Doernbecher's Children Hospital

November 10, 2010 was a big day for us. Zachary had an appointment at Doernbecher Children's Hospital up at OHSU.

When Zachary was a few weeks old, we noticed that his head was pretty misshapen. Most babies have a flat spot on the back of their heads, however, Zachary's was on the Right side of his head and he can not turn his head as far to the left as he can to the right. So at our two month doctor appointment with Dr. Griffin, we asked him about his flat spot. Dr. Griffin had said that we will watch it and see if it starts to correct itself. Well needless to say during the next two appointments there was not much improvement. Therefore, at 5 month's old Dr. Griffin referred us up to Doernbecher's Children Hospital. It took us about a month to get an appointment, since they are such a busy hospital.

Just hanging out waiting for the Dr. Lisa

So on November 10, 2010 we packed Zachary up and off we went to Portland to OHSU. While up there Zachary was diagnosed with having Plagiocephaly (also known as flat head syndrome). The doctor, Lisa, that we had was awesome!! She was very informative and very very thorough. She actually spent about an hour with us. She determined that has a Severe Case of Plagiocephaly and will need a helmet to help correct it. Besides having a flat spot, the Plagiocephaly has caused him to have his forehead protrude a little more than it should, one cheek is larger than the other and his ears are a little off. Now, after saying all that, it sounds a little worse then it is. Dr. Lisa said that by him having the helmet, he will have a 85-90% improvement. In case is severe enough that she believes that he will have to have two helmets actually.

Keeping Zachary entertained

A quick note on how the helmet works: a baby's brain grows the most during 6-12 months of life. So they like to get the helmet on around 6 months. The helmet will sit firmly against the left side of his head and will have a gap on the right side. When the brain is growing, the helmet will force it to fill in the flat spot, therefore, rounding Zachary's head out. He will be required to wear his helmet 23 hours a day 7 days a week. He will more in likely have his helmet for 5-6 months.

Being all smiles and flirting with Dr. Lisa

A funny thing that happened to us: Dr. Lisa referred us to Hanger Prosthetic here in Salem to a Specialist name Jude Elliot. The reason this is funny, is because we know Jude. In fact, Ben went to high school with him. He is a great guy and has been in this business for many years. We are looking forward to having his help!! Our first appointment with Jude is December 2, 2010.