We are 2 weeks post-op and finally have smiles back!! This was a rough recovery and Dr G was right, Hudson was in signficant pain for several days. We used pain meds much longer than we ever have after surgery and Hudson was not our happy, sweet loving little boy. He stayed mad at me pretty much through this past weekend as I was the one (and still am) cleaning his incision sights and nose. I don't blame him as his nose is still so sore and the dr wants it flushed out with saline twice a day and then swabbed inside. His fistula repair seems to be holding together and we are slowly introducing soft foods instead of all liquids.
His speech already seems improved which I am surprised about but I guess there was a significant amount of air flow escaping through his nose that this has made a difference. We are most impressed with his lip and the shape it has compared to the flat undefined lip he had before. I am sure it will be months to see the full effect of this surgery as swelling can take that long to go down. He also now has a two clear nostrils. Before they were so full of scar tissue it took up almost all of his nasal passages. He is sleeping so much better with no snoring and I am sure feels better being able to breath clearly.
Now that his stiches are out and his nose isn't so scabbed over he seems to feel much better about his looks. He often looks at his baby pictures and doesn't like the look of his cleft so I am sure with all those stiches he thought he had that look back. His first outing was to church this weekend and then school Monday and he was excited to do both so that was a relief. We are so grateful to skilled surgeons and medicine and the access we have here in the US but we are SO looking forward to a couple years of no surgeries. We don't expect another surgery until sometime after Hudson turns 7 unless our next few months of intense speech therapy don't get desired results and then Dr G may do a palate revision BUT....we are confident that can be avoided.
Thanks again for all your prayers!!!
Before
AFTER
8 comments:
Hudson,
You are GORGEOUS!!!!!!!
And, you have a VERY special Mommy!! But, I know you know that already!!!
Hugs from MN!
Miss Diana
What a little cutie-pie!!
He looks great! So glad you are past the worst part of the healing process. Hugs!
Hey Hud, I wish I had two clear nostrils! See you soon at church.
Hudson, you have such a beautiful smile that lights up your entire face. So glad you are feeling better. Ben is mailing you something special today.
What a handsome little guy! :-)
BTW-I would love to go into business with you! Wouldn't that be something? The two of us cleaning out other people's closets! I actually can see it now! Oh the fun we'd have!
Hudson looks great hope each day is better and better.
What a fabulous smile! So glad that things are looking up!
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