So after our last visit to cleft clinic in Toledo we were told to follow up with the pediatric oral surgeon to check the status of Bubba's dental development to see when he would be due to get his bone graft surgery. After many road blocks locally due to physicians retiring, new physicians starting and not yet being on our insurance panel, we decided to go to Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus to get him evaluated there. I don't regret this decision. Although we have to travel 2 1/2 hours now for these visits, I was very impressed with the quality of care we received. As it turned out, Bubba has very delayed dental development and will not likely be ready for the bone graft surgery for at least another year or so. Meanwhile, while assessing Bubba, the new team found some other concerns that needed attention. One issue noted was
velopharyngeal insufficiency requiring surgery in order to improve his speech and the other issue was a
fistula in his palate, also requiring surgery in the near future (otherwise his future bone graft surgery may be rejected). Although this news was unexpected and hard to swallow, I am so glad time hasn't slipped by without these issues being addressed. I want the best for my son and his future, and although it pains me to see him go through all of this, I know that in the long run it will be worth it for him.
