Anesthesia Appointment...

Spencer at 8 and a half months...

Today Spencer had his anesthesia appointment. It was a quick appointment where they checked Spencer’s base health, meaning his blood pressure, his heart rate, his chest, and his weight. I’m happy to report that they were pleased with all. Spencer is right where he should be and is physically ready for the surgery. The anesthesiologist didn’t really tell me anything I didn’t know before going into this appointment but she did say that they had to inform us of the risks. The risks are small but of course there are risks with any surgery especially one as big as this on such a little baby.  There are risks of bleeding which they handle with a transfusion which I already knew and then there was one I did not know about. That is a fatal one called an air embolism where air can get into the blood stream and if not caught quickly can cause death but has not occurred at Sick Kids during this surgery yet and more importantly never with Dr. Philips throughout his entire career as I understand it. So I have to say that Spencer is in good hands and still trust that the outcome will be worth the risk. Even though he is so cute now the condition of Cranio Synostosis is still evident and will probably get worse as he grows. The doctor today was so sweet and told us that they treat every child as if it is their own. They are all so gentle, calm, caring, and more importantly skilled. They make sure he is in no pain and that he doesn’t even have the IV poke until he is under so that gave me some comfort as well. I did learn one thing today that I did not know previously and that is in regards to the blood. The doctor said that they basically treat the blood as if it is a drug; this way they do not give too much or too little and they check and recheck 3 times with 3 different people ensuring that the blood in the OR is the blood intended for Spencer and not another patient.

 I can’t wait for this whole thing to be over. Next week we have the CT scan and then that will be it until surgery.

An amazing e-mail...

Hi Alana,

Don't know if you remember me my name is Cassy we met at Sick Kids in the opthalmology clinic. My son Eli is has Saggital Synostosis. I have been following your blog and noticed that Spencer has a surgery date. Eli has one also, June 7th a few days after his birthday, his birthday is June 2nd so at least he will be able to enjoy it. So glad to hear that both of our boys don't have any pressure and both have healthy optic nerves. YEAH BOYS!!! I just wanted to tell you how much I am enjoying your blog. I know that I only met you for a short period of time but you know whatt they say. "Actions speak louder than words." and your actions through your blog shows a lot about you. And I am accurate in saying that I can tell that you are a very giving person to share you and Spencer's story and journey. I can't even begin to express to you how much you have helped us through this. I just wanted to say thank you for your time and effort with all of your research and most of all your bravery for sharing your and Spencer's story. Please keep posting during Spencer's recovery I would love to continue to see how he is doing. Eli is now crawling and into everything. The good thing is I'm losing weight as I am chasing him all day long. LOL!!! So have fun when Spencer starts.

I'm not very computer savvy but I will figure out how to send you some pictures of Eli's journey. Thanks soooo much for all that you are doing.

Thinking of you and Spencer

Cassy

Dear Cassy,

First of all, of course I remember you. It was a pleasure meeting you and Eli. I'm so glad to hear that your son doesn't have any pressure and has healthy optic nerves as well, what a relief. I'm also glad that I could help you through this most difficult time. Thank you for your kind words. It is not easy to write all the time but knowing that I am in fact helping people makes it a bit easier.  Now that we have a surgery date it makes everything all the more real. But I am going to continue this no matter how hard, so that I can help as many people as possible and create awareness about Cranio Synostosis. Spencer will be having two appointments in May, one being his anesthesia appointment and the other being his CT scan. Has Eli had these appointments yet? If so, how did they go? I would love to stay connected with you and be kept up to date with Eli's surgery and recovery as well. On a happier note Spencer is doing the army crawl as well and is probably days away from crawling. I can't wait, he is such a busy little boy already. I have a feeling he is going to be my trouble maker and get into everything...LOL...

Anyway, please do keep in touch and I wish you all the best with everything.

Thinking of you guys as well.

Alana