Info On Johns Hopkins

Yesterday we got an email from Dr. Gearhart at Johns Hopkins and he put us in touch with a Mom in Louisville whose son has the exact same thing as Robbie. Saree was able to talk to Stacy, the Mom in Louisville, for about an hour and a half last night. It was pretty overwhelming at fiirst, but very informational. It gave us a great idea of what we have in store for us in the future. This entire process is going to be very long and an everyday issue for the rest of Robbie's life. The best thing is that we are going to the absolute best doctor in the world for the exposed bladder and undeveloped pelvis. Stacy said that there is no one else out there that can do what Dr. Gearhart can. We are very fortunate to have found him and to be able to get in to see him.

This process starts with a full 6 weeks in Baltimore to put the bladder back and get the pelvis developed. Then we will have to look to go to Cincinnati to get his imperforated anus fixed. There is a clinic there that only does this type of surgery and this is where Dr. Gearhart would send his child to have it done. After we get these things done then there is the reconstruction of the penis around the 12 month mark and then they do Bladder Neck Reconstruction around the age of 6 or 7.

Stacy gave us some great insight on all the trials and tribulations that we will face during this process. It is tough to hear, but it is nice to know what we are getting into before we jump right in. After all the surgeries we will then have to really work on the mental part of this disorder and make sure that Robbie is able to handle all the complications that come with it. It sounds like it is all about being disciplined and staying on top of things, so hopefully he will be able to do this.

Please just keep the thoughts and prayers coming to our little guy because this process will be very tough on him for the rest of his life. We know that we are in the best hands that we can be in and are blessed to have found out about Dr. Gearhart.