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View Full Version : Audrey's Update - Good News!!



Mena
06-18-2009, 11:42 AM
Hi Everyone -

Just wanted to share Audrey's updated story.....
On January 8th, 09, Audrey went in for surgery (3months old) for sagittal cranio. We opted for the strip craniectomy with barrel cuts with Dr. Ham at Children's Hospital in Michigan. Three weeks after surgery she was fitted with and began wearing her helmet (not the starband) - the helmet was through Wright & Filipis and is made at a company located in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
She wore the helmet for 23 hours a day for three months and then night time only for 6 weeks. We just met with Dr. Ham last Wednesday for her 5 month post op appt. (we had seen him two other times prior to this appt. for follow up) and he was blown away by how great her head looked! He said we could stop the helmet therapy - YEAH!! And doesn't want to see her again until one year post op!! We are so so happy!! Her head looks amazing and she is a thriving 8 1/2 month old!! You can't even see her scar and if you didn't know she had cranio you would never have guessed!
We met with a different pediatrician two weeks ago and I mentioned her surgery at the end of our appointment. He was surprised when I mentioned her sagittal cranio - he said he wouldn't have every thought that....he's seen quite a few in his day and said he has never seen a baby's head change shape so quickly. My hubby and I were thrilled!
It's been a long road and a very emotional one too....but believe me it gets better!! Audrey's smiles and laughter make it all worth it!
Believe me even though we've received such positive results it will always linger in my mind....I constantly feel her head.....I have to believe one day I will stop!! :)
I've cried my fair share but these babies are amazing and stronger than we think!! She is my little hero!
I've attached a before and after photo!
-Mena

Terry17
06-18-2009, 12:28 PM
These type of stories give all the rest out there such hope. Thanks and congratulations. My grandson Isaac (Kristin13) just had a Crainectomy with barrel stapes as well on Friday. Only the back part of his sagital and a small portion of each lambdoid stures were fused. His head was small in that area, but since it was caught early his head was not that misshaped. Again, Congrats!!!

Sophia's_mom
06-18-2009, 12:53 PM
Mena I am so SO happy for you and Audrey! Congrats on getting out of the helmet. I can't wait to hear those magically words from our doctor. Audrey is a beauty, btw.

*jules*
06-18-2009, 08:32 PM
So happy for you and Audrery. She is such a beauty! :D

Mena
06-19-2009, 10:11 PM
thanks everyone...i appreciate the kind words!
tessa - sophia is a beauty!!! i love her helmet...so cute!! and believe me before you know it you will hear those magical words....."no more helmet!!!".
julie - alex is so cute!! i love your avatar picture of him....such a happy boy!!
terry17 - so glad to hear your grandson's was caught early!! will he have helmet therapy too?

Jenny
06-19-2009, 11:28 PM
Great news! I've heard lots of good things about dr Ham. We also had the helmets out of u of m. I'm so happy it's done, woohoo!

Zara's mum
06-20-2009, 06:27 AM
Hi Mena, I am so pleased that everything worked out so well for you and that Audrey has recovered so well. It's so true when you say that it's a long and emotional road I can tell from just reading your post how excited you are!! Audrey is just beautiful, enjoy your little princess xx

Avery's Mom
06-23-2009, 08:04 AM
What a cutie and glad to hear the helmet therapy is over. She looks great!