Wednesday, August 27, 2008


Wes is recovering well...issues with pain only during the night and first part of the morning. He has been making sure everyone on the second floor knows his pain. Once he is up and out of the funk of the morning, he is full blast.

We had a disappointing appointment yesterday...3 hours and we never saw THE DOCTOR. After a 2 1/2 hours waiting we did see the resident, Dr. Kim, who was in surgery with Dr. Vicari. There really seemed to be no other options as Dr. Vicari was leaving to visit his son today and I want to speak to someone who was involved in Wes' surgery and needed to know how his palate was healing before leaving. He said that Wes' repair looks wonderful! No area of concern at this point and everything is healing nicely. This doctor was very thorough and explained things well, but after traveling from Florida to Chicago for a surgery that was strongly stressed to be done by this specific doctor who knows the complex details of my son's extensive medical history...Joey and I were very disappointed and aggravated to say the least. For a little guy, Wes has HUGE medical file!

This morning I received a phone call from Dr. Vicari on his cell phone, as he was on the way back into town to see Wes. He was very apologetic. It appears the first receptionist failed to page him before she took her lunch break and it was only after we complained two hours later that he was paged. (after he had already headed to clinic in another town)

He also feels great about Wes repair. His repair and the incision to relieve tension are healing nicely. No signs of fistulas! Wes sounds very nasally right now, which Dr. Vicari reassures us is a good sign for a cleft palate repair. He is having some difficulty breathing at night, which is somewhat to be expected with the swelling, but also likely to be an issue after the swelling. Next step would be to open up his nostril. This should really help his breathing. As of right now, he is trying to breath out of his nose which is blocked by a deviated septum on his open nostril and obstructed by a collapsed nostril on the other side.

I will post some pictures later. Wes has found a little g-tube buddy, Cooper. They have been keeping the playroom busy. I will try to post some pictures later. For now here is him and his Diego. Sure Libby Kate hopes his Diego will keep him from snatching her Dora, but then Diego might need a friend!!!

5 comments:

Jessica Stokes said...

So glad that he is doing well-I am sure that long wait for the doctor was beyond frustrating! Hopefully ya'll will be headed home soon!

Love ya'll!
Jake

Unknown said...

Gina and Joey,
I'm glad to hear Wes is on his way to coming home. We love the pic you posted of "Bright Eyes". We love you!
Aunt Sharron

Anonymous said...

Hi Wes (and Family!)
Hospitals can be very frustrating at times and I spend 40 hour a week in one!! It is very hard for us Nurses as we strive to be good Patient Advocates by trying to get Medical Offices when we are not happy with a Child's condition or need Medications ordered and so on... But we can only do our best. Wes you are looking very good and you will do very well in this modern World with so much known about so many treatments with so much going for you. I found after my Surgery I had the same (re nose blocked with blood) - but must not try and blow it as it may disturb things but in due time as the acute stage passes the nose and mouth will clear (Nurses may gently clean areas too) - it always looks very messy for a start but that is part of it all but underneath it will all be healing. The Surgeons should and do write in the Casenotes their orders for their Post-operative care re mouth care etc...... It is often harder for the Parents than the kids. We Nurse the Parents just as much as the Kids and that makes a good Paediatric Nurse and I teach my Students this always! As many have only done Adult Nursing.
May God Bless you Wes and be with your Family as you go through the healing stages.
Best wishes from,
Barrie & Muriel Meyer
carepages: FromDownUnder

Anonymous said...

Awesome news that Wes is healing well and playing hard! Sorry to hear about your extended wait for the doctor.... Isn't it odd that in this world of mass communication, communication can be so lacking?
Praying for your speedy homecoming! God bless, el

Anonymous said...

Love those pictures Mom! Brandon made 94 on his spelling test and doesn't have to take test Friday! Chase has 4 tests tomorrow...A big mix up but he says he is prepared and will review again at Gammy's. I am sure he will ace them all!! Love to everyone! Kiss my little man!

Chimene

I of course have forgotten my blogger login and have to sign on anonymous....Old Age again rears its' ugly head!