Happy 8th Birthday!!

Nationwide Children's Cleft Clinic

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.

Urethral Surgery

 Bubba was born with a hypospadius which was repaired when he was 9 months old.  Recent urinary staph infections and some other symptoms led us to believe something was wrong.  Turns out he had a fistula that needed to be repaired.  So...another surgery!

7 (and a 1/2) years later...

Sorry for the big gap in postings.  Life has been very busy to say the least.  All I can say is that it's a different kind of busy as your little one gets older.  School and extracurricular activities seemed to replace the running around after the toddler, but I'm happy to report Bubba is doing well.  We have had some medical battles this past year unfortunately, but we are hoping that after his surgery next month the urinary issues will be resolved.  He has had some ongoing staph UTIs so he will be having reconstructive surgery in November.  Bubba also had another set of ear tubes put in this year as his hearing had taken another nose dive when the prior T-tubes fell out.  Conductive hearing loss impacted his learning and performance at school significantly so the tubes were a necessity.  Recently he attended Cleft Clinic and we were told his next palate surgery/bone grafting will be approaching soon.  We have x-rays scheduled soon to give us a more definitive time frame.  I've gotta say I'm really nervous about this.  It's interesting to note that the older my son gets the more inquisitive he is at these appointments.  So not only do I get to absorb the information, but I get to answer questions such as "Why do I have to have surgery on my mouth again?  It's fine."  "Why are they going to take my bone out of my hip?  If they do that I will die mom!!"  It's never ending, but I assure you, as a parent you will find the right words to help them through this.  At least I have so far, and by the grace of God I will continue to try my best.

6 years goes by so fast!!!

Brandon continues to want to be referred to as Bubba. He is doing well overall. Sports continue to be his passion and he pushes himself to be the best he can be. He won several wrestling medals and trophies this year and overcame his fear of wrestling kids that are bigger than him. He is in kindergarten on an IEP which is helpful. He is struggling with language comprehension at school but interventions are in place to help him succeed.  He recently had some hearing problems again so T-tubes replaced his previous ear tubes to help correct the problem.   He has returned to Kellogg Eye center at U of M for some vision issues. Waiting to hear more about vision status at his follow up. We are doing some patching of one eye 14hours/week currently.  He continues on his nightly growth hormone injections. Cleft clinic is still once a year. No new surgeries for cleft repair scheduled at this time.  We all love him to pieces!!

5 Year Update

So we have hit our 5 year mark and it is quite surreal to me.  Time flies by so fast.  Brandon remains a very active little guy.  He has played various sports, the newest being wrestling.  Unfortunately Brandon has added a new scar to his face (not surgery related) after an unfortunate accident involving the kids playing golf outside.  He handled this like a champ as he has with everything else.  Every day he continues to amaze me.  He continues his growth hormone injections daily and is making good progress with his growth and development.  We continue to follow the Ear Nose and Throat Doctor after his second set of tubes had been put in.  Looks like we may be visiting the eye doctor again shortly as we are questioning some vision concerns.  He is getting ready to start kindergarten in the fall so his preschool is getting ready to test him again so he can remain on an IEP in kindergarten and continue with speech and occupational therapy services.  No new scheduled surgeries at this time.

 This is going to leave another scar :(

 Taking it like a champ!

 Halloween 2012 - Brandon as Handy Smurf bottom right corner

 First wrestling weigh in 38#

 Super happy after his first tournament with several wins :)

 Daycare friends celebrating Brandon's 5th Birthday

5 Years Old

Don't call me Brandon, my name is BUBBA!

Brandon has said this to me more than a dozen times.  We have always called him Bubba as a nickname, but apparently we have done this so much he insists his name is Bubba and not Brandon telling me he doesn't like the name Brandon anymore.  I guess Bubba Burditt is a great pro athlete name ;)

 Taking in the view of the BGSU football field

 50 yard line at his Pro Bowl game - NFL Little League

End of Football Season