Red Nose

Going to see Dr. S tomorrow morning – it couldn't come at a better time. We were scheduled to follow-up with the cleft team towards the end of March, but Dr. S's schedule changed and the nurse called to say the next available appointment wasn't until end of April. Before hanging up I asked one more time if she was sure there wasn't anything in February or March and then she discovered that someone canceled tomorrow morning - WE'RE IN! This is God-timing as Zane's nose is super red, shiny and swollen. This has happened before but has always cleared up within 24 hours. We're going on three days now and the food is so compacted that we CAN’T get it out. We're not sure if his nose is irritated by food or irrigation and/or infection. When I called the cleft team this morning, they seemed unalarmed and advised us to watch it, but if other signs of infection presented to go get a nose swab. This opening to see Dr. S in the morning is definitely comforting.

Not all who are cleft affected with a alveolar opening have the amount of food or compaction that we are seeing. A lot of it is based on the eating technique and unfortunately Zane waves his tongue in such a way that he immediately shoves the food straight up in the alveolar hole. It will take occupational therapy, plus time, plus understanding to learn a new way to eat. So we are pursuing this help as well and looking forward to answers and relief for Zane in the morning.