Viv Helmet Update

See here for part 1 of this topic.  We met with the physical therapist on Friday who found that Vivian has a mild case of torticollis on the right side of her neck.  Torticollis is a tightening or shortening of the muscles between the shoulder/collarbone and neck. This has made that side weak and explains why she doesn't roll over.  Her neck isn't strong enough to pick her head up and flip it over.  It also likely causes her discomfort so she shies away from it.  We were taught a series of stretches and excercises to do daily and we'll see the therapist once a week for at least the next 6-8 weeks.  Since it was caught so late, we'll have to work extra hard to fix it.  So far she hates the stretches but is progressing really well with rolling over.

Unfortunately, it's too late to avoid the helmet.  The therapist really put it into perspective for us.  Her analogy was that if Viv's teeth were crooked, we wouldn't think twice about getting braces to straighten them out so why would we debate straightening her HEAD?  From a medical standpoint, she said that so many muscles are connected to the back of the head that we should get it fixed to put Viv in the best possible position (literally) to avoid future issues.  We want her head and neck strong and having it flattened isn't optimal.  UGH.  I hate logic.  We still haven't heard from the insurance company if it will be covered but I think we're going to pay out of pocket if needed.  If Vivian is going to be a superstar ballerina like her big sister, she needs to have a strong neck line.  I have to joke about it to keep from crying.  I keep telling myself it's 3-4 months in a funky looking helmet for a lifetime of a normal head.  I just hate that it's going to be over her first birthday, during a week long trip to the beach and then all summer.  Plus, I think we'll get to see what it feels like to be stared at and pitied.  People will assume the worst about her and I want to tell all of these people off premptively.  Maybe I'll make her helmet a sign that says "Cranial repositioning in progress" or maybe "What are you staring at?" or better yet "Back off bitches!"  Or perhaps it's best that I don't make a sign at all.... Anyway, now that the decision has been made, I'm anxious to get everything started.  Unfortunately, we don't get the mold made until the 27th and now I feel like we're losing precious time.  The sooner she gets the helmet, the better her chances are of it working.  Her skull is still growing and hasn't fused closed yet.  Once it does, the helmet won't work anymore.  Stay tuned for updates and what are sure to be super stylish pics of the helmet.  On the bright side, when she starts walking I won't have to worry about her falling and cracking her head open.