lip repair surgery Oct. 1

[jenjohnson47@hotmail.com]

my 7 month old twin daughter will be having her first lip
repair 10/1/99 at Shriner's hospital in Chicago. She was 9 weeks
early so surgery has been put off due to her size. Anyone with
any good advice please let us know, we are very nervous for this
surgery.

[EDorey1125@aol.com]

My son had his lip repair at Shriners hospital in Springfield,
Ma when he was 3 months old. When he had his lip repaired whe
showed up the night before the surgery, his surgery was at 7am.
His surgery lasted about 45min to an hour and he was in recovery
for about 30 min. All they gave him for pain was plain old
tylonal, and he rested comfortably. When he finally woke up
completely, it was like he had never had surgery at all, he was
all smiley. He had to wear arm restraints for 5 days, which was
probally the worst of it all. He was released from the hospital
only 5 hours after his surgery. Just make sure that you wear
comfortable clothes that you don't mind if they get blood on
them, bring anything that is familiar to your daughter to make
her more comfortable while she is at the hospital, and make sure
you bring yourself some snacks, because sometimes your baby will
be clung to you and you might not have a chance to go to the
cafeteria. I wish you and your daughter the best of luck with her
surgery...hope I was some help.



Erica mom2mikey (17mo UCL&P)

[Dihi2u@aol.com]

My 4 mth. old daughter had her lip repair just 2wks ago. My
suggestion is...comfortable shoes. You will find yourself walking
the hospital halls to keep her comforted. Also, prepare yourself
for all the initial emotions you felt when your baby was born.
But, as in the beginning, that will pass too, thank goodness.



My daughter was born w/ a wide complete unilateral cleft lip
& palate so when I was able to see in the recovery room
shortly after surgery... I thought she looked so different. She
had something protruding from the middle of her face, it was a
nose! Also, her eyes did not even look the same. I'm sure some of
this was due to the pain medication but, I really think her shape
of her eyes changed.



I found that I did not want to leave my daughter's bedside,
therfore, I recommend you bring snacks to keep for emergency use.
The team nurse came & checked on us and she said to me
"you need to eat something, you look bad". I have to
admit I was feeling physically ill. She went to the vending
machine & brought me back some cheese crackers... it helped.



I was very worried my baby would somehow bump her face (even
with the arm restraints on). She managed to turn her face very
forcefully to the side & I thought she was going to rub her
face on the bed. Therefore, my husband & I took turns staying
by her bedside all day & night. Make sure you do take turns
if someone is there with you & make yourself get some sleep
while the other person is watching your baby or you will get burn
out & not be good for anyone. I know, my husband & I did
this the first night, big mistake. We learned our lesson &
when our daughter had to stay for one more night, we DID take
turns.



I don't know if any parent is ever prepared to see their baby
go through major surgery, but I hope some of my suggestions help.
Best Wishes.