We drove to VA for a pre-op consult with Gwyneth's eye doc/surgeon (who is one of the best ever with this kind of thing) this morning. The surgery has been scheduled for March 5, although we won't find out what time until the day before...hopefully it's not too early in the morning.
The 45 minute surgery will be on her right eye and will involve moving a few muscles around and detaching a tendon (that should reattach itself with time). It will be an outpatient surgery, so hopefully we can be home that night. She'll probably have some bruising around the eye and some redness in the eye, and tylenol should help with any discomfort she might feel during the first few days. There is a possibility that the surgery will actually cause her eye to overcompensate (the eye may be pulled too much in the opposite direction) which could lead to a second surgery, but we're praying that the first time will be enough.
Although we're totally cool with everything right now, I'd imagine that Tricia and I might be a little nervous while we sit in the waiting room that day. The dynamics of our situation have changed dramatically over the past year...very little of what took place in the hospital with Gwyneth a year ago caused us much apprehension, but now that we are full-time parents, our feelings and emotions have grown into, perhaps, whatever feelings and emotions "normal" parents might also experience in a similar situation. I'm not sure if I can explain all of that properly, but I'm guessing other preemie parents might know what I'm trying to say (These Posts might help as well).
All of that to say, while we totally believe that God will have Gwyneth right in the middle of His hands that day, her parents would certainly appreciate your thoughts and prayers for her and us as we experience something new and bit scary.
Thanks!
Nate
As a mom to a former preemie (now 11)I'd like to tell you that this is not a "bad" surgery to have. We have had 5 of them and are looking at a sixth in the near future. She says that they don't really hurt and compares it to having sand in her eyes. Tylenol does work for the discomfort. Good luck, and my prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a mom to a preemie so I can't say I can relate to the type of nervousness you will be facing, but I will be thinking of you in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeletePraying for the perfect correction - the first time.
ReplyDeleteYou will have my prayers that day!
ReplyDeleteI totally understand where you are coming from!! My preemie is my cf child. He is 8 yrs old and has had 32 surgeries! It only gets harder. When Ryan was in the NICU his surgeries were needed so he could get better to come home. The ones after he was home were much harder. I know this sounds bad but I am sure you understand I couldn't wait for his 1st surgeries because it was a necessary step to get better and come home. Ryan has had 3 eye muscle surgeries as well. He did great with them and had minimal pain. The worst was right after he would wake up because he wanted to rub his eyes. Once he was awake he really didn't mess with them. Prayers are with you!
ReplyDeleteI'm not a preemie parent so that part I have no idea about. However, our oldest had to have fairly major surgery in a very sensitive area, and we are facing similar surgery for our little one. I can totally relate to the anxiety of surgery on your kid. I'll be praying.
ReplyDeleteI would suggest (from my experience and you can totally ignore me and it won't hurt my feelings at all) taking someone with you who can focus on the natural things like driving and parking. It brought us a lot of peace to be able to completely focus on our kiddo.
I have been reading your blog since last summer but have never left a comment. I will have Gwyneth in my prayers that her surgery goes smoothly and that you and Tricia can be at peace in the waiting room! Your family is truly an inspiration to me!!
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to say that I have had several Strabismus (sp?) surgeries - I think five? - on my eyse, to correct my wandering right eye - which I am legally blind in. I too had to wear a patch, but in the end, the surgeries were teh only "fix" For me, they only lasted about 4 years or so, but of course, everyone is differant. My Dr did tell me that they can try injecting Botox into the muscle, instead of surgery, but I have yet to try that.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I just wanted to post as someone who has "been there" with the eye surgeries. I'll continue to keep y'all in my prayers.
Praying that the surgery will work, and nothing additional will be necessary!
ReplyDeleteMarked it on the calendar. Keeping her in prayer and Mom and Dad too ")
ReplyDeleteWe went through that surgery with our boy. He was one though. It's hard sitting around waiting and after he slept almost a day and ahalf off and on and only wanted juice! Just wanted to say I know what you are going through and while it will be a hard couple days in the end it is worht it! Good luck and will be thinking of you!
