Research and Answers

It was all I could do to feel productive regarding Lucas's future...I researched...Like everyday. I found other blogs, plain Google searches and images, and medical journals and websites. I looked into the best treatment options and surgeons near and far. When we finally did meet with our cleft team at SHANDS in Gainesville, Fl they were almost annoyed with how much I knew and questioned them...Especially the surgeon . She would look at me like "really? You are questioning my residency and before and after pictures?" Ha! Yes darling, this is my baby and I want THE best ;) Anyway, overall we are very pleased and in good hands with this team. Did you know there are only a handful of cleft teams in Florida despite its prevalence? And each of them offer different pre-surgical procedures. Jacksonville does taping only, Tampa does the Lathem device, and Gainesville does the NAM device. I looked up the pros and cons of all and medical journal research to make our decision. Convenience of Gainesville is obviously a perk, but what's even better is that thier practices are the best according to current evidence based information. So, how lucky were we? The best in Florida takes our insurance, is only 2 hours away, and a previous resident has just opened her practice down the street from our house Andrews capable and willing to make his device. The NAM device would need weekly adjustments so instead of driving to Gainesville each week or more, we get to drive down the street! More about his device later...For now, again we wait until birth to know the extent of his cleft and whether or not palate was involved. Below are some of the 4D US pictures.