The above title is the name of the procedure that our Annie will be having come June 6th.
We met with her PlasticSurgeon today to discuss the procedure.
Here is a brief recap of our conversation:
- 2 1/2 - 3 hours in surgery
- During surgery the docto r will make an incision at the top of the gum line exposing the entire bone area.The bon e will then be cut and detached from the maxilla, and then the gum tissue stitched back in place.
- While under anesthesia, a halo will be placed on her head with tiny screws into the cranium.
- An orthodontic device will also be placed in her mouth that will eventually attach to the halo.
- We will spend approximately 4-5 days in the hospital in recovery. Much swelling to be expected. Full liquid diet. Rough couple of days after surgery.
- On day seven after surgery we will start the distention, turning the device 1 mm a day for 10 days for a total of 1 cm. Th en hold it in place for 2 months.
- During this time she can't swim in public pools, ride a bike, or scooter, or anything else that is risky.
- Hopefully before she starts first grade, she will be able to have the halo removed and be able to get back to normal life.
Needless to say I am feeling that gut wrenching feeling again that always comes when I know I am up against something big.
6 comments:
That sounds like a surgery they talked about for my daughter in the future. But our doctors said they won't do it until she's a teenager. How old is Annie?
She is 5 turning 6 this month. She had the alveolar bone graft last year and it was successful. How old is your little one? Does he/she have a cleft? I love getting to know other moms with cleft children. What's your email?
Wow. How did that go? I haven't read over your whole blog yet. My daughter is 2 and she had a BCLP (2 surgeries so far). My email is ajwalenga@gmail.com. Feel free to email me anytime!! :)
Crystal- I am so glad you keep us posted on Annie's journey. She is a beautiful girl and I know all will go well just as it has in the past. She is truly a miracle.
You'll both do great! We'll keep you in our prayers.
Oh do I know how those procedures churn around in a mama's stomach.
Often I wish that I was able to find out about a procedure the day before it happens rather than having weeks or months to stew about all the what ifs.
She's going to do great, you're going to do great.
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