We couldn't be happier with Grace's recovery after her heart surgery. She's pink, active and becoming quite the chunky monkey. Her doctors' visits overall are fewer and farther between, and she's getting to focus on more fun things (like eating) and less fun things (like tummy time). Aside from her scar, she was left with an additional souvenir from her time at Children's Hospital. Her breastbone didn't heal flat, and she's left with a little point at the end of her chest. This is called pectus carinatum, or pigeon chest (a swan's chest pokes out too, why can't it be called "swan's chest"?). From what we've researched, surgery is the least common reason people get this condition. That's our Gracer, always seeming to buck the odds. Unfortunately for Daddy, she is unable to put this to use with his fantasy football team.
It's not harmful, but it does stick out and could prove to be uncomfortable as she grows both physically and psychologically, since it can make you pretty self-conscious if your breastbone is sticking out of your chest. Thankfully, Grace's ensembles will be so cute no one will ever notice. Occasionally it can affect lung or heart function, but that's uncommon. If you witnessed the volume behind Grace's lungs during tummy time, you would see that her lungs are working just fine.
this is at it's peak during her breathing
Today, she had a consult with her PT and an orthotist to try to come up with a brace that would support improved alignment with wear. The typical bracing used for this condition is primarily made for teenagers and older, and isn't conducive for babies who are rolling around and just learning to sit because they're too rigid:
The orthotist is suggesting an elastic wrap that will encourage flattening as she grows without restricting her movement. Both he and the PT feel that this is something that can heal because of her age, and because the area in question is cartilage. Hopefully this will help without her having to wear it too long. We'd love any advice from other bloggers that may have dealt with this.
Look at our cute little pigeon...
Liddy's didn't heal exactly flat either. Eh. We'll deal with it when we have to....so glad to have her here, healthy, that nothing else matters much.
ReplyDeleteMy friend Gina, at work has had this all of her life & very proud of it! She's kind of weird like that but it has never caused her any problems. That being said, she is not Down Syndrome, so not sure if it makes a difference.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, Grace is way cuter than Gina too!
Barb
xoxo
Reagan has it too. I thought it would go away, but its been 8 months now so I have no idea. I'll talk to her dr's next time we see them.
ReplyDeleteBen has this too. His cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic said that is will go away but very slowly - meaning it will take years. She said I shouldn't worry about it.
ReplyDeleteMy little guy had this as well, and it has healed quite a bit flatter than it used to be (he is 4, had surgery at 4 months). Hopefully Grace's will even out too.
ReplyDeleteWe all have bumps somewhere on our body - not everyone gets to show them off. As you get older, Grace, no one will even notice it because you are so cute and sweet.
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