Aaron Chalmers ex Talia Oatway has shared the heartbreaking news that her seriously ill son Oakley has had to have another emergency surgery.
The Geordie Shore star’s former partner revealed that her little boy had to go back into surgery after a hole was found in his skull, causing brain fluid to leak out.
Sharing a picture in hospital with brave Oakley, whose head was wrapped in bandages, model Talia told her followers that Oakley had to go under the knife yet again to find out why his cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was leaking.
Last night (Saturday June 8) she wrote on her instagram stories: “Putting your child into theatre never gets easier. They are going to try and see where the leak of CSF is coming from. They won’t put a shunt in yet as Oakley is still on strong IV antibiotics.
“There will be a meeting next week to discuss long-term plans if this carries on leaking. They mentioned he may have another drain fitted today.”
She then updated fans today, explaining that Oakley was out of surgery and the cause of the leak had been found.
Talia wrote: “Another surgery last night. They found a hole under Oakly’s skull which was leaking CSF. He’s got a lumbar drain in for now to help drain the CSF.
“There will be a meeting on Monday to discuss the next step which will probably lead to another operation which could be a shunt.”
Later in the day, she shared another picture with her pride and joy from his hospital room, calling him “the strongest little boy”.
Oakley suffers from a rare genetic condition called Apert Syndrome, which affects how bone cells grow and divide.
Recently, Oakley was rushed into hospital with life-threatening sepsis, which occurs when the body’s reaction to an infection affects the tissues and organs.
He underwent surgery at the time to drain the infection from his head.
Talia said at the time that she was “living a nightmare” and just wanted Oakley “safe and home.”
“I’m not going to lie this week has been the worst week of my life. To watch my son be intubated, 2 surgeries in a matter of days, fighting sepsis, drain in his back, leaking fluid from his head, fluid resuscitation, blood transfusions, I am struggling here.
“Oakley has a long road ahead, this is a lifelong journey and it isn’t going to be easy. But my boy, you have shown me how strong you are!
“You are brave and determined and I love you more than you’ll ever know. I hope that by sharing our journey I can raise awareness and support other medical families.
What is Apert syndrome?
APERT syndrome, also known as acrocephalosyndactyly, is a rare disorder that is named after the doctor who first discovered it in the early 20th century.
It is a genetic condition and is caused by a mutation of the FGFR2 gene.
This affects how cells in the body – namely bone cells – grow, divide and die.
Children born with Apert syndrome have a characteristic appearance, which is caused by the bones in the skull and face fusing and not growing in proportion, according to Great Ormond Street Hospital.
It can increase a child’s risk of hydrocephalus, which results in pressure building on the brain, and it can also cause Chiari malformation, where the base of the brain is squeezed.
Other complications include breathing difficulties and heart problems, which require life-long monitoring.
The condition is said to occurs in one in every 65,000 to 88,000 births and a child’s outlook can vary greatly depending on the severity of symptoms.
“He is the strongest child. I really hope you guys can keep him in your prayers.
“We are waiting for the surgeon to make a plan he had another leak from the head again yesterday, which shouldn’t be happening.
She added: “I’ve cried, I’ve screamed, I’ve shut myself away. One thing I will be doing is keep pushing. I love you son.”
Meanwhile, Aaron also updated his fans last month, saying: “He’s got a drain in his back, a drain in his head. I’m hoping the antibiotics have taken most of the infection out of his head.
“It’s been a long few weeks, as a dad, seeing your son like that is something I would not wish on anyone.”
Aaron, and Talia, 32, share three children together which include Romeo, four, Maddox, three and one year-old Oakley.
The pair previously split up in December 2022 after five years together following a series of rows.
