News

Posted by gl.black@vanderbilt.edu on Friday, September 30, 2011 in Families.

Gabriale

In July 2006 my oldest daughter Gabriale, who is now 3, was diagnosed with metopic suture fusion at age 6 months by Dr. Kevin Kelly. This condition required a rather lengthy surgical procedure performed by Dr. Kevin Kelly and Dr. Noel Tulipan in September 2006 at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. She also had a follow up surgery in October 2008 to smooth bone that had overgrown on her forehead and also add some bone that had not properly formed. At this time, we found out she has areas above both ears that did not close from the first surgery. Dr Kelly is observing her for a third surgery which will require removing bone from her rib or hip to transplant to her skull.

PK

In December 2008 my youngest daughter, Peyton “PK”, who is now 15 months, was diagnosed with metopic suture fusion at age 6 months by Dr Kevin Kelly. Her condition also required the same surgery which was performed in April 2009 by the same surgeons at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. So far everything has gone well for her and we are hoping for no further surgeries.

Needless to say, we know where all of our children will receive medical needs. My overall experience with Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital is unsurpassed. They have cutting edge research and technology. The entire staff (surgeons, doctors, nurses, volunteers, housekeeping) is dedicated, watchful, helpful and supportive. All of our needs were taken care of and all of our questions answered.

A huge “thank you” to all the Vanderbilt staff for compassion and kindness shown during our difficult times.

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