Second Appointment with Neurosurgeon

On Thursday, September 19th we met with Dr. Myseros and reviewed Bryce's scans.  Ray and I had viewed the CD at home and could very clearly see that the suture was closed.  So we knew we would be discussing surgery options and where to go from here.  We had several questions typed up for him and after he told us the basics of what his part of the surgery would entail we went through our list.

• The next step was to see Dr. Rogers, the plastic surgeon for a consultation (we made that appt for Oct 4)
• The optimal time for Bryce's surgery would be when he was 6-9months old (mid November-mid January)
• Bryce would have a surgery called a unilateral frontal orbital advancement
• Bryce has Coronal Synostosis
• Bryce's left coronal suture is closed
• Dr. Myseros's job was to cut into his skull and open up the suture enough so it wouldn't close too early again
• Dr. Myseros starts the operation.  His part should take a few hours and then Dr. Rogers finishes.  He said the operation should take about 5-6 hours total.
• Bryce will be cut, ear to ear, across the top of his head. Huge surgery, huge cut, very scary but I know he's going to be ok.
• His hair will only be shaved in the area where he makes his incision.
• All is well with his brain.  He will be adjusting his skull so his brain can continue to grow and his head shape will become normal over time.
• Recovery time in hospital is typically 3-5 days.  Once Bryce opens his eyes he can go home.
• He said he may or may not need a blood transfusion, just depends on how things go.  He said we would get more information about how to donate blood from Dr. Rogers at our next appointment.  
• Typically after surgery we will have a 2 week follow up, then a 6 week then go from there to see how often he will need to be seen.
• He said 10% of kids need another operation.
• Bryce shouldn't have any issues playing sports, getting hit in the head, etc. He should be fine just like any other kid.  He should have a normal life!  Phew!

Other questions we asked that Dr. Myseros said have to be answered by Dr. Rogers:

• Scarring - how long it will take to heal, scar to fade, size of the scar, etc
• Will Bryce need to see an eye doctor
• I asked if his nose will be touched or if adjusting his skull will make his nose straighten out

We also asked about the risks of his surgery which Dr. Myseros went over in detail with us.  He explained in depth his part of the surgery and how careful he is.  It's a little too intense and complicated to type about but I know Bryce is in great hands and will be ok.  I never thought I would be writing a blog about my son having to see a neurosurgeon or a plastic surgeon.  But I am so grateful that we live in an area that has the best doctors and care I could ask for.  That truly is a blessing and our experiences so far with everyone has been top notch.

By the end of our meeting his secretary had us scheduled to see Dr. Rogers, and again Dr. Myseros gave me a hug.  He said, "I'm glad I didn't make you cry this time, and don't worry Mom, he's going to be ok."