks (in the AM and in the PM) instead of one. I don't think that 22/7 should hinder his progress.
So that's the saga. I hope we're on track now. I'll update next week after his appointment.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Another Fly By Blog Post
For now I've settled on a blog design. I liked the mommy giraffe and baby and the soothing green colors. Of course I may change my mind—change is good. And I think I've wasted too much time today on this when I should have been doing work.
So here's the most recent updates about me and Little Man.
Torticollis regression: This began after he outgrew DOC Band #1 on February 18th. I'm not sure if he was too used to the helmet on his head or if it was another reason, but Little Man's tilt came back. I don't have percentages and he hasn't seen a specialist. My pediatrician sent him to physical therapy when he was 2 months old and he's been going for 4.5 months now. I'm really frustrated and worried. More so about his neck muscle than his head shape.
He Got DOC Band #2: Finally! After delays due to snow and a slight cold, Little Man got his new helmet on Monday, March 1st. Because of the style of band (specialized for brachycephaly) it tends to tip forward. And the helmet was seriously rubbing on a spot on the bridge of Little Man's nose. I think it's fixed now, but I'm keeping an eagle eye on it.
Of course he's more "aware" of this helmet because he's older now (6.5 months) and he's often tugging at the band and the velcro. So I'm not sure how much that affects the redness. And I think it bothered him last night as he slept, since he was extremely restless.
Got his "Big Boy" Carseat: Since Little Man is a big baby, we moved him to a convertible car seat about two weeks ago. He seems to like it. We got a Britax Marathon CS in the Matrix pattern.
Not much else to report except that our dog, Casey, got his teeth cleaned. Another expense we just put on the credit card. Debt is SO not fun. But Casey's breath smells much better and as soon as his hot spot clears up (he was licking the shaved spot where his IV was) we'll be good.
Ciao for now!
So here's the most recent updates about me and Little Man.
Torticollis regression: This began after he outgrew DOC Band #1 on February 18th. I'm not sure if he was too used to the helmet on his head or if it was another reason, but Little Man's tilt came back. I don't have percentages and he hasn't seen a specialist. My pediatrician sent him to physical therapy when he was 2 months old and he's been going for 4.5 months now. I'm really frustrated and worried. More so about his neck muscle than his head shape.
He Got DOC Band #2: Finally! After delays due to snow and a slight cold, Little Man got his new helmet on Monday, March 1st. Because of the style of band (specialized for brachycephaly) it tends to tip forward. And the helmet was seriously rubbing on a spot on the bridge of Little Man's nose. I think it's fixed now, but I'm keeping an eagle eye on it.
Of course he's more "aware" of this helmet because he's older now (6.5 months) and he's often tugging at the band and the velcro. So I'm not sure how much that affects the redness. And I think it bothered him last night as he slept, since he was extremely restless.
Got his "Big Boy" Carseat: Since Little Man is a big baby, we moved him to a convertible car seat about two weeks ago. He seems to like it. We got a Britax Marathon CS in the Matrix pattern.
Not much else to report except that our dog, Casey, got his teeth cleaned. Another expense we just put on the credit card. Debt is SO not fun. But Casey's breath smells much better and as soon as his hot spot clears up (he was licking the shaved spot where his IV was) we'll be good.
Ciao for now!
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