Photos

Thought I would give you the link to my friend Tom's blog.  He is a photographer on the ship and has many pictures of patients that I am unable to take myself and he also has the capability to upload pictures, so enjoy.  http://tombradley.wordpress.com/

I have been off all week following my stint of nights.  I stop in every day to visit my 5 year old patient from the weekend.  I don't know that I ever mentioned what he had done.  His lower jaw was significantly smaller than his upper jaw, giving him almost the look of a turtle.  It's called Pierre Robin Syndrome, or so they thought... when the surgeon actually went in and did the surgery they are actually wondering if it was trauma from a forcep delivery.  Traditionally with Pierre Robin the patient's tongue is also smaller than normal, but his tongue was normal sized which is what actually caused him significant problems.  We think for the last five years when he would fall asleep his tongue would obscure his airway so he has lived with lack of oxygen for years.  Almost like sleep apnea in overweight adults.

Anyway, he is quiet and shy and scared, yesterday he said he wanted to go home, but he doesn't speak much at all.  His mom is overjoyed and grateful for the help her son has received.