ReplyDeleteI think my niece had that surgery (she was born at 24 weeks...18oz...)I know yall must be so nervous, but God is good, all the time. Thank you for letting us know how we can pray for yall!
ReplyDeleteMy daughter had the surgery on both eyes and is now wearing itty-bity glasses...so CUTE! Her eyes looked pretty red & swollen, but she was back to her normal self within hours of the surgery. It was MUCH more difficult on us than it was on her. So my prayers will be for you & your wife as much as they are for your little one.
ReplyDeleteKeeping you all in our prayers. We will especially be praying for first time correction for Miss Gwyneth. Thanks for the update.
ReplyDeleteAs the mom of a 25 weeker (now 5) I know exactly what you mean about it getting harder once things get "normal". I'll be praying for you that day.
ReplyDeleteMy best friend had twin girls at 24 weeks. One ended up with this surgery at 4 years old. Believe me, it's great she's getting it now...That way she can't tell you when she's mad "I'll poke YOU in the eye and make YOU get a red eye!". Lil miss was more put off by how red her eye was than any discomfort after the surgery. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteHer first shiner! And I'm sure dad'll be on hand with the camera.
ReplyDeleteAny girl with a growl like her's will do just fine.
I don't have a preemie, but I have watched my son be taken away for two different surgeries. It's hard to watch and it does rip at your heart....also don't be too surprised if the surgery takes longer than the doctor tells you it will. Both of my sons surgeries did and when the time that the doctor tells you it's going to take is up and your still waiting in the waiting room that can be very stressful. I will be sending prayers up and good thoughts your way that day!!!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMy brother has had corrective surgery on one of his eyes that was squint. What they didn't tell my mom at the time was when he was 10-12 yrs old he would need a second assessment to see if he would need one more surgery encase the eye over corrected. He is 28 yrs old now and they can do nothing to help him and his has veered to the complete opposite direction. Because in his younger years he couldn’t communicate well we never picked up that he was having vision problems. We feel terrible that we didn't pick it up. I'm in no way telling you what to do or anything like that I'm just identifying with you in some way.
ReplyDeleteI will pray that this surgery is a complete success.
I think all parents would agree that surgery is much harder on the emotions for them than the child.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter is now 19 but still spend sleepless nights over her
My boys both had bilateral squint surgery last year. They were both very successful and fingers crossed their eyes won't turn again. While not a parent to a premmie and neither of them were babies when they had the surgery, I do understand the anxiety that comes with sending your child into a surgery. I hope it all goes very smoothly and quickly. You fall in love with her all over again when you see her in that recovery room.
ReplyDeleteWe are praying for you, Tricia, Gwyneth & the medical staff that will be working on Gwyneth. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDelete~Sara in MD
Praying for Gwyneth, and celebrating the fact that medical procedures like this are now NOT a part of your "normal". That is a blessing....
ReplyDeleteWe will absolutely being praying for her! We have had our fair share of sitting in the waiting rooms :) It never gets easier, I am still apprehensive when we head into the local Children's hospital for even an out-patient. She is getting more beautiful each day :)
ReplyDeleteMy daughter was born with Hydrocephalus and the brain pressure weakened her eye muscles. he just had that surgery on both eyes in January. If you are interested in seeing a picture of what her eyes looked like post-surgery, let me know! It may help to know what to expect! =)
ReplyDeleteI'll be praying for all of you!
ReplyDeleteSurgery on any child is harder on the parent. I have a premie (now 21!) but will never forget having to hand himover as a baby for mulitple surgeries. What I really wanted to comment about was my feelings when I became a premie mom. I now know I put up this shield and did not connect with my baby right away. It was only until I held hime for the first time that he became real to me. I wish there had ben someone at that time to tell me this was "Normal" and to not feel guilty. I did the "right thing" by caling the PICU each day to see how he was doing but like I said until I held him, the connetion just wasn't there. Since my son's birth, I have had the oppertunity to let other premie mom's know that it is ok to not feel that connection and not to feel gulity. The connetion will come and the "shield" will come down.
