Six month update

Ian's doctor visit yesterday was rather stressful for his Mommy (and he wasn't a big fan either). Not only did he get his 6 month inoculations and flu shots (the flu shots mainly because there is some possibility of daycare in his near future), but we also got the news that a referral to a non-surgical treatment provider for deformational brachy/plagio-cephaly would not go amiss. The doctor sees a bit of facial deformity, which isn't too bad, but that and the flatness on the back of his head will not resolve on their own. This is after months of doing our very best to keep him from putting pressure on the back of his head, so it is a bit disappointing that we were not more successful. The doctor's informal opinion is that it shouldn't cause auditory or visual problems, but he thinks we'd do well to have Ian evaluated by specialists. The other concern he did not address is whether the deformation is likely to cause other neurological difficulties -- some studies indicate a risk.

So, our poor baby spent the evening fussing and feverish, and we're waiting to hear from the referral specialist at the doctor's office about when we can go get Ian evaluated. The worst part about this is that I know our insurance coverage only extends to about 1/7 of the cost of the treatment if it is determined that the problem is positional, and it's rather costly. I think it will come down to how severe the specialists believe his case to be and whether we can get funding for the treatment. Treatment, by the way, is a helmet that would have to be worn for a few to several months. You can see, perhaps, why this is a rather difficult subject to think about.

In other news, he continues to be growing appropriately: 75th percentile weight, 50th percentile length and 25th percentile cranium, which is pretty much what he has been for the last few visits. He's been incredibly healthy, and I suppose if need for a helmet is the worst of his problems, we don't have much to complain about.

No news yet on the job front... and we're doing well otherwise. Pray for us when it comes time to decide what to do about Ian's skull and, if necessary, how to handle work-related decisions.

P.S. - I have a few pictures from his day to post, but I shall have to add them later, because I believe he has awoken. Time to check that temperature!