August 21, 2009

More on Alayna

I want you all to know that I greatly appreciate the emails, comments, and prayers. I'm sorry if I don't get a chance to respond to everyone personally right away, but I'll do the best I can.

When the doctor first called me to tell me the CT scan results, I was driving in the car with all the kids screaming in the back. So, I called him back later and we went through in more detail what is going on with Alayna's head. The Pediatrician said it was her sagittal suture that has fused.

This is from Wikipedia:

The sagittal suture is a dense, fibrous connective tissue joint between the two parietal bones of the skull. At birth, the bones of the skull do not meet. If certain bones of the skull grow too fast then "premature closure" of the sutures may occur. This can result in skull deformities. If the sagittal suture closes early the skull becomes long, narrow, and wedge-shaped, a condition called "scaphocephaly."


The sagittal suture is by the number 2.

The Pediatrician then told me a bit about the surgery. Traditionally, they go in and move the top of her skull in order to fix it. Its a pretty intense, invasive surgery. Over the last last few years however, there is a new procedure where they can make a couple small incisions and cut it apart... or something like that. There is less cutting, less of a scar, less blood loss, and recovery is suppose to be shorter. But I don't know which method she will need yet.

She will have to stay in the ICU for a night or two, then in the hospital as a regular patient for another four or five days. She will also have periodic check-ups in Salt Lake so I'm sure we will be traveling quite a bit this fall.

Anyway, the doc also said that some of his info might be a bit outdated so I will know a WHOLE lot more after we meet with the surgeon.

So now you know what I know.

We will be going down to Primary Children's in Salt Lake on Sept. 1st to meet with Dr. Siddiqi for a consolation, who is suppose to be one of the best surgeons for this procedure.

Anyway, I will update the info after our visit with the surgeon.

Thanks again for all your prayers and support.

11 super cool people speak:

Seth said...

Glad you're finding a good surgeon. That can be a helpful comfort amidst the trauma, I know from experience. If you find the right doctor, they really do know what they are doing, and the Lord is there to support as well. Cute pic!

Garvin Smith said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Mother Smith said...

Her doctor will fall in love with her....and he will do EVERYTHING...he can...to make her well....What a precious little face...and spirit....Besides, the Holy Ghost will be her doctor's guide...She will be in the BEST of hands....

ldsjaneite said...

I'm glad there is a better way for them to do this, but I can understand your fears, concerns, and worry. I believe that is allowed you as a loving mother. It's so good to know our loving Father is watching over each one of us, especially you and your family and your most beautiful and adorable Alayna. Hold on to 2 Timothy 1:7.

You know, her middle name is perfect.

Madame Coin said...

Well, I don't remember if you have fam in SLC or not, but if you need anything I'm still here in Provo and will gladly come down and meet you at the hospital with chocolate :-)

Sarah said...

Primary's is the best. We'll be thinking of you.

Jenna said...

We love you Serene. Let us know when your family fast is and we will fast with you. Give your children a hug and kiss for me.

Marcie said...

Seriously call me,(I will be in Rexburg anyway from Sept. 8th-17th) if you need someone to stay at your house with your other kiddo's while you are in SL. I can stay as long as needed! 612-875-0306. We will put her name (and yours!) in the temple. Love you guys and let us know if there is anything else we can do.

anna banana said...

We are praying for you and your family.

justine said...

oh wow, that is super scary.
Prayers to you from us.

Megan said...

Primarys is a wonderful hospital. I hope all goes well - you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Side note - I love that you put that you will meet with teh surgeon for a consolation - I am hoping he will be able to console you at the consultation (which was what I bet you meant) Ironic how words come out differently, but yet have the perfect meaning.

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