I made an appointment at Children's Hospital with Dr. Naidoo. Bill, Nolan, and I headed to St. Louis Children's Hospital at 8:00 this morning. We arrived at the Joe Buck Imaging Center to have x-rays taken of Nolan's head. Nolan did amazing during the xrays!! Bill and I stayed in the room with him, covered in lead aprons, while the xray technician ran in and out of the room repositioning Nolan. Nolan did not fuss one time!!
After the xrays were taken, we went to Dr. Naidoo's office where further pictures were taken to save in the craniofacial archive. Bill thought these pictures were cool! There were four cameras set up around Nolan to capture and make a 3D picture. The nurse, placed a "dew rag" on Nolan's head to help define the shape of his head in the pictures. Nolan loved Nurse Deborah and she loved Nolan too, until he spit up on her!! I've never seen someone so grossed out. She was literally trying to keep from gagging. I told her it wouldn't stink because it was breast milk and she felt better, she even held Nolan again. Nolan had a smile on his face the entire time.
Positioned for the cameras
Below are different images from the computer:
After meeting with Dr. Naidoo, she recommended we take Nolan to the Orthotics and Prosthetics Lab, located at the Barnes-Jewish Hospital, to have a mold taken of his head. The mold will be used to make a helmet for Nolan to wear, so his head can be redefined. Bill and I were not pleased with the professionalism of Dr. Naidoo. She would not give us a straight forward answer and kept checking her computer the entire time Bill and I were asking her questions. Needless to say, Bill and I were apprehensive about foregoing our journey with Nolan's helmet. So, we decided to take a break, go to the zoo, and talk about our options. We will get to the zoo post later. Bill and I decided to go to the Lab and have a mold of Nolan's head taken.
We were very happy with the doctor at this department. He was very thorough answering all questions we had regarding treatment and outcome. We were finally given a diagnosis, Asymmetrical Brachycephaly, which means Nolan's head shape deformity is characterized by a head that is abnormally wide for its length with central, occipital flattening. Bill and I were very glad we ended up going to the Lab. Since we decided to have a helmet made, the next step was to take a mold of Nolan's head. In order to do this, the doctor had to place a "sock" over Nolan's head and then wrap the sock in a plaster. The plaster had to dry for a few minutes, was then cut off, and taken to the lab were a model will be poured up, and a helmet will be made from the model.
Cutting the "sock"
Placing the sock
The reindeer really helped to entertain Nolan
Applying the plaster
All done, waiting for the plaster to set up!
Such a happy baby!
Removing the mold
Plaster Hair
Our next step was to choose a color or pattern for Nolan. The patterns were very busy, so we decided on a solid color. Bill chose light blue for the first helmet and I chose dark blue for the second helmet. The doctor told us solids are better because you can become creative and place stickers on them. The doctor said one patient's dad placed stickers on his helmet that said, "under construction" and "speed bump". I thought those ideas were a little tacky, but worth mentioning.
Bill and I left the lab feeling a lot better about our decision of having a helmet made for Nolan, after meeting with the second doctor!! Our next step, is to have Nolan try on his helmet in about a week after it is made. Nolan may have a misshaped head, but we are truly blessed to have a healthy child!! Being in Childrens Hospital makes one thank God for the blessings he bestowed upon you!
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