Living with HFM:Teenage procedures

Today 12-12-2011 I began the process of getting ready for my 13 year old's final ear surgery.He was born with Hemifacial microsomia with microtia .It has been a long haul and we are ready for the surgery.The date is set for 12-21-2011.

In preparation, I gave my son's social worker a ring to discuss expenses.She wasn't there today so I left a message for her to call me tomorrow before finals.I hope she gets my message before I go to class.I want to get everything taken care of asap.

This article will chronicle our days before surgery and the day of.I will be writing to help those who have to have these surgeries in the future.I also would like to show the new procedures available.This is a diary of our final ear surgery.

update

Jan. 23rd 2012

Since Jermaine's surgery went so well he has opted to go on and finish the process.With every surgery his ear looks more like his other one and now he has decided to continue on for the final phase.

My sons social worker called from rehabilitation services about transportation expenses.We live in Calhoun County and, my son's surgery is in Birmingham and me being a full time student ,transportation is a major expense.Since we are on full medicaid she will request a transportation voucher this takes a while to receive ,but later is better than nothing.So that is settled.Now the only thing left is to wait for the nurse to call me and let me know what time the surgery will be.Everything is settling into place and I am beginning to feel the anxiety.

Today I am feeling very anxious but that is how it usually is .

December 20,2011

I finally got the call at around 3 telling us to be at the hospital at 9:30am and the pre-op instruction.So we are officially ready for surgery.Jermaine seems very excited and he said he wants everyone to be there.He is going to get his new ear for Christmas.Hooray!!!!!

The surgery is over and everything went well.We we will be going back again.Even though his ear still doesn't look as realistic as the other ear but he's getting close (there are still two stages left before completion) but we love it!I am happy because Jermaine's happy.Yes!I am glad he wants to go back later on to have more work done .I am so glad his surgeon is as picky as he is.Jermaine's ear will look very realistic if he keeps on with the surgeries.It is totally his decision and he has decided to continue.When I walk passed him now I have to do a double take because it looks so good.