I was born with a Cleft Palate by Carol Robson
My story:
I was born in 1948 with a cleft palate. My palate repair was carried out at the Weston Children’s Hospital in Sheffield when I was two years of age. For the following years until I was about thirteen years of age I attended hospital out patient departments for mainly dental and lower jaw problems, I also talked with a stammer for several years. In 1996 I needed an operation which is called a Le Forte Osteotomy (my top jaw was broken and moved forward 8mm. I had 4 titanium plates with 17 screws holding my jaw together and my jaws were wired together for 3 months) this was to correct my bite which was a problem arising from the scarring of the original palate repair, the whole procedure including later removal of the plates and wearing braces on my teeth for 3 years has been very successful. Cleft Palate repairs are now being done on children at a very younger age but many still need treatment as they get older and even as adults.
If you have a family member or friend affected by Cleft Lip or Palate please support this group. CLAPA
Copyright Carol Robson 2011
This is a lovely short article, Carol – hope you can be involved with the CLAPA Adults Council again at a later date – regards, David
Thank you David, I’ll certainly give it some thought about the Adults Council..x