I am wondering when other kids with PRS are having their palletes repaired. We were told 9 to 12 months old, but more likely the 12months mark. I see a lot of other kids are done later. We go back to Brisbane this month and see the specialists, hopefully they will give us a rough date. And also is it common for them to get sleep apnea after surgery?
Hi Charmaine, I don't think it is common for them to get sleep apnea after surgery. I was told it was very unlikely so I think Olivia( my 11 month old with PRS) has just been unlucky in this instance. Don't let it worry you too much especially if your child didn't have any breathing problems before. Olivia had her repair done at 9 months in a one stage operation, her cleft was just soft palate right at the back.. I have a friend whose child with PRS has just gone in for her first stage of repair at 6 months, second stage at 9 months. I understand that in Melb they wait until 18 months. I think it depends on the individual child and what associated problems they have ie feeding/ breathing and also what your specialist believes is best. Good luck with it
Hi Guys, Your right- at the Childrens Hospital in Melbourne they do wait until 18 months for repair. The theory is that as the child is bigger, there is less chance of a)putting them into obstruction as with growth the anotomy of the airway etc is larger b) there is more tissue inside the mouth cavity with which to construct the repair, meaning that there is less likely to be tears or re-corrections needed as the child grows. Balin's cleft op did put him in OSA which was not present prior to the cleft surgery, however i feel that doing the surgery at 18 months would have made no difference to his OSA. Laurel is right- every child is different, i think feeding etc has a great impat on the decision. In Balin's case we naso fed him for 12 months, then went to solids on a "sink or swim" basis. At the end of the day i think you as the parent know more about your childs day to day comfort, so ask alot of questions and push for the outcome you believe to be in the best interest of your child. Talk soon,
Hi Harry had his soft cleft palate repaired at 19 months. He was actually due to have it repaired at 18 months but, he got a cold and his surgery was cancelled.
