Thursday, August 20, 2009

Turning.. bad to worse...

So, what a week we have had. We took Lauren in for her check up on her jaw. The Orthodontic Doctor said to stop turning the distractor NOW and that it was distracting the bone the wrong way. On Sunday we noticed her lip was getting pushed and started to worry. Anyway long story short, no more turning the distractor. Her lower jaw has shifted far over and the poor girl has no bite. She is struggling eating and the length needed was not accomplished.

So, after meeting with doctors today, and after a couple x-rays, they want to place a bone stint on her jaw which will move over what was pushed and will lengthen her jaw. They will need a mold on Monday and will do surgery Tuesday. They have to do it quick while the bone is still soft and easy to work with. We asked why the distraction didn't work. They couldn't confirm anything with the x-rays. They said it could be many things, but they think either one of the brackets on the device were loose because young bone is soft, or her bone was not filling in where they had hoped. Pretty much it can't be verified until they go in surgically.

After the next jaw surgery the bummer is her jaw will be wired and she will be on fluids for FOUR WEEKS! That will be the hardest part I am sure. They say it won't be as painful and the surgery will be 2-3 hours. So here we go again. This is not what we were planning on, but we will survive. Lauren is great and never complains. We will update everyone as things transpire. Thanks to all of you for your love and support.

4 comments:

Janis @ SneakPeek said...

((HUGS)) Not good news at all. Poor Lauren.

Our Family said...

I am sorry to hear about this development. I know that all week Becky was stressing about this and I hope that the doctors being able to correct is comforting. Although, that is so hard on Lauren to have to have her jaw wired shut.

David Llewellyn said...

I'm so sorry to hear this news, but glad they can correct it. How amazingly strong Lauren is and you as parents for your love and support.

Leigh Ann said...

Good luck today to Lauren. We understand that these unplanned things make life difficult for the entire family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.