Suggestions from a cleft palate patient

[TerrySull@AOL.com]

Please take note that I did not use "sufferer" in
the subject line!!! I was born in 1954 with a bi-laterial cleft
palate cleft gum, and cleft lip. The lip was repaired at three
days. The palate was never repaired, but I was fitted with a
dental plate (like dentures, without teeth) to cover the gap and
aid in speech. Mom provided lip massage post surgery. I
eventually had two further surgeries to lengthen and shape the
lip. As to problems I've encountered, EAR INFECTIONS!! Watch out
for these, get treatment ASAP. Because of additional soft tissue
at the back of the throat, my ears did not drain well. Ear tubes
were implanted more than once, but each time dislodged. I needed
ear reconstruction because of repeated infections. I also have
sleep apnea. I was the snoring champ of my family. Watch out for
tooth decay. Because of mis-positioned teeth, braces were needed
for an extended period of time. (As with any other youngster, I
wasn't always consistant with brushing--BIG mistake) I was the
target of some teasing, but with the strong family support (we
were all raised to believe that we were above all that, it didn't
last long, and I probably caught more flack because of my weight.
Anyone wanting to ask other questions, feel free to contact me.

[Anonymous]

MY GRANDDAUGHTER WAS BORN WITH A SOFT PALATE. SHE IS ONLY 1WK
OLD. IT HELPS TO KNOW AND READ THE SAME PROBLEM AND THAT YOU ARE
BASICALLY OK. SHE IS HAVING A HARD TIME WITH THE BOTTLE. THE DR
TTOLD US THAT HE THOUGHT SHE WAS BORN DEAF BUT I THINK IT IS
FLUID BUILD UP ALREADY, SHE IS REALLY A GOOD BABY. DOESN'T CRY
MUCH. I JUST HOPE THERE IS SOMETHING THEY CAN DO TO HELP CORRECT
THIS . THANKS FOR YOUR ARTICLE.

[lougheedm@nsu.law.nova.ed]

I had surgery 12 years ago and they are reluctant to do
reconstructive surgery on my palate. As a result, I basically
have a cleft palate. I have had several obturators made but none
correctly. If you have any infomation on how to find a good
prosthodontist I would appreciate it.