Robin (Criddle) Lesko
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March 1978, Age 4 1/2
I was born at 25 weeks gestation in 1973. I was intubated immediately to keep me alive. I had a tracheostomy put in at the age of 4 months. I developed subglottic stenosis.
The doctors tried for several years to correct my breathing problems. I had 3 laryngotracheoplasties done to reconstruct my windpipe.
I was sent from one E.N.T. doctor to the next over the years. We were trying to find someone that could help me. When I would be sent to the next E.N.T. the doctor would say, "They are the best." Well, I finally was sent to someone that could help me and possibly fulfill my wildest dream. My dream of getting the trach out.
Well, at the age of 14, I was sent to Dr. Robin Cotton of Children's Hospital in Cincinnati, OH. He performed the 3rd LTP (laryngotracheoplasty). Which worked this time. My dream was made a reality on October 31, 1988.
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My friend Jason and I on my graduation day.
May, 1994
I developed problems again in 1993. I was re-trached in '93. The problems were fixed. The problem was that the epiglottis was getting in the way. Dr. Cotton performed a transhyoid pharyngoplasty. I was decanulated for the 2nd time on October 28, 1994.
I owe so much to God and the E.N.T. doctors that have gotten me this far. I am especially grateful to Dr. Cotton and everyone at Children's.
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Dr. Cotton and I,
I'm 21 in this picture.
I am 24 years old now. I'm presently in college studying to become a Respiratory Therapist.
Update, March 2004: Well, a lot has happened in my life since I made this page in 1997! Here is my much needed update!
In 1999, I got married and had my first child. He is now a rowdy 4 year- old. His name is Owen. He made my husbands and my life great. But, that wasn't all the kids. In July of 2001, we found out that we were expecting triplets. The triplets were spontanous, no fertility drugs were used. The girls were born by emergency c-section December 4, 2001. They were born at 26 weeks gestation. They spent the first 4-5 months in the hospital. We are very thankful to God and Children's Hospital of Dayton, OH that they have no long term health problems. They are now very happy 2 year-olds that love to play with each other and their big brother. Ironically, one girl did have very minor stridor. Which I had Dr. Cotton check out. She has since grown out of it.
As for me. I ended up having some more breathing problems. I had a Cricoid Tracheal Resection done Feb. 9, 2004. It was performed by Dr. Robin Cotton. When I started having severe enough problems I got back in touch with him. So far it looks as though the resection was a success. We have some other issues to address down the road.
I have enjoyed hearing from different people through this website.
I am still and will always be greatful to Dr. Cotton and the staff at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. I thank God that Dr. Cotton is available to help children and their families.
I feel that this web site is a wonderful tool. Keep up the good work Cindy. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the families that are still going through rough times.
If anyone has questions, feel free to e-mail me; or if you just want to talk.
Robin Lesko
