My son Oliver was born on February 21, 2014 after a long pregnancy where they decided to take him a week early since he was big. Born at 9lbs and 21.5 inches long! After the c-section they wrapped him up and gave him to my husband. When I got to see him my husband had a frightened look on his face and said I don’t want to scare you but his left hand is not developed. I couldn’t see because he was wrapped up and they were taken from the room while the doctor finished my surgery.
After I saw my beautiful baby I realized his hand was formed with only a thumb and partial ring and pinkie finger with two nubs for his pointer and middle finger. No one at the hospital knew what is was or could explain it. He also had a dented chest and we realized he was missing his pec muscle.
Shortly after we went to he Children’s hospital and saw an amazing orthopedic surgeon who explained what was going on and set us up for his first surgery to separate his thumb and create the space as well as separate his pinkie. That happened the day before Thanksgiving and we will see his hand soon!
He is an amazing boy and there are no other genetic issues so we are fortunate and excited about what the future may hold as he can use his thumb well and can even pick up food! He is learning to adjust and is the best boy ever!
Shriners hospital has been the best thing that ever happened to me born in 1988. My mom had me at 16 and gave birth 3 months early. Your baby will be just fine and continue to amaze you everyday. It’s never a disability. It ls beautiful that we can be different and special. The accomplishments much more rewarding.