Cleft lip/palate surgery....the last 24 hours.

My "kiss" face.



Night before surgery



I didn't know 24 hours could be so long.

Jacob had his surgery yesterday and came through it fine. It has been a long day for us.  Jacob's first surgery was for tubes to be placed in his ears  The surgeon stated there was a lot of fluid behind his eardrums so we are hopeful this is the reason for his "mild to moderate" hearing loss.  Next was plastics.  Dr. Billmire did an incredible job at reconstructing Jacob's mouth and nose.  God has blessed this man and we are thankful to be in Cincinnati and in his care.  Dr. Billmire said Jacob had a large cleft and due to his "older" age and the tissue being less pliable (compared to the normal 0-12 months old that receives these surgeries), it was a harder repair.  He indicated Jacob may need another surgery or appliances to help mold the shape of his palate.  Jacob is in restraints that prevent his hands from going to his mouth and he is to wear them for a week (that should be fun.)  The last surgeon to go was the urologist who performed Jacob's circumcision. 




Waiting to be called back.




Sportin my new look




Doing the sign for "Mommy"


The last 24 hours have been a blur of trying to control Jacob's pain, getting him to eat, and helping him to rest comfortably.  I can officially say that it is true that you don't go to a hospital to get rest.  We were up every hour of last night between Jacob being uncomfortable and the nurses doing "their thing." 

They tell me Jacob is doing very well and his oral intake is surprisingly good, although to me it seems so minimal.  They will be keeping us at least another night due to the extent of work done.  This morning, they cut a stitch that was holding his tongue forward in his mouth so tonight we will monitor his breathing while sleeping and making sure he has a good airway.  As long as intake, output, and breathing are holding steady, we should be released tomorrow. 




Getting Fed





Sleeping (like my arm bands?)

 


In recovery and still a little "anesthetized".


Thank you for all who have sent messages of love, for the Pastoral staff that sat with us through the surgeries, and for the kind things you are doing to sustain us through this time.  You have put hands and feet to the Gospel and it is wonderful to be on the receiving end of this very tangible display of God's love.  He is so good!