Benjamin Needs Surgery

Benjamin has a condition called Craniosynostosis. What is that you ask? I did not even know how to pronounce it correctly, but that is what he has. I am including an address where you can find out more about what it is and what it causes.

Address for more info:
http://www.healthbanks.com/PatientPortal/Public/ArticlePromoted.aspx?ArticleID=HW5hw180325

On Benjamin, his right eye and right side of his nose looks scrunched; this is caused by the cranium bones needing to expand on one side to compensate for the lack of room on the left side for his brain to grow.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR BENJAMIN?
Benjamin will need surgery around 6 months of age (October). Before the surgery we will meet with the plastic surgeon and neurosurgeon. He will have his head scanned so the doctors know exactly what position his bones are in and how is brain is.

WHY WAIT UNTIL HE IS SIX MONTHS OLD?
The plastic surgeon explained that this is the best time; the bones are still easily molded, but will not as easily go back to the original position as they would at an earlier time.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO BENJAMIN?
Benjamin will go in for a 4-5 hour surgery. When he comes out, he will have to stay in the hospital for 3-5 days. Of course, I will be staying in the hospital with him. There will be some swelling after the surgery, but that will go away and Benjamin will be on his way to recovery.

WHAT ABOUT AFTER SURGERY?
Benjamin will have many follow-up appointments until he is 5-7 years old and then the doctors will see him every 2-3 years to make sure his cranial bones are not shifting as well as his nose and jaw.


Don't worry, for right now he does not seem to be in any pain. He is just a typical infant wanting to eat, sleep, and occasionally stay awake to check things out.

You can ask questions, but the best way to get them answered would be to look it up yourself since Gregory and myself don't know a whole lot ourselves right now.