AARON Chalmers heartbroken ex Talia Oatway has given fans a new health update on their Oakley from hospital.
Talia revealed earlier this week that her little boy had to go back into surgery after a hole was found in his skull, causing brain fluid to leak out.
The model posted a sweet photo alongside Oakley from the hospital.
She wrote: “I struggled a lot yesterday. Oakley slept all day and wasn’t himself.
“He had a leak of CSF from the previous lumbar drain.
“They had to over drain him with the current lumbar drain which made him really sleepy.
“I cried a lot and felt like we are taking two steps forward and three steps back.”
Talia continued: “Today he’s much happier and the stitch has been put in.
“We are praying we have no more CFS leaks from the head or spine to avoid the shunt.
“Today I have seen the psychologist and feel more positive.”
She then shared a picture of brave Oakley in his hospital bed, with bandages around his head.
On Saturday, Talia told her followers that Oakley had to have surgery again to find out why his cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was leaking.
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.”
Aaron, and Talia share three children together which include Romeo, four, Maddox, three and one year-old Oakley.
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
