Geordie Shore star Aaron Chalmers' ex-partner Talia Oatway has shared a heartbreaking update on their one-year-old son Oakley, who was born with the rare genetic disorder Apert syndrome. Oakley was rushed to hospital last month with sepsis and underwent surgery to drain an infection from his head. Over the weekend, he required further surgery after doctors discovered a hole under his skull leaking cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
On Saturday, June 8, Talia posted on 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.' She added that a meeting would take place next week to discuss long-term plans if the leak persists, and mentioned he may have another drain fitted.
The following morning, Talia revealed Oakley had undergone another surgery overnight. She shared a picture of him with gauze wrapped around his head, writing: '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.'
Apert syndrome affects around 1 in 120,000 children and causes skull plates to fuse prematurely, leading to potential pressure on the brain and risk of hydrocephalus. Talia, who shares three children with Aaron, previously told the Mirror she would never forget the moment Oakley was intubated after going into septic shock, describing it as the most petrifying moment of her life. She praised the NHS for being 'incredible' and expressed hope that Oakley would pull through and have a normal childhood.
