Jaw Distraction - Take Two: Commence

 Hello!

On Wednesday this week, Jonah had his bi-lateral mandibular distraction surgery. The surgery wasn't scheduled until later into the day ... something we have not been used to.  Although, it did give us all a chance to get some things done before we were off to the hospital.

We hadn't been to CHW since just about exactly four years ago. Some things are the same but a lot has changed, especially due to the pandemic.

Jonah was acting so brave and stoic.

He changed into his stylin' hospital gown and just sat quietly.  He didn't even want to turn the TV on ... definitely odd, since that's the highlight of visiting the hospital.  

Several doctors and nurses came and went, asking questions and giving instructions or explaining some things.  They decided, due to the type of surgery, that instead of incubating him orally, they would do it nasally.  So, .... a woman came in to have Jonah use some special nasal drops.  The intent was to get his nasal passages prepped for intubation.  Jonah didn't care much for this but cooperated like a champ.  Afterwards, that's when there was the hint of fear or discomfort as a few tears escaped from his eyes.

The goofy juice did not make him goofy but may have helped him to stay calm.  He went off to the OR rather peacefully. 

Baba and I then proceeded to the waiting room ... where we were virtually alone the entire time.  CHW ... we love what you've done with the place (earlier this year, the surgical floor was completely remodeled) bit darn you, COVID-19, what a waste of space!   The staggering of surgeries and keeping true day surgery patients separate from those overnight-ing drastically reduces the amount of people in the area.  The seats are already strategically placed but we could have sat in ALL of them ... it wouldn't have mattered.

We waited ... and waited ... and waited ... I forgot how long these things can really take.  Even the waiting room attendant had left after her very long day ... and we were still waiting. Finally, the surgeon emerged and said they were finished and that he thought it went well. He did, however, injure one of Jonah's teeth and it could not be salvaged.  It will be a bit before we know if the repeated warnings of nerve-damage-risk will become a reality or not but we're hoping the loss of a tooth is the worst of the damage.

Jonah was pretty groggy and boy, oh boy, this boy can snore ... when coming out of a surgical procedure and literally expelling anesthesia with every exhale.  It wasn't too long, though, before the nurse came and raised him awake so she could start him on pain medication.  One syringe of Tylenol and three syringes of water were enough to stir Jonah's stomach and that set off the vomiting.  

The thing about facial surgeries is that it is nearly impossible for blood not to end up in the stomach.  However, the stomach is always displeased with this and it will inevitably post an eviction notice.  After experiencing this a time or two already with previous children and their surgeries, I know to expect it but it is usually a bit startling.  Unfortunately,  it took three times during the night to achieve a full eviction.  

The sky had a beautiful glow as it bid farewell to the day.   And we looked forward to going home in the morning. 

We did finally get home in the early afternoon.  Jonah was very happy to leave the hospital and be at home.  His baba got him a new lego set to assemble and he mustered all the strength he could to get started on it ... for about ten minutes ... and then he went to bed.

He has slept a lot since being home and he has gotten much more swollen in the last day, which is normal, yet difficult for him.  He's a trooper and we're so proud of him.  We start turning tomorrow ... turning the rods to begin the distraction of his lower jaw.

Thanks for you prayers and for all the good thoughts for Jonah.  Keep 'em coming ...

A surgery is up and coming ... jaw distraction - take two

 Hello friends, family, and any readers we may have out there ....

.... again, it's been a while and it takes more effort than ever to make an update but it is about time.  I dropped off this thing for quite a while but we're still here,  doing pretty well, learning to live like we've always been in pandemic, and preparing for a surgery.

That's right ... the fun has arrived!  Just kidding ... about the "fun" part, that is.  There's a certain pre-teenage boy who does not think he's about to have fun.

So, our last update happened HERE and to add on to that post, which was done in December 2020, we are now officially moving forward with the next jaw distraction surgery for Jonah.  He will be having surgery on June 2nd to place the distractors.  

On the one hand, we feel like we know what to expect as we've been through numerous surgeries with our kids but on the other hand, this will be a bit different because a) a different type of distraction device will be used this time (it does sound similar to the devices used when Rees' forehead was distracted) and b) its been a while ... several years ... and we might be a bit rusty (and tired).

Once the orthodontist committed to moving forward after we finally agreed to have the surgery done locally,  we requested to have it done during the summer. Jonah will be going to middle school in the fall, which can be brutal enough of its own accord.  We feel it best not to have three months of distraction DURING the school year to possibly add to the already awkwardness of a new school, new kids, new teachers ...

                                     

... the goal is to bring Jonah's jaw forward 20mm.  That's quite a distance but, if I remember correctly, it was about the same distance the first time as well, so it can surely be done.  And for anyone who might question -- yes, his jaw was moved about 20mm the first time but as he has grown (and he has sure grown A LOT!), his lower jaw essentially stayed where it was originally moved to.  His lower jaw distraction does not automatically grow with the rest of him, if that makes sense. 

Rees currently has an upper palate expander in place as well as a lower expansion device that is removable.  There is the likelihood that he will need a bone graft to his mid-line sometime later this year.  Where his mid-line cleft is, albeit small, there is concern about the front teeth not being supported in bone so the intent of the graft is to correct this and allow for further manipulation through orthodontics.  Any other structural or reconstructive measures (not guided by the orthodontist), we still intend to have done by the surgeon in Oklahoma City. 

In the meantime, we've been hanging out, looking forward to the end of this unprecedented school year at home, and doing some cool-weather camping.  

Your prayers are appreciated as we prepare for Jonah's surgery.  Once done, it will require A LOT of follow-up from both surgeon and orthodontist, several times a week for three months (Eek!  I didn't miss THAT!)  and Jonah will not be able to go swimming ALL SUMMER.  

Thanks so much for your love and support!