"Teddi's Big Day" Report

Well, in a word it was LONG, just as we knew it would be, only even longer than we expected. (Which is part of the reason I am not posting until now!) We pulled our sleeping girl out of her cozy bed at 6:10 a.m. for the forty minute trip to the hospital. Silly me, I thought she would fall back asleep in her carseat. Nope, the day had begun and she wasn't going to miss any of it! We arrived at the hospital at 7:20 and reported to the Plastic Surgery clinic. We spent some time filling out paperwork and then Teddi was photographed by a medical photographer. She (Teddi) was smiley and cooperative. Next we were sent to the Oral Surgery clinic (a few floors down) where we were taken to a lovely white and sterile room where we would spend the next three hours. I guess they use to send people from clinic to clinic but decided it was easier to have the doctors rotate instead of the patients . . . so we waited and watched as each doctor made his or her appearance (some on time, some not so much). We were visited first by two oral surgeons who gave us an overall (through the years to adulthood) summary of what Teddi's treatment would look like . . . from palate surgery and oral surgery, to plastic surgery, orthodontics, to possible jaw realignment, tooth implants etc. Next a pediatrician rotated in, and then we were visited by a geneticist, and finally the plastic surgeon. I must say both the pediatrician and the geneticist were great in Teddi's book, as they colored with her as they talked with us. The plastic surgeon was a very sweet woman, and Teddi was more than happy to give her a big "Ahhhhhhhhhh" (her third or fourth of the day) to show off her open palate.

Our patient patient enjoys a snack while

waiting in the "lovely white and sterile room".

Baba gets some lovin' from his girl

By 12:30 we made our way to the Audiology department. This included a visit with the ENT and some major ear wax removal (ewww, I know). Then a hearing test, which she did well on despite the fact that her eardrums don't have good movement. This may mean she has fluid behind her eardrums, in which case the ENT may make the decision to put tubes in when she has her palate surgery. Ear trouble is very common in cleft kiddos, so we were happy to see Teddi pass her hearing test with flying colors! Once the hearing test was finished we visited with a Speech Therapist and a social worker (to make sure Teddi is fairing well in her new environment). By this time we were about six hours in . . . and I am happy to report that Teddi was still smiling and "fairing well".

So what would be the best way to follow up a six hour long doctor visit? Vaccinations of course . Ohhhhhhh noooooooooo. Yes, five vaccinations to be exact, poor baby. Her chin quivered as soon as she figured out what was going on, thankfully the tech was very quick and it was all over before she had much time to worry. Mama had a sucker at the ready and the tears soon subsided. We were now free to leave, and we headed out for lunch.

Tired Teddi, recovering from her shots.

Trying so hard to stay awake through lunch,

which she did. The girl doesn't miss out on food!

Look at those tired eyes.

Going, going . . .

GONE!

She was out for the forty minute drive home, and was awake as soon as the van shut off. So much for the nap, Brogan was waiting and a sword fight (or chase) ensued! No time to waste, life is waiting to be lived!

To wrap up the report . . . the cleft board met in the late afternoon once they all took turns seeing Teddi (and their other patients). I assume we will get a recap of their meeting sometime down the road. We do know however that Teddi's palate surgery is schedule for September 30th. This gives us plenty of time to have our summertime fun, and for Teddi to gain trust in us and continue on in her attachment process. The Big Day went well.

Blessings from my "catching up" nest~

Tina

Happy Fourth of July! Let freedom ring!