What are we doing to Skyler?

Jaw Distraction

Due to the recessed chin, the tongue tends to fall back and restrict airflow in children with Pierre Robin. If this is severe, it may cause serious breathing problems making surgery necessary. The most common procedure for this is a trach. In some instances, that is still the best choice. However, in some cases craniofacial surgeons are offering an alternative: jaw distraction.
The surgery was originally used to lengthen limbs, like the leg. But in the 1990’s, smaller devices were developed to allow craniofacial surgeons to use a similar technique to lengthen the jawbone. Under anesthesia, the surgeon cuts the jawbone on both sides of the face. He then anchors the appliance to the bone and turning a screw on the distractor gradually increases the distance between them daily. New bone is formed in the gap as the gap widens. Once the desired length is achieved, the turning stops and the device is usually left in until the bone is stabilized. This is usually 6-8 weeks, but it varies depending on the surgeon and age of the child. The device is then removed.

So we will have more exact info on what they will do for SKyler on the 4th of May as that is our Pass clinic and pre op appt day. Plus a follow up Audiology appt (thought we were done with that "stage" of our lives, but found out in Jan Skyler had no movment in his ear drums due to fluid build up, so his "naughyness in school most likely was just plain ole' he can't hear anyone!! (plus some naughtyness) But from what we gather, they will have INTERNAL devices on him, with only 2 small screw like things out of his chin so we can turn them each day, for 30 days, the desired length will be told to us on Monday, as they repeated a CT scan a month ago to map out the specifics.
But thought I would give a little insight on what it is we are actually sending our little man into...
if you have any other questions, the Pierre Robin Network site has alot of good, legit info. Some stuff out there is pretty crazy, and scary!!
All our love
Mike and Casie

Starting Something New

So I have decided to start a blog for the up coming few weeks Skyler will be having his jaw surgery, in order to help keep EVERYONE up to date, that way we don't have to do to much repeating, but don't feel bad asking, trust me I LOVE talking about my little man!
So keep on coming back and checkin' in on us :)