ReplyDeleteI'm praying for you, Tricia & Gwenyth. I'm assuming you'll be at CHKD; we will be there that day too as my daughter is having surgery the day before. If you want company stop on by my blog and leave me a note (I'm also on your FB, I wrote a note about my Ladybugs surgery). Either way, I'll be remembering to pray for you all then as well.
ReplyDeleteConsider this added to the prayer list. I don't know what its like to be a parent...but something tells me that you guys are more "normal" than not. :-)
ReplyDeletehave a great day!!
We will definitely be praying for all of you as you approach this surgery!
ReplyDeleteDid not have a preemie, but our ds 11, had surgery at 12 hours old, was in the NICU for 10 days and at the age of 6 wks had out patient surgery every two weeks for 3 months. Praying for you!
ReplyDeleteI will be praying for a successful surgery. My daughter, a preemie, just had surgery on both of her eyes last month. My advice would be to bring something to read while waiting. It made the time go by faster and I didn't think about what could have been going on with her surgery. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteYou have my thoughts and prayers. I totally know where you're coming from. We've been in the hospital so much that very little about it makes me nervous anymore. Then, my "healthy" one had her tonsils and adenoids out last November. (It wasn't the surgery, so much, that made me nervous but the recovery afterward.) I think you develop a certain "comfort level" with the familiar, but when the territory becomes less familiar, well, the nerves set in. HUGS to both you and Tricia!
ReplyDeleteI had this same surgery when I was 11 on both my eyes. It was uncomfortable but not painful and my eyes were bloodshot for a few weeks after. My right eye was overcorrected a little bit but only turns out when I am very tired so I decided not to have the 2nd surgery. Gwyneth is still young and most likely won't remember having this done. Best of luck!
ReplyDeleteNate, I am a long time reader and first time commenter. My 2 1/2 year old son has a very rare neurological disorder and he had the strabismus surgery on both eyes in October. I am SO GLAD we did it. It was a God send. We went home several hours after the prodcedure and the redness in his eyes lasted for several weeks. The very next day after surgery he was so much more engaged in everything. He was playing more, interacting with his big sister more, actually watching and SEEING things. It was amazing.
ReplyDeleteKeeping you and your beautiful family in my prayers!
Amy in Virginia
for many reasons, i didn't think my baby would be ready for kindergarten on time. there was an incredible amount of work by quite a few people over an extended period of time in order for her to be ready. so when my baby started kinder, i was elated. most mom's cry when their baby(ies) go to kinder, especially when it's the last one. but i was amazed at all God had done, and she had done, and others had done, and that she was there. it was still a lot, an incredible lot, of work for that whole year, but she went on to first grade, too.
ReplyDeletei guess what i'm trying to say is that our experience colors our perspective, as you well know. i imagine that in some ways it's kinda nice to have a, "wow! this is a normal-parent-kinda-reaction" to something :)
i follow from afar ... enjoy your perspective, endurance, and attitude.
You guys are on my calendar. Prayers for you on March 5th.
ReplyDeleteIf it helps at all - even just a teensy bit, I had eye surgery as an infant. The procedure sounds exactly like what Gwyneth is having - but I had both eyes done. They were permanently "crossed" and I saw two of everything. This was thirty something years ago, and the procedure has changed quite a bit with knowledge and technology, but even back then the power of prayer and faith were all anyone needed. I have perfect vision now. I believe Gwyneth will too.
I've been reading your blog for a while now, but this is my first comment.
ReplyDeleteYou are in my thoughts on surgery day. I had this same surgery myself when I was about 4 years old. If it makes you feel better, I don't remember any real discomfort other than my eyes being super goopy in the mornings for a week or so after the surgery was done, and also being sensitive to bright light for a while after (good excuse for cute sunglasses!) They did both my eyes at once.
You guys are amazing parents to a beautiful little girl. All my best to you!
