Friday 22 May 2015

22nd May 2015

Once again, no real changes, but life goes on. After several sessions of laser hair removal therapy over the last year, on Wednesday 20th May, Steven finally had his “plastic surgery” on his tracheotomy scar. The operation took just over two hours. The following day, the surgeon told us that the surgery was complex. Basically, he had to remove the scar skin from the trachea to which it had attached itself, then he had to make three separate folds of the skin to create strong skin, and then seal it with fine stitches, making a scar about two inches long which should join in naturally with the folds of Steven’s neck. No skin graft was required. The surgeon explained this as he removed the dressings, and the result is indeed remarkable. Steven looked in the mirror and was immediately overwhelmed. He had a totally flat throat for the first time since the accident over 4 years ago. The scar is being protected by a smaller version of the special dressings designed for breast implant surgery, to minimise permanent scarring. After two days in hospital he returned home, and immediately went to see friends, who all noticed the improvement in his manner, and his stance. He was no longer embarrassed for people to see him talking. Steven can talk normally and without interruption with swallowing. He can drink a full drink instead of sipping, and he can eat normally. The tracheotomy scar really did cause him some problems without us realising it. Steven has many issues remaining particularly with his general attitude and lack of body co-ordination, inability to feel the need to eat, body temperature control, and the continuing pain down his left side, but he continues to be positive, and is content with his injuries and the future.