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!