Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Jonas' Appt at Duke Eye Center

Yesterday Jonas had an appointment at the Duke Eye Center and after that check up the doctor told me that we should schedule his surgery date for the end of the year. I know that he needs it but just hearing that and thinking about it gives Jason and I that yucky sick feeling in the pit of our stomachs. It's a very minor surgery, it would only last an hour at the most in the out patient area but it's OUR baby boy. He's just so young. I guess it's better to do it now though, he wouldn't be scared about it or even remember it. After the surgery, he shouldn't have any problems just in the need of a little ointment and drops and after a week or 2 it should be healed.

For those who don't know, Jonas has ptosis which means he has a droopy eyelid. The doctor believes that it was from trauma during birth, his right eye was bruised and swollen shut for about a week and has had the ptosis since. He has been seeing this specialist since he was 9 months old and from her measurements, his condition hasn't improved. So from her explanation the procedure would be done like this: 2 small incisions, one on each side underneath, then cutting the muscle that pulls the eyelid open and removing approximately 3mm then reattaching the muscles together causing the opening of his open to be bigger and not having the lid hanging down slightly further than normal. If you see Jonas you may notice that he usually has his head tilted back more than another child, the doctor says that this is a good sign b/c it shows that he is using that eye. He does this to use more of the bottom of the eye to see out of but after the surgery he will learn quickly that he doesn't have to do it anymore. I did tell the doctor that he is a clumbsy walker b/c he has his head tilted back, he can't see things on the floor in front of him which causes him to trip and fall. Luckily, he has never tripped and hurt himself badly.
Like I said though, I know that he needs this surgery but it just makes me cringe to think what is going to be done on my sweet little boy...MY BABY!!! The surgery won't be until the middle of December, the week after Jason graduates so I'll try not to worry to much until then. We will keep you all posted but please remember my baby in your prayers. Thank you and we love you all!!!

3 comments:

Krissy said...

oooh man. That's so tough to see your baby have to deal with something so major at such a young age. And no matter how quickly fixed it is, just the idea of surgery and your baby in the same thought is major. Does that even make sense? lol I'm so tired. Looking forward to the 'afters'. :)

Tyler & Katie Rice said...

Jonas has gotten so big! I guess I had kind of thought things healed up because I didn't visibly notice it anymore (we had talked about his eye when we first moved in). It is a little scary, but I think you're in good hands (and Jason knows enough to make sure things go correctly). Good luck and keep us posted. We will keep you in our prayers.

C. Leah said...

I know you guys must be worried about that...but I'm sure it will be okay when he has it. (Esp if Jason gives him a blessing, etc). :)
That's good that they know what the problem is, and that it can be fixed. I would sad for him if it was something that couldn't be helped with surgery. BUT, on the flip side, I know surgery is scary. Having both my boys having tubes put in worried me enough! (Esp the fact that Jakey was 10 months old when he his done!)