[Mom2BabyNatalie]

Originally Posted by kpstoybox

The problem is...if I'm correct...this is no longer just a cleft pallet. I could be wrong...but I think I read that Dena said she only had one functional nasal passage. The other is wide open.
Her face is now "mangled' with very little skin left to keep trying anymore repairs. And last I read...her pallet was opening up again.

This is why "some" are now questioning the pain involved and her quality of life.

IMO...Dena has the right to try everything under the sun to save this baby. And I pray to God she succeeds. I just hope they can find away to do this with as little pain to baby Emma as possible.

Actually, the defect... was never "just a cleft palate".... Emma was born with only half a nose.... (the cleft lip) - and has never had function of the right nasal passage. Even with the surgery to close the nasal opening, Emma would have to endure further surgery at a later date to create a functional nasal system for her.

With the failure of the sutures to remain in tact.... Emma has lost the SURGICALLY STRUCTURED nostril, but again, she still would not have had a functional airway.... just as the day she was born.

The condition of the skin on her muzzle, on the other hand.... has certainly been a concern. Not something that I feel I really could have prevented given the circumstances..... but not something that I would hope to see her ever go through again....

As for the palate..... before the surgery, it was a very wide opening - extremely disfiguring and simply non functional... not to mention a constant danger and vacuum for infection.

With the surgery... it is 95% improved..... if there is no further regression... I'll take that percentage and feel blessed.