Friday, August 13, 2010

strawberry birthmark

strawberry birthmark


Yesterday, we took Mercy to see a specialist at UNC Dermatology about the strawberry birthmark above her lip (hemangioma). Doctors don't treat them unless they are affecting something - like vision if it's near the eye, hearing if it's on the ear, etc.) Mercy's hemangoima has grown a lot in the last few months and has started to deform her lip, so we were concerned that it might cause a permanent deformity even after the birthmark fades. The specialist yesterday confirmed that Mercy's hemangioma would in fact cause permanent damage - leading to corrective surgeries in the future - if we didn't treat it now. the doctor didn't mention that as much as how it wouldn't allow the ridge in the center of the lip form correctly) Thankfully, we can put Mercy on medication that will shrink the hemangioma. They actually just figured out 3 or 4 years ago that the heart patients on this medication who had hemangiomas, noticed that the birthmarks were just going away once they started the medication. We have to continue the medication well past the time it stops growing.) However, Mercy has to have an EKG before she can start taking the meds. (Sounded like we will need to take her in annually even after the hemangioma clears up.) So, in all, we're not terribly excited about our baby having to be on medication for a few months, but I was just reminded yesterday how thankful I am that the Lord has given our babies over-all good health and that our little girl won't have to have a permanent deformity on her adorable little face. strawberry birthmark strawberry birthmark

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