Bastien's story (Metopic in Michigan)

[soulstretch]

Our son Bastien was born August 20, 2007. He is our first, and was delivered in a speedy 5 hours. While I obviously didn't get to see, everyone else says he came out a little sideways. He had a pretty big hematoma on the side of his head, but otherwise looked absolutely normal and beautiful to us. One other thing I will note is that during pregnancy I did feel as if he was wedging his head into my rib cage for a good month. I have no idea if this caused his skull to prematurely fuse, but I think it's important to note.

Anyway, as the months went on and the hematoma began to disolve, his pediatrician noted another "bump" on the front of his skull and sent us in for xrays and then a CT scan. Eventually we were referred to Dr. Karol Zakalik (Neuro - Beaumont Hospital) and Dr. Ian Jackson (Plastic Surgeon, Providence Hospital). They both immediately diagnosed Bastien with Trigoncephaly Metopic Synostosis. Both doctors had differing opions on treatment. Dr. Z suggested shaving the ridge, Dr. I wanted to insert plates in the forehead. Because of these differing opinions we were asked to come back in a couple months to see how things were progressing. This was when Bastien was 11 months old.

In the meantime, a friend tipped us off to another team of doctors at University of Michigan Hospital (or Mott) -- Dr. Steven Buchman and Dr. Karin Muraszko. We finally got in to see them on December 1st, 2008, when Bastien was 15 months old. They confirmed the Metopic Synos. (which by the way did not appear to be getting any worse, a mild case) and offered a more traditional surgery to repair it. We felt more comfortable in their care and are now facing surgery on December 17th. We did not anticipate such a quick surgery date, but were told that it would be easier and more successful the younger Bastien was.

Deciding on surgery has been a difficult process. On the list of pros and cons, it finally came down to us making a choice now, when the most options are available, rather than waiting and having less control over the matter. Of course we are nervous and fearful, but we are grateful for this site with so many success stories to draw from. We will post more about Bastien's journey soon.

[Wyatt's Mom]

Welcome to Craniokids. I'm glad you found us.

I'm sorry that your son needs surgery, cranio is a huge roller coaster of emotions. I'm sure Bastien will do just fine, the kids really seem to bounce back so quickly.

Congrats on the quick surgery date!! That is awesome. The waiting is the hardest part so you are almost through it!

Good luck. I will remember to pray for Bastien on the 17th.

Oh, and he is a cutie! I love your avatar pic!

[Janet]

Welcome to cranio kids....thanks for sharing your story. My Fiona-bug also had metopic surgery Sept 2007.....it was hard deciding on surgery for me also, but in the end I know that we made the best decision for our daughter. They bounce back so fast....it was harder on me then her. SHe started walking 2 weeks post op which almost gave me a heart attack, but it just goes to show how fast children heal xoxo

[Tawnia]

Welcome to Craniokids! My daughter had surgery for metopic cranio a year ago at 8 1/2 months old. Your son will bounce back so fast he will shock you! :)

[Jenny]

Welcome! I think the team you chose is a great one. I used children's in detroit, and i must say mine was awesome as well, but if i had to choose, i would choose the one you decided to go with over the first ones you consulted. Glad you found us! At least you won't have a lot of time to dwell on things, makes it easier on you!

[three.little.boys]

welcome to CK. I am a mrtopic momma too! Bastian is beautiful...you will be shocked that he is such a tough little cookie! Quintin is 10 months post-op and not a day goes by that I regret the surgery!

[melsch]

Welcome to CK! You son is adorable! I'm sorry you are on this crazy roller coaster calld Cranio, but we are here for you! You will be amazed at how well your son does with surgery, and how much strength you have within yourself. Glad you found us!

[mattricia]

Welcome to CK. I'm glad you've found us to help you along the cranio journey. Reading your post brings back so clearly my feelings as we were anticipating Jack's surgery. It's a scary time, but we're here for you.

We went with Buchman and Muraszko, too, and were very pleased with Jack's results. If you have any specific questions about UM, please PM me.

Big hugs to you.

[Father_x]

Hi there
Amazing that you got your sons surgery date so quickly. Sorry to hear that you need to do the surgery in the first place but instead of waiting for months this was the best that could happen and I am sure he'll do great.

My firstborn daughter went through the same things in 2005 (http://www.craniokids.org/support/showthread.php?t=2123). It is a terrible time leading up to the operation but the doctors are so skilled nowadays that we really need not to worry (easier said than done - trust me, I know!).

Wish you the best of look and a speedy recovery for lot's of happy moments in front of the Xmas tree.

[soulstretch]

I just wanted to take a minute to thank all of you kind, welcoming people. It really does help in the days before surgery to hear from so many who have already done this and see that they are happily on the other side.

Bastien's eye exam and physical went well, besides the hours of waiting to get it all done. So we forge ahead to Wednesday. Thanks again for your thoughtfulness...