Helmet
In the journey of healing and growth, resilience often plays a crucial role, especially when faced with medical challenges at a young age. For many children, the path to recovery can involve unique and sometimes uncomfortable interventions. Such was the case for our daughter, who had to wear a specialized helmet following her Sagittal Craniosynostosis surgery. This helmet served as both a protective and corrective device to help shape her head properly, aiming to rectify the regression in its form.
Helmet
She had to wear a helmet following her sagittal craniosynostosis surgery to help shape her head correctly. The helmet was necessary because her head had regressed in shape; she was at 65% and aimed for at least 71%.
Sleeping with the Helmet On
The first night was challenging for her to fall asleep, requiring gentle strokes on her cheeks and forehead to soothe her. She never adjusted to the helmet; in fact, she despised it. She really hated when we had to take it on and off.
Wipe the Helmet Down Frequently
In the initial days, she developed a severe heat rash from sweating in the helmet while we applied oil on her incision. Once we stopped using the oil, the rashes cleared up. Whenever we noticed her sweating in the helmet, we would remove it and wipe it down to prevent more moisture and rashes.
Before wearing the helmet, it would hurt her to lean the back of her head against things, but now, with the helmet, it’s not as painful.
Second Helmet
She outgrew her first helmet and needed a second one. After getting the second helmet, she achieved her goal of 71%.
Throughout the process, she cried every time we had to put the helmet on after her hour of freedom. When the neurosurgeon informed us that she had reached her goal and no longer needed to wear it, we walked to the elevator, and she kept touching her head, joyfully saying “lah lah lah lah” in happiness. She wore the helmet for 23 out of 24 hours a day, often sleeping with her hand on her face to avoid resting her head on the helmet. Her sisters would sometimes wear a bike helmet, which would bring a smile to her face and lift her spirits.
Even as she has grown older, she still dislikes seeing pictures of herself in the helmet.