Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Tuesday, July 22, 2008 - Update

This rocking chair was my grandpa's when he was a little boy.
Then, it was my mommy's.
Now it's all mine! (Except mommy needs to take the Property of Jodi sticker off.)


We had Olivia's dreaded eye doctor appointment. . .poor girl just hates having anything done with her eyes. I brought my mom with me for reinforcement this time. Olivia cried, but it was nothing like last time. We didn't get very good news. Her eye crossing has gotten worse in the past month despite the patching. It's to the point that glasses alone would not correct it. So, Olivia is having strabismus surgery on Sept 4th. It's an outpatient procedure at Wesley Medical Center. . .boy, that will be a long day and one I will dread. I hated to learn that the surgery is successful only 70% of the time. Even when successful, they usually cannot make the eyes completely straight. We are continuing the patching every day until then to make sure she continues to use her vision in each of her eyes. The one good thing is that her tear ducts seemed to have opened, so they will not have to combine that surgery with the strabismus surgery. That is a blessing. I know all of this is fairly minor considering the numerous disabilities that she was at risk for. It's still difficult to know that she has to have any type of surgery.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi, I'm Heather's mom and I just want to thank you for all the support you have shown Heather through this difficult time. She has really appreciated your kind words and prayers. Ijust thought I would tell you that I had the same eye surgery when I was a baby and again when I was 4 years old. My right eye still looks inward a little but amazing people notice less now then they did when I was young. Mine was caused from a different reason, I was delivered with forceps and the forceps slipped and caught my eye. My right eye has always been weaker than my left, but about 5 months ago I had Lasix eye surgery and see 20/20 now. So there is a positive to look toward. Good luck on September 4th. Marsha

Kerry said...

Well that is sucky news indeed about the surgery. But if anyone can beat the odds for success it is Olivia! I'm glad your mom was able to go with you this time. I'm sure her support when you got the news about the surgery was helpful.

Love the rocking chair pictures. It won't be long before she's touching the ground with her feet!

Juliette said...

I'm so sorry to hear that Olivia is going to need surgery on her eyes. I hope all goes well. I'll be praying for you guys.

Julie
PS You were the inspiration for making the preemie dolls. I saw Olivia's and started researching. The rest is history....

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry to hear that Olivia is going to need surgery on her eyes. I know that Olivia is a very strong and gifted girl, all will go well. I'll be praying for you guys.
God have great plans for her
I Love the rocking chair pictures, she's so pretty.
take care,
God is awesome:)

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry to hear that Olivia has to have eye surgery. That's too bad. But knowing her, this will be nothing.
Sounds like the rocking chair was a hit! She's so adorable!

Shea♥

don said...

Olivia's Great-Great Grandmother...my Grandmother...always told me the story of when they purchased that rocking chair. I was with them at a store somewhere. We looked at the chair, but left without it. I was pretty young I guess...I threw such a tantrum they went back to the store and bought it for me. I do remember being very selfish with that chair....nobody else could sit in it. Jodi used that chair to sit and listen to music in. Finally, the day came when she could no longer fit in it....so we put it in storage for a "grandchild" someday. I can see Olivia sitting in it until she no longer fits! The chair is about 55 years old, but I'll bet it's still around for Olivia's children! Enjoy my old chair, Olivia!
Jodi's Dad

Anonymous said...

Jodi and Ryan, I just know our prayers will get you through this. I'm scared to death of anything to do with my eyes; so that will give me added motivation to pray real hard for Olivia's surgery. Hugs...Shelly K.

Amanda said...

Aww... I think her eyes look fine :) shes beautiful... my friends little girl had to have the surgery too... and she looks really good..so it could work! (I love the "property of Jodi" sticker) lol....how neat of a chair! Cute cute!!!

Anonymous said...

I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers...good luck Olivia!!

~Lin