My sweet baby girl is 71/2 months old. It is hard to believe. She has brought so much joy into our lives. Lately she has started doing this girl sequel when she doesn't get her way. Mike and I think it's so funny. She has her diva moments, but mostly we just love her. Karver can't get enough of her and probably is the source of much displeasure to her. Every time I turn around her is "hugging" her or kissing her or " wrestling with her". But I love that he loves her even if it is exasperating.
For those of you who don't know at 3 Months Hanna was diagnosis with torticollis and plagiocephaly(flat spot). Laman terms her neck muscles were way tight on her left side which makes her hold her head tilted. Totally curable but it takes time, physical therapy and patience. and So I have been patience knowing most kids it takes until they are 9 months old until discharge and I have dutifully done the stretches at home everyday for the last few months. Rough at first but we got in a pattern and not so tough. Today I brought her to physical therapy and good news she has really improved she can tilt her head 35 degrees one way and 25 the other. Full range of motion and lots of strength. PT thinks she will be pretty symmetrical by next month. YEAH! BAD NEWS her sense of vertical is off. What does this mean it means when she sits up she does it crooked. Her back is a big C. Which means if not corrected then it might turn into a S. You know what that means scoliosis, back braces and pretty much something that can affect her whole life. WHAT!!!!! How common is this , oh it happens in 5-8% of kids with treated toticollis.
So as the PT is laying this on me it is taking all my strength not to break down and cry. I mean I've done everything in my power and now she has something else wrong with her. Is this kid ever going to have a normal day where mom isn't pushing or pulling her some way or the other. Plus she is not that far away from crawling and walking-what are we going to do then. I feel like such a failure. It's just so hard when your kid has problems, you know just want to give them the best in life, like a working body.
So what do I have to do now, more stretches for the next month and if that doesn't work(which by the way hardly ever does) a baby collar, yep a big plastic collar she will have to wear 4 hours a day, and if that doesn't work botox. Big sigh- We'll get through this, just needed to vent.
Hanna is a strong willed girl I am sure she will make ti through this. Even my physical therapist said the stubborn ones do the best, well at least some one else sees her spicy little attitude.
I just like this picture-oh little boys!
12 comments:
You are such a great mom. Many people wouldn't take the time and effort to actually do the exercises and attempt to fix the problem. I am sure your hard work will pay off and I will keep little Hanna in my prayers! She is sooo adorable!
I was sad to see you gone when I looked up at the doctors today. I wanted to check out that cute baby of yours! So sorry about all the physical therapy stuff. Hopefully you will be able to look back (soon) on all of this and just sigh a big sigh of relief that it is all over. She is such a doll. I am off to get Oliver fitted for a helmet tomorrow. What is up with all these children who can turn their neck and have odd shaped heads:)
Oops meant *can't turn their neck
My oldest sister's daughter (Kristy, remember meeting her right after Isaak was born?) had torticollis too. She was vigilant about the stretches and exercises, and I remember Megan (my niece) HATING it!! Poor Kristy was so stressed out about it too. I'll have to ask her, but it seems things were a lot better after she turned 1. Megan's 11 now and you would never know. Kristy's diligence totally paid off. I'm sure Hanna will do great!!
ps, glad to see you blogging again!! ;)
Look at you! A blogging queen and a darn good mom! Seriously, good thing Hanna really is a sweet little girl because she is making you w-o-r-k. Breathe, my friend. It's hard now but will be worth it in the end. I'm always across the street and you know you are welcomed anytime.
Jackie, I am so sorry to hear about Hanna. I had no idea. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help out. Carver is always welcome to come play if you need to run to an appointment or something.
Thanks guys! Emily, does sweet Ollie have torticollis too? Hanna didn't have to have the helmet,but kids sure are cute in them. Her torticollis is pretty much cured it's her back we have to fix now. Though I'm still doing the stretches don't want her to regress. When I wrote this blog I was totally stresses but feel better now, amazing what prayer can do for you!
I sure love that Hannah. She smiles at me the second she sees me! Happy babies are the best!
Whoops, I added an "h" to the end. Pardon my mistake. It's almost 1 am. Peace out.
My baby had torticollis too! His is pretty much all better, but his head is REALLY flat on one side so he got a helmet. Total Bummer. I felt like a bad mom, but I did my best and that is all I can do. I'm sure you did your best, and you are a wonderful Mom!!!
Brittany
I have a friend whose child had the same condition. She took her to a chiropractor, and claims that he really helped her overcome the torticollis. Maybe that is an option? Just thought I would share that. :)
nice jobs...ilike your pillow
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