Jonah's Progress ...

Jonah had a speech evaluation last week.  I knew it was going to be a long appointment but I didn't really think much of it, especially since I wasn't going to be taking him to the appointment.  This was going to be Baba-Jonah time and ... NOW ... I sure am glad that it was!!

So, we didn't know this but Dr. Denny wanted a scope done to determine the length and structure of Jonah's palate.  So, they basically inserted a small tube (they call it a noodle) into his nostril and into the back of the nasal cavity.  There is a tiny video camera attached which allows them to measure and watch the function of the soft palate and pharyngeal walls.  They usually ask the child to say a few words, however, Jonah was not able to do this ... he was too busy crying hysterically.  They were able to tell, though, from the scope and from asking Jonah several questions before and after the scope that his palate is not long enough to allow him to formulate consonant and vowel sounds accordingly.

Jonah's upper palate is less than two inches long. That's it!  No kidding!!   Where most peoples uvula is at the very back of the throat, Jonah can touch his with his tongue.  I never gave it much thought before and really just take for granted my ability to speak but, very interestingly, the palate has a great deal to do with a person's ability to form the various sounds in verbal language. Jonah is physically UNABLE to make certain consonant sounds such as the "kuh" sound as in cookie or kite and the "guh" sound as in goat or glue; this is due to the deficiency of his palate.  Try it ... make the sound of the "K" or "G" (or both).  You will feel your palate touch with the back of your throat and tongue.  Because Jonah's palate is too short, he doesn't achieve the "touch" to make those sounds.

So, this week, at Jonah's appointment with Dr. Denny, it was confirmed that next week, when Jonah has his distraction devices removed, he will also have surgery to lengthen his palate.  At this point, we don't know exactly what this entails ... new territory again ... but we understand the necessity of the procedure.    

His most recent x-ray shows that his bone has regenerated and even though we still have A LOT to accomplish in regards to Jonah's care and therapy, we are super excited to have the distractors removed and that portion of his medical plan behind us.  We have been told that there is a possibility that he will require the distractors again at some point during his growth, however, we are choosing N-O-T ... NOT ... to think about that at this point.  This has been a rough THREE months and we are very glad to MOVE FORWARD W-I-T-H-O-U-T those clunky, uncomfortable, restricting little pests! 

So, pretty soon, this handsome guy will appear in photos with 50% less metal!  

HOORAY!!!