Help Wynn Eat
Donation protected
Meet Wynn. He is 4 months old and everything we dreamed of when we talked about having a second child. He is easy going, snuggly and loves to play peek-a-boo with his big brother.
He has also had 2 surgeries since he was born and needs to have another procedure done in 2 weeks. We need help.
When Wynn was two weeks old, he started to projectile vomit after every nursing session. It is a horrible feeling to be covering your face with a towel from your newborn because you know he is about to throw up and you know it will be with enough force that it will cover your face and hair. Fortunately, we were able to have a diagnosis and treatment plan developed relatively quickly.
His first surgery was at 19 days old for pyloric stenosis. It was successful and he was able to eat again almost immediately after the surgeon was done. We had to pay about $6000 out of pocket but it was worth every penny and we were so grateful for a healthy baby.
Prior to the end of my maternity leave, we realized that Wynn was not drinking from a bottle when it was offered to him. We tried different techniques. We tried different styles of nipples. We tried different flow speeds. We tried different people offering the bottle. We tried sippy cups. We tried when he was tired and when he was wide awake. We tried when he was full and when he was hungry. He just couldn't suck on a bottle. When he would finally manage to get the flow started, his entire upper lip would get sucked into his mouth and he would loose his latch. Clearly, something was not right.
Wynn's second surgery was at 3 months for a labial frenectomy or an upper lip tie revision. While we disagreed with the doctor's assessment that he only had an upper lip tie and not a tongue tie as well, we consented to the ULT revision because time was running out. 12 days before the end of my maternity leave and the start of my new job, the frenulum was cut and cauterized and we were sent on our way. This procedure cost an additional $1000 as a new plan year had started for our insurance.
Wynn has still not been successful in his efforts to bottle feed but is now able to suck on a pacifer and transfer breastmilk from a sippy cup to his mouth. Unfortunately he is unable to swallow the milk and it then dribbles out of his mouth. Solids have been introduced but he is unable to swallow those as well.
Since I've returned to work, Wynn has been unable to eat while I am gone. He then eats almost without stopping from the time I return until I have to leave again the next day. This has been a gut wrenching and exhausting experience that has been wearing down on all of us.
In two weeks, Wynn will have his third procedure completed. This time, I'll be taking him to Albany, NY to Dr. Kotlow for evaluation and tongue tie revision. We've decided that while there will be a higher upfront cost to travelling out of state, we will have confidence in knowing the procedure was done correctly by a leader in ULT and TT revision. Since we can't evaluate for any other feeding issues until this is addressed, we need to be sure this is done right the first time. We are estimating the cost of this to be around $1500 (including the procedure, hotel, travel costs, follow up care and unpaid time from work).
Since Wynn's arrival, we have completely drained our savings accounts. I have cashed in all of our CDs in order to pay for my maternity leave and his first two surgeries. I don't have enough money to pay for this procedure that is desperately needed. I need help for my precious baby boy.
Your contribution will help us ensure the best possible care for our Wynn. There aren't even words to adequately thank you for anything you are able to share with us. We would also appreciate your prayers for...
1. Healing for Wynn
2. Wisdom and skill for Dr. Kotlow
3. Safety for Wynn and me during our trip to Albany
4. Comfort for Wynn during the day when he is unable to eat
5. Thanksgiving for my parents and Brian's sister who provide love and care for Wynn while he struggles
6. Peace for Wynn's big brother Tristan who is very distressed by Wynn's discomfort
He has also had 2 surgeries since he was born and needs to have another procedure done in 2 weeks. We need help.
When Wynn was two weeks old, he started to projectile vomit after every nursing session. It is a horrible feeling to be covering your face with a towel from your newborn because you know he is about to throw up and you know it will be with enough force that it will cover your face and hair. Fortunately, we were able to have a diagnosis and treatment plan developed relatively quickly.
His first surgery was at 19 days old for pyloric stenosis. It was successful and he was able to eat again almost immediately after the surgeon was done. We had to pay about $6000 out of pocket but it was worth every penny and we were so grateful for a healthy baby.
Prior to the end of my maternity leave, we realized that Wynn was not drinking from a bottle when it was offered to him. We tried different techniques. We tried different styles of nipples. We tried different flow speeds. We tried different people offering the bottle. We tried sippy cups. We tried when he was tired and when he was wide awake. We tried when he was full and when he was hungry. He just couldn't suck on a bottle. When he would finally manage to get the flow started, his entire upper lip would get sucked into his mouth and he would loose his latch. Clearly, something was not right.
Wynn's second surgery was at 3 months for a labial frenectomy or an upper lip tie revision. While we disagreed with the doctor's assessment that he only had an upper lip tie and not a tongue tie as well, we consented to the ULT revision because time was running out. 12 days before the end of my maternity leave and the start of my new job, the frenulum was cut and cauterized and we were sent on our way. This procedure cost an additional $1000 as a new plan year had started for our insurance.
Wynn has still not been successful in his efforts to bottle feed but is now able to suck on a pacifer and transfer breastmilk from a sippy cup to his mouth. Unfortunately he is unable to swallow the milk and it then dribbles out of his mouth. Solids have been introduced but he is unable to swallow those as well.
Since I've returned to work, Wynn has been unable to eat while I am gone. He then eats almost without stopping from the time I return until I have to leave again the next day. This has been a gut wrenching and exhausting experience that has been wearing down on all of us.
In two weeks, Wynn will have his third procedure completed. This time, I'll be taking him to Albany, NY to Dr. Kotlow for evaluation and tongue tie revision. We've decided that while there will be a higher upfront cost to travelling out of state, we will have confidence in knowing the procedure was done correctly by a leader in ULT and TT revision. Since we can't evaluate for any other feeding issues until this is addressed, we need to be sure this is done right the first time. We are estimating the cost of this to be around $1500 (including the procedure, hotel, travel costs, follow up care and unpaid time from work).
Since Wynn's arrival, we have completely drained our savings accounts. I have cashed in all of our CDs in order to pay for my maternity leave and his first two surgeries. I don't have enough money to pay for this procedure that is desperately needed. I need help for my precious baby boy.
Your contribution will help us ensure the best possible care for our Wynn. There aren't even words to adequately thank you for anything you are able to share with us. We would also appreciate your prayers for...
1. Healing for Wynn
2. Wisdom and skill for Dr. Kotlow
3. Safety for Wynn and me during our trip to Albany
4. Comfort for Wynn during the day when he is unable to eat
5. Thanksgiving for my parents and Brian's sister who provide love and care for Wynn while he struggles
6. Peace for Wynn's big brother Tristan who is very distressed by Wynn's discomfort
Organizer
Dorie Ann Morgan
Organizer
