On June 26, Deiana had her alveolar ridge bone graft surgery. Basically they took some bone from her hip and grafted it to her upper jaw in the area of the cleft. She was prepared and not scared, as you can see from the pre-op picture below. We received excellent care at Doernbecher Children's Hospital, as usual!
Her nice nurse gave her this bunny to keep her company, and Deiana took the picture. It lasted several hours and she did just fine. We stayed overnight in the hospital and were in our car driving home by 8:30am! Deiana was so ready to leave she was dressed and snooping around the halls early. After surgery we discovered she had a large mouth guard type device sutured in place to protect the site. Going on top of her braces this made for an awkward mouthful! This was to be left in place for two weeks.
This picture was taken one day after surgery. Not the best picture but you can see she had virtually no swelling or bruising.
Deiana and I went down to the beach house for a week after surgery for some rest and recovery time. It was very nice to be away from all distractions and temptations. She started out on a liquid diet and advanced to pureed foods for 4 weeks! Her surgeon is very strict and we are following doctor's orders (mostly). This diet is very difficult for an extremely picky child, but we have found enough nutritious things she will eat and I am letting her have as many of these items as she wants.
Our getaway lasted through the 4th of July, and Grandpa joined us for the holiday.
There was a cute little parade in town that we took the dogs to.
Two week down, and she got the plastic mouthpiece removed. The area looks good, with visible sutures. Her gums are swollen in front and her braces cut into them a little. We have be very vigilant about oral care and use of the antimicrobial mouthwash. She is surprisingly good about this.
After her doctor appointment she wanted to go swimming but that is on her no can do list! Now just two weeks left of the pureed diet! She has lost some weight if you can tell from the picture below.
She has bounced back amazingly quickly. In true Deiana fashion she barely complained of pain or discomfort at all throughout the entire experience. Just some minor whining about the diet! She is back to flipping and cartwheeling everywhere she goes! (Don't tell her doctor)
Good job Deiana!
