(Did you get it? "Getting nerves!" - nerves/anxious, and nerve/movement for Emma! I thought it was very clever!!
So Monday is the day we head up to Long Island to meet Dr. S. about the temporalis muscle transfer procedure (feel free to google it for graphic pictures of the procedure!). This is also known as the Labbe Technique, which first came to our attention last year when a little boy (also 6) in Norway had the procedure. Since then I've been in contact with his mum about the results etc (the sheer beauty of social media is enabling relationships that otherwise would not happen!).
It seems that the results were not as pronounced as they had hoped, with only slight movement. Unfortunately, the tissue around his mouth was much softer than they had thought and the muscle loosened. The decision was taken to go back in and tighten the muscle, which was earlier in the week. Unfortunately the muscle retracted, and hid, behind the cheekbones and they were unable to reconnect it. Now all they are able to do is try the lengthier, two stage gracillis nerve transfer, and hope that works.
As you might imagine, this has me anxious in all kinds of ways! My initial reaction is that we should wait until she is older and her face a little firmer. The doctor said he hadn't done it on anyone younger than 8 before, but mainly due to the extensive exercises post-op. Of course, we will ask him on Monday - better to wait than rush it and blow the whole thing, now we know it's not a guaranteed outcome.
But then, perhaps we don't wait, and opt for the nerve transfer, though that is done one side only per surgery (each being 6-8hrs long and months apart.), because that is better done on young children.
Either way, we are going to New York on Monday (did I mention the $400+ fee? We might need another yard sale, lol!) and Emma is without doubt really excited about the whole thing. I will need strong resolve not to rush into anything based on my hearts desire to give her what she wants. Anything else, no problem. A smile? I want to get it for her NOW!!
"Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
Matthew 7: 9-11
So Monday is the day we head up to Long Island to meet Dr. S. about the temporalis muscle transfer procedure (feel free to google it for graphic pictures of the procedure!). This is also known as the Labbe Technique, which first came to our attention last year when a little boy (also 6) in Norway had the procedure. Since then I've been in contact with his mum about the results etc (the sheer beauty of social media is enabling relationships that otherwise would not happen!).
It seems that the results were not as pronounced as they had hoped, with only slight movement. Unfortunately, the tissue around his mouth was much softer than they had thought and the muscle loosened. The decision was taken to go back in and tighten the muscle, which was earlier in the week. Unfortunately the muscle retracted, and hid, behind the cheekbones and they were unable to reconnect it. Now all they are able to do is try the lengthier, two stage gracillis nerve transfer, and hope that works.
As you might imagine, this has me anxious in all kinds of ways! My initial reaction is that we should wait until she is older and her face a little firmer. The doctor said he hadn't done it on anyone younger than 8 before, but mainly due to the extensive exercises post-op. Of course, we will ask him on Monday - better to wait than rush it and blow the whole thing, now we know it's not a guaranteed outcome.
But then, perhaps we don't wait, and opt for the nerve transfer, though that is done one side only per surgery (each being 6-8hrs long and months apart.), because that is better done on young children.
Either way, we are going to New York on Monday (did I mention the $400+ fee? We might need another yard sale, lol!) and Emma is without doubt really excited about the whole thing. I will need strong resolve not to rush into anything based on my hearts desire to give her what she wants. Anything else, no problem. A smile? I want to get it for her NOW!!
"Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
Matthew 7: 9-11
No comments:
Post a Comment