Members

Hi, i am writing to tell you about my son Scott who was born on time and weighed 6lb 10oz.

Scott was born 23/06/2009 and at birth he was diagnosed as having a cleft palate with both the hard and soft palate missing. It took Scott a while to feed so he wasn't discharged for five days. After a few days of Scott coming home he began to take a really long time to feed and when being winded seemed to be choking when we sat him forward, although this would stop after a day or two. However, when the choking became more frequent we took Scott to A&E. Whilst we were there it was discoverd that his oxygen levels were having large dips and there seemed to be an obstruction so he was admitted to Yorkhill Hospital for Sick Children,Glasgow.

Over the weeks to come we had so much support from the cleft nurses, Ann and Shirley, who came to see Scott every day and answered all questions we had - I cant thank them enough! xx

Scott had several sleep studies and doctors tried to help his condition by putting a tube down his nose, this failed and his oxygen levles continued to dip. Doctors then tried giving Scott oxygen and this also didn't make any difference. After ten days they decided to put Scott to sleep and take a look to see what was causing the obstruction. Pre surgery we were told Scott may need a tracheotomy but this would be the last resort. Shortly after Scott went to thertre we were called down from the ward and told that the tracheotomy must be performed due to his tounge slipping back and his lower jaw being further back than normal. Scott stayed in the HDU for two days and was then transferred to the ENT ward. It was very difficult to come to terms with this but Scott is such a little fighter and with great help and support from the consultants, nurses and cleft nurses our confidence grew, and with the trachotomy in place Scott began to thrive and gain weight. He was dischared after eight weeks.