Hayden-metopic, Born 8-30-07, Surgery 4-08-08 @ Medical City-Dallas w/ Dr Barcelos

[HaydensMommy830]

My name is Leslie and I live in small town about 45 miles SE of Dallas, my son Hayden was born on August 30 at 9:55AM. I was scheduled to be induced that morning at 39 weeks but my water broke the night before. I spent about 18 hours in labor, and ended up having to be induced b/c I wasnt dialating. After I started pushing, his heart rate would drop in between contractions. When the Dr came in, he said that he was in distress and they would have to get him out in less than 5 minutes no matter what it took...he ended up using forceps. So when his head came out pointed, the Dr's and Nurses just kept telling us that it was from the forceps and that it would pop out in about 24 hours. That evening there was no change in his head so they did an X-ray and showed that he didnt have a soft spot on top. The next day, they did a CT scan and found fluid on his brain. (This was a small town hospital and they had never seen this before and didnt know what to tell us! All babies have fluid on their brain, its there to protect the brain during delivery!) Hayden's dad demanded that we be transported to some where that knew more. After not being accepted from Children's, the transport team from Methodist came to pick him up.

The Dr there told us they he has craniosynostosis and referred us to the International Craniofacial Institute at Medical City. At our first appointment with Dr Barcelos, he told us that our son would have to have surgery. My first question was what are the risks of the surgery, mind you-my son is only about a week old at this point. The first thing out of his mouth is, 'Well with any major surgery, your baby can die!' I didnt hear another word he had to say and I cried for a week! After the next appts, I started feeling better about the situation. I talked with Dr. Scheuerle, the geneticist, and she made me more comfortable. And then we met with Dr Sacco, the neurosurgeon and he told me worst case scenerio, he loses blood and has to have a transfusion...no problem!

So surgery is set for April 8, 2008 and we dont go back to the Dr's at Medical City until the day before for all his pre-ops. I'm scared to death! My son is my world and I dont want to see him hurt. And better yet, I dont want anything bad to happen. I'll take any advice!

[Kaitlynn's Mommy]

Hello, first let me say welcome! You're in great hands here! The mom's here are so supportive!

As far as being scared, all I can tell you from experience is it is the best thing for your baby! :) We've been on the "other" side now for a little over a month, and it's amazing how much different Kaitlynn is. She's happier, and over all a better baby! I can't tell you anything about the blood transfusions, because we didn't have to have one, but I'm sure there are moms here who can!!!!

P.S. what a cute little guy you've got! :)

[SamanthaLei]

My son is getting surgery April 1st at Medical City Dallas. Dr. Sacco is our neurosurgeon but we are using Dr. Fearon as our plastic surgeon.

[Wyatt's Mom]

Leslie: Welcome to Cranio kids!!! Your son is adorable! My son is also metopic and is having surgery on Feb 27th.

It sounds like you are in wonderful hands in Dallas. I know a few of the mom's on here have been to Dallas for surgery. I'm sure they will post on your forum soon.

Good luck with everything. Feel free to ask any questions, everyone on here is so helpful and nice.

Oh, and don't forget to look at all the before and after pictures. It really helps to know what is going to happen, what to expect, and what your son will look like after surgery. Just prepare yourselves as much as possible.

[charliesmummy]

Hi Leslie Welcome to Cranio Kids. I see your another Metopic mummy as i am. My son Charlie had surgery in September 07 at the age of 14 months & he is doing just great. You are bound to be scared as it's a very frightening time but we will all be here for you every step of the way x

[Tawnia]

Welcome to Cranio kids! My daughter Azia was (is?) metopic and had surgery in October at 8 months old. Her story is in my signature. I would really recommend looking at the surgery and recovery photos. They really helped me prepare myself before Azia's surgery. Also remember that you can technically "die" from anything that involves bleeding/anesthesia but it is a less than 1% chance. Your little one is going to be fine! Drs have to tell you all the risks to cover their own a$$ :o) I'm here if you need me or have any questions!

- Tawnia

[three.little.boys]

Welcome Leslie! the photo is kinda small, but Hayden looks like adorable!

We leave tomorrow for Dallas from Kansas City to have Quintin's metopic surgery st Medical City Dallas on Tuesday. We also have Dr. Sacco...but our CFS is Dr. Fearon.

Welcome to the site, and hang in there Mom! Hayden will do wonderfully!

Sadie

[Momof2Boys]

Welcome Leslie! This site is very helpful in preparing yourself with your son's journey. My son had surgery when he was five months old and he did need a blood transfusion. They started it as soon as the surgery started to be on the safe side. We had family donate blood for his surgery. He did great during and in recovery. I am so happy we did the surgery. Just make sure you write down all your questions before the appointments and take a notepad with you. Viewing the other surgery pictures will be hard but it will help you in to what to expect. Your little one will do wonderful and he will amaze you when this is all done. :huggs

[xl1200c]

Some how I missed this post, so I wanted to follow-up and welcome you. Your baby sure is a cutie! My son David had surgery for Metopic in December, he is doing great. I would have never believed it if I hadn't seen it for myself. But the stories and support here sure do make it easier. Best wishes to you.

[melsch]

Me too! Welcome Leslie! Your son is adorable! I love the signature! My son too had/ahs metopic. He had his surgery at 3 months old and is doing fabulously. The waiting was the hardest part for me to endure. I know Hayden will do great! Try to stay busy and know that all the roller coaster emotions are normal!

[three.little.boys]

Quintin is 48 hrs post-op now. You are in great hands here at Medical City Dallas!

[HaydensMommy830]

Thanks Sadie, thats comforting to hear! Do you have internet access from the hospital or are you using a laptop?!

[mummy 2 lucan]

leslie good luck for today only got told yesterday that my son needs suregery im from U.K