Cleft Lip and/or Palette

[adele]

HI Toni It is nerve wracking but all worth it . They didn't let me go in with Alex with either op so I handed him to a lovely nurse in the pre-theatre prep room. He was more than happy to go with her as she had a lovely coloured hat to play with and he didn't seem to miss me at all -that is all I saw - they told me the rest went well. Alex did really well with this op recovery - he seemed totally back to normal in less than 2 weeks all up. He liked the 'stoned' feeling he had and seemed reasonably happy most of the time - considering (he had a morphine drip for a few days and they kept the panadol up every 4 hours. He was off all drugs inc panadol - which I started to gradually decreased when we got home on day 5 - by day 10). He went through a stage where he wanted mainly only pureed solids for nearly the first 5 days and then just bottle for about the next 3. We just made sure some solid food was high liquid food (like pear etc) and kept offering water and milk which he woudl take in dribs and drabs. He also LOVED the milk/custard mix as it seemed easier for him to swallow - I was worried about him having too much sugar etc but they said it woudl be fine ... and it was - by day 10 he was back to normal formula only. He was still a big eater from about day 2 on, so the mix was about 80ml custard to 150 milk. We practised with the new type of feeding top they wanted him to use but come the op he seemed to have to just have to get used to it with 'the new mouth' but by day 2 he was a pro. Now feeding is soo much easier and he can suck on things like any other bub now. Oh I was soooooo proud the first time he sucked his bottle 'normally', I still get a little emotional just thinking about it. Don't be too nervous if you can help it - being so little they bounce back so well (esp with your love and positive support), it is all worth while and such a small amount of challenging moments in the long run ..... for the best end result . I am sure you will ALL be FINE Sending lots of positive thoughts your way. Del
PS Not sure if this is a no brainer but the little suits that have the easiest access to the armpit (like singlets or the all in ones with the front that pulls down a way) are best so they can take temp every few hours in hosp - if Liam is asleep you may get lucky and not disturb him as much ... some nurses insist on the armpit temp check as opposed to the ear .. and it was ALWAYS when ALex was finally asleep