What a year...

Hello everyone 

well what a year 2020 has been, so difficult for many people, we have has a few developments Blake has had a brace fitted during the first lockdown with the Orthodontist at Salisbury Hospital, It was a strange experience having to wear a mask and not being able to chat to people in the waiting area, when we were called in we has to sanatize our hand before entering the room. We were told there and then that they were hoping to fit the brace! so it was a bit of a shock for Blake! But he was so so brave. The orthodontist explained in detail to Blake about what she was going to do and asked him if he was ok for her to go ahead and if he has any questions. He said yes but asked if I was aloud to hold his hand! Bless him... still wants his mummy. 

They also asked blake what colour rubber bands he wanted on his brace there were lots to choose from, Blake chose bright blue (fortnight blue he called it) 

Blake was asked to were some big orange glasses he looked like a rock star. I held his hand while they started the fitting but we had to stop half way through as Blake got a little scared and uncomfortable so we took a breather to calm him down Icould see he had becomed a little stressed and overwhelmed, I could totally understand as it was thrust upon him at short notice and its quite an weird experience but he came around and carried on with a little bribary and persuasion. The Orthodontist was anazing so caring and calming and the assistant nurse was so good with Blake!

The reason for the brace is to prepare for Blake's bone graft which is due to happen hopefully next year. Blake has a couple of teeth growing in the wrong direction due to the cleft in his gum so they need to move the teeth forward in order for the surgeon to be able to get to the gum!

The Orthodontist explained Blake will need to eat soft foods for the week ahead and brushing teeth is so important but to be gentle around the brace, she let Blake see how he looked with a mirror, he seemed ok and even said he looked good! We were given some little boxes that contained wax which is to be used if he was to get sore or uncomfortable because of the brace rubbing on his lip, we were advised there would be some pain and so to give him calpol to ease it off. She told us we will be having regular check ups and the nxt on would be few weeks!

When we left we went to get a drink and something soft to eat. 

To be honest I was a little shocked by it all as it all happened so fast...

We sent a picture to his dad! Who was as shocked as I was. Sent a thumbs up, I thought blake looked great and you couldn't really tell Blake seemed happy.

Since then we have had several check ups to tighten the brace and they changed the rubber bands the next set was green and blue and so far so good the tooth at the front has turned and come forward its so facinating to see. The Orthodontist took some pictures as well to show the progress so far to his Surgeon which we leaned was now a different one. To take the pictures they had to put a moth spacer in which was hilarious he looked like Wallace from the show wallace and Grommet. 

The Orthodontist wants us to meet the new Surgeon and arranged for us to attend the next clinic which was december. She also told us that she thinks the new Surgeon may want her to extend the brace into two more teeth and we will find out when we meet her.

Blake hasn't had much discomfort thankfully I think we used the wax once so far he has not complained about it once ! His friends only noticed at school when he showed them and they have all been really supportive! 

Unfortunately we didn't make the December meeting with the Cleft Team as a child in Blake's class tested positive for Covid! So we has to isolate for 14 days! Which was incredibly frustrating a few days before our meeting! Bit of a set back. We thankfully were able to arrange for the January but as things are going due to the National lockdown were not sure if it will be cancelled but fingers crossed it will go ahead. Blake also has has a grommet fall out so I will have to keep my eyes in his hearing again! Couldn't believe how tiny they are!

We had a great Christmas despite the rubbish year!! We're all hoping 2021 will get better we all need to stay safe. Hold onto those you love and try our very best to keep positive. It's going to be hard being mum and teacher again ahhh the thought of it is so stressful. 

I will keep you all posted 

Hugs and kisses 

Stay safe.