To the Left, On the Right

This past Monday we went to see Dr. Lueder, the ophthalmologist. You may or may not remember that Lucas had a vision test and we were told that he had "bilaterally diminished vision related to his brain malformation" and that we should follow up with the doctor in 6-9 months.

After his hypospadias correction, however, Lucas' vision seemed to decline. (Regression of abilities is a frequent occurance post-operatively, so it wasn't a big surprise.) The drifting of his Left eye (strabismus, aka "lazy eye") had seemed to increase as well.

He is recovering splendidly from his surgery in all regards, but there has been some greater delays in his visual tracking and the drifting. This is what prompted our Dr. visit even though we believe that there will be marked improvement with the addition of vision therapy.

So, Monday, we spent almost 3 hours waiting to see the doctor with the great satisfaction (please lay on the sarcasm to my voice in your minds as thick as you can) of about 6 minutes of his time. In that lengthy exam and conversation (keep slathering), We were questioned why we came back early (earlier than 6-9months), told that Lucas needs surgery on his left eye to decrease the drifting tendencies, that we should patch his right eye to increase the brain's response to visual stimulus from the left eye, given about 20 pages of information to read and told that we should "call Kathleen to schedule the surgery in 1-2 months and Kathy will give instructions on patching." As we were ushered out of his little exam room, my arms filled with papers and a fussy baby, he shook my hand and said that I should "feel free to call with any questions". Are you kidding? I have like a million questions and a few dozen more after looking at the paperwork. Then there's the online research Marc has found (because that's what he does :D) which has led to several more questions.

I have yet to call Dr. Lueder's office to attempt to reach him with a barrage of questions or to schedule a surgery for Lucas. We want to consult his vision therapist and Lucas' pediatrician before making any official decisions.

We petition you for prayer for wisdom in this matter and recovery of Lucas' sight, whether that be with or without surgery. Dr. Lueder is a highly recommended ophthalmologist, but we have reservations about any major decision made without, what I consider to be, a thorough examination, especially when that decision carries such possible tremendous side effects from retinal damage and blindness to multiple (usually at least 2) surgeries.

For now, we're patching the right eye and he seems to tolerate it fairly well (especially when the patch comes partially undone and he can peek out with his strong eye). We'll keep you posted with any updates, as they come.

Blessings to you all!