Another appointment for Ben today, the width of his head is down by 4mm and his Brachy is down to 93%. Only another 8% to go and his head will be within the normal bracket.
Even better, Sandie has said he can be discharged after another 2 appointments, which will just be after my birthday. What a great present for me, and more so, him :)
Monday, 14 June 2010
Wednesday, 2 June 2010
Holiday blues :(
Had a great time on hol, weather was lush all week and the boys loved it. Gutted to be back home. Didn't get to take Ben swimming because he had a bad chest but hoping to take him next week. I want to move to the seaside!
Friday, 21 May 2010
Christening Day 16th May 2010
It was the day of Liam and Ben's Christening and everything turned out great in the end. (Not without some major stress in the morning lol)The priest was lovely, really friendly.
Ben had his helmet off for the day, it was great to see my gorgeous little boy's hair for once! They both looked so cute and everyone commented on how rounded Ben's head was becoming :)
Off on our hols on 22nd, going to take Ben swimming for the first time. More helmet free time :)
Ben had his helmet off for the day, it was great to see my gorgeous little boy's hair for once! They both looked so cute and everyone commented on how rounded Ben's head was becoming :)
Off on our hols on 22nd, going to take Ben swimming for the first time. More helmet free time :)
12th May 2010
Took Ben for his appointment today, the width of Ben's head has reduced by another 5mm. So its now 1cm longer than wide!
His brachycephaly has gone down to 96%. And he's allowed the have the helmet off for his christening on Sunday, so pleased!
Still a way to go but he's doing great!
His brachycephaly has gone down to 96%. And he's allowed the have the helmet off for his christening on Sunday, so pleased!
Still a way to go but he's doing great!
Sunday, 9 May 2010
Some info about Brachy and Plagio
About plagiocephaly
Plagiocephaly is defined as the oblique deformity of the skull, consisting in the greater development of the anterior part on one side and of the posterior part on the other.
In other words, it relates to a partial flattening of the back of the head which gives a slightly distorted look to the head shape and which can cause a misalignment of the ears and eyes. While it has not been identified as the specific cause of any medical problems in later life, any misalignment of the skull resulting from plagiocephaly may in severe cases contribute to jaw and dental problems and the negative psychological effects of teasing and bullying in the child's formative years.
Brachycephaly
Brachycephaly is similar to plagiocephaly, but is indicated by a flatness across the full extent of the back of the head, and occasionally by a corresponding flatness across the forehead.
Both conditions are more prevalent in boys than girls, and are caused by a variety of factors. These include:
1 Craniosynotosis
Plagiocephaly can be caused by craniosynostosis, which occurs when the cranial sutures ossify prematurely and prevent further growth in the affected area while the skull continues to grow elsewhere. Plagiocephaly caused by craniosynostosis cannot be treated with a helmet, and surgery is the only option for correction.
2 Back-sleeping
Recent recommendations for back-sleeping to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (cot death) are believed to be a major contributor to the flattening of babies' skulls. With young babies spending most, if not all, of their time either asleep on their backs, in a car seat, being carried in a baby carrier or lying in someone' s arms, the backs of their heads are under constant external pressure.
3 Pregnancy
It is believed that a lack of amniotic fluid in the womb may also make babies more prone to plagiocephaly, as may the journey through the birth canal and the eventual method of delivery. Breech babies can also become wedged beneath the mother' s ribs, which may also be a contributory factor.
4 Prematurity
Premature babies are more prone to plagiocephaly because their skulls are softer and more malleable than full-term babies.
5 Torticollis
A tightness or shortening of the muscles on one side of the neck, called Congenital Muscular Torticollis, can cause babies to look only in one direction and therefore to sleep with their head in one position. This causes continual external pressure to one side of the back of the head, which can again result in plagiocephaly.
Plagiocephaly is defined as the oblique deformity of the skull, consisting in the greater development of the anterior part on one side and of the posterior part on the other.
In other words, it relates to a partial flattening of the back of the head which gives a slightly distorted look to the head shape and which can cause a misalignment of the ears and eyes. While it has not been identified as the specific cause of any medical problems in later life, any misalignment of the skull resulting from plagiocephaly may in severe cases contribute to jaw and dental problems and the negative psychological effects of teasing and bullying in the child's formative years.
Brachycephaly
Brachycephaly is similar to plagiocephaly, but is indicated by a flatness across the full extent of the back of the head, and occasionally by a corresponding flatness across the forehead.
Both conditions are more prevalent in boys than girls, and are caused by a variety of factors. These include:
1 Craniosynotosis
Plagiocephaly can be caused by craniosynostosis, which occurs when the cranial sutures ossify prematurely and prevent further growth in the affected area while the skull continues to grow elsewhere. Plagiocephaly caused by craniosynostosis cannot be treated with a helmet, and surgery is the only option for correction.
2 Back-sleeping
Recent recommendations for back-sleeping to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (cot death) are believed to be a major contributor to the flattening of babies' skulls. With young babies spending most, if not all, of their time either asleep on their backs, in a car seat, being carried in a baby carrier or lying in someone' s arms, the backs of their heads are under constant external pressure.
3 Pregnancy
It is believed that a lack of amniotic fluid in the womb may also make babies more prone to plagiocephaly, as may the journey through the birth canal and the eventual method of delivery. Breech babies can also become wedged beneath the mother' s ribs, which may also be a contributory factor.
4 Prematurity
Premature babies are more prone to plagiocephaly because their skulls are softer and more malleable than full-term babies.
5 Torticollis
A tightness or shortening of the muscles on one side of the neck, called Congenital Muscular Torticollis, can cause babies to look only in one direction and therefore to sleep with their head in one position. This causes continual external pressure to one side of the back of the head, which can again result in plagiocephaly.
Ben's first check up 21st April 2010
We took Ben to Leeds today to see his clinician Sandie and the width of his head has reduced by 5mm already. It doesn't sound much but considering he's only had the helmet on for just under two weeks, its a great start. I'm so pleased! Sandie was really pleased too and told us it was an excellent start.
His brachycephaly has gone from 103% to 99% so his head is now longer than it is wide :) so happy!
Next appointment 12th May 2010, MIL's birthday!
His brachycephaly has gone from 103% to 99% so his head is now longer than it is wide :) so happy!
Next appointment 12th May 2010, MIL's birthday!
15th April 2010
Yesterday was Ben's first full day in the helmet. He doesn't even know he's got it on!
Went out shopping yesterday, can't believe the amount of people that where rubber necking to have a look at him. Anyone would think he had a TV on his head the way they were looking at him! I just stared back at them. I hope they felt uncomfortable.
Went out shopping yesterday, can't believe the amount of people that where rubber necking to have a look at him. Anyone would think he had a TV on his head the way they were looking at him! I just stared back at them. I hope they felt uncomfortable.
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