Tonsilitis.

So, that's a new one. Colin's actually never had that before. We had our ENT check up on Thursday and is on antibiotics for the tonsilitis. Everything else looks good and we are setting the ball in motion for another repair with a full thickness skin graft of his left ear. He has requested that we put it off until December over Christmas break so he won't miss school. He had a dentist appointment and his jaw is still shifting...3 mm total. We see craniofacial again and September, so we'll have to see what they say about the shift and the tonsils. They have concerns for removal because of his paralyzed palette...increase of infection and such, but ENT has concerns of continual infection becoming a new issue...so time will tell I suppose.

Chloe's Cold and Colin's Teeth.

Chloe's had a runny nose for what feels like forever, so yesterday, after more than 2 weeks of wiping, we headed to the pediatrician. She has a sinus infection. After only 2 doses of amoxicillin, she seems remarkabley better.

Colin headed to the dentist today for a routine check-up. His jaw has shifted more over the last six months and his dentist is concerned with how tight his facial muscles are. The tightness is making is more difficult for him to open his mouth fully. So, he is going to consult with the craniofacial team and we are now on a 3 month recheck schedule for the dentist. So much for routine. The top middle front tooth he has left is incredibly loose, but will not come out. The dentist said that it is because of the lack of room for his adult teeth, the roof of his mouth is not expanding as wide as it should and is creating pressure around the tooth, which is no longer attached. So, as a result, the inflammation is causing an infection in the surrounding gums. But, not a single sign of decay! Yah! No cavities in sight.

Back, Ears, and Teeth...Oh, my!

Next Thursday's appointment has set my mind a rolling. I've been trying to educate myself as much as possible on congenital scoliosis and the use of braces. Thought I'd share some of the information I've found so far:

>>The general rule is that bracing is ineffective for congenital bone malformations of the spine. An external brace can not correct or even support a spine that wasn't formed correctly in the first place. A brace does offer some support to the muscles and soft tissue for those extreme cases of kids who have neuromuscular disease or are unable to support themselves in a sitting position. A brace tends to be more work and frustration for parents and patients than its worth. Another thing rare situation is that long term bracing in very young kids can cause underdeveloped ribs. If the bones in the chest are not able to have free movement (in and out with breathing) they do not fully form. The in and out motion is what makes them mature and become solid bones.<< This information was received from a support group that I belong to, please keep in mind, that the information is not from a medical expert, but from a medical mom who has become quite an expert, her son, nearly 12, has undergone many surgeries for his CS, including VEPTR surgery, which is something we may consider further down the road with Colin.

>>Bracing is rarely used in congenital scoliosis as the primary treatment. Bracing has never been shown to profoundly change the pattern of abnormal growth that results from most vertebral malformations. It is sometimes useful to brace secondary curves that result from the congenital malformation.<< from iScoliosis.com. It also added that a brace may possibly prevent a curve from continuing to increase. May possibly.

So, I'm still not sold on rebracing. The rib issue is something I would really like to address if the topic represents itself, especially since Colin is primarily an abdominal breather...meaning that he tends to use his abdominal muscles to assist in breathing, especially when his breathing is labored.

I finally got all of Colin's CTs and MRIs, along with pictures of him and his most recent audiogram (hearing test) sent off to the perspective doctor in Virgina. I have been praying hard that as he examines all of Colin's information, he will see promise for opening his inner and outer canal on his affected side. This could provided him with complete or nearly complete or partial hearing on that side...any of which would be excellent. Our current doctor thought he was a candidate early on, thus the 4 outer ear reconstruction surgeries. Once the day came, he said that Colin's ear canals haven't grown at a significant rate and that he felt the canals were too close to the facial nerves on his left side to permit opening. But, this VA doctor is supposed to be one of the top two in the nation. He's done many, many of these repairs. I am praying he sees something different.

And, of a totally normal kid nature, we head to the dentist this month as well. Just for a cleaning, which I am sure our fruit-snack lover is much in need of.