My daughter had eye muscle surgery (in 5th grade) and she did wonderfully. That was 4 years ago and she has no problems now. The doc did overcompensate a little but over time it corrected itself. But her eye doctor said she had to do surgery on both eyes so they both came out the same. Even tho it was only her right eye that wandered. My daughter also had surgery several times when she was one for a blocked tear duct. It's scary but just know she's in good hands. Little Gwyneth will do fabulous! Carrie from Wisconsin
ReplyDeleteWe were blessed with a healthy baby boy; he'd never be confused with a preemie, the little chunky monkey that he was. In any case, he did have to have a minor surgery when he was just a few months old, and we were quite nervous. We took a card game to play during the procedure and just held on to staying calm together and the time just flew by. He came out with some of that amnesia-panic (can't remember what they call it) but we were prepared and taken care of. You will be, too! He's also fine, now, even if a little stubborn...
ReplyDeleteWe keep you on our church prayer list, but will send up extra prayers that day!
I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers for Gwyneth's surgery. She will be in God's hands and he will take care of her!
ReplyDeleteNot sure where you might be in VA, but if you are EVER in Richmond and need a quiet place to chill, let me know. amccracken@cff.org
ReplyDeletexoxo to Gwyneth!
Absolutely!
ReplyDeleteI had this same surgery as an infant, and again when I was 27. It was the best thing I ever did! The surgery is very noninvasive!
ReplyDeleteI will be thinking of you and praying for you!
My son had "lazy eye" in his left eye. They did the surgery on both eyes at the same time to correct it. It was THE longest hour of my life. The only advice I can give is to be prepared for the aftermath. They didn't warn me about bleeding so when I walked in, I was devestated to see blood coming out of his baby eyes. Motrin helped slightly, but I found that holding him and letting him sleep on my chest was the best medicine (for both of us). His eyes were extremely red (looked like they were filled w/blood) for about a week afterwards, but cleared up just fine. He had the surgery almost 6 years ago and is doing great. Good luck to you with the surgery, we will be thinking of your little princess!!
ReplyDeletegood luck and I hope it all goes smoothe!
ReplyDeleteMy son has had that surgery a couple times now. Last time was in Nov. He's 4 now so he was able to tell us how he felt this time. He said it felt like something was in his eye that he wanted to rub out. The worst part is how blood shot their eyes are after the surgery. My sons eye the last time actually bleed some from the corner Which made it really hard to look at with out your eyes watering a little bit. My son is always completely fine in about 3 hours or so.
ReplyDeleteWill be praying for you guys.
Marion for TX
My son had strabismus surgery nearly 25 years ago, and after several years of vision therapy and glasses with prisms, he has vision in both eyes and doesn't even need glasses. It's scary to go through, but I've never known anyone as firmly in God's palm as your family. I'll certainly continue to pray for the three of you--and for the surgery team. Thank you for sharing with us.
ReplyDeleteGwyneth will come thru the surgery just fine. God hasn't brought your family all this way for nothing. He has everything under control and will be right there with your family just as he has the many times before! My prayers will be with you guys!
ReplyDeleteMy husband and his siblings had this surgery when they were little. It was successful with all of them. We will pray for safety for Gwenyth on March 5.
ReplyDeleteWishing Gwyneth good luck for her surgery. We will be thinking about her on her big day.
ReplyDeleteYou will certainly be in our prayers. My son (one day older than your sweet girl) is having his adenoids removed Thursday. I've had 4 surgery in the past and never been the least bit nervous - and two were not exactly "minor", but as each do passes the nerves grow. I know his procedure will be nothing compared to hers, but I'm completely felling on the parental nerve issue.
ReplyDeletePraying for you......
Stacey in Missippi
Hey Nathan! This sounds like the same surgery that my team lead's daughter had. I think she's had 2 (she's between 2 and 3 years old) and my team lead said she'll have one more around age 6.
ReplyDeleteWe'll be praying for the three of you and for your parents. I'm sure Gywneth will do fabulously!
I had to have that same surgery done at about the same age(way back in '72)on both eyes. I had another done in my early 30's, again on both eyes. Thankfully, you are correct, its a routine procedure, though I'm sure its not much comfort to a nervous mother and father...I'm sending lots of hugs your way.
ReplyDeletePraying for a wonderful outcome for your beautiful Gwyneth :)!
ReplyDeleteI'm not a preemie mom, but I can relate to the fear of surgery on your baby. My baby had to have surgery when he was just 2 months old. I agree with the person who suggested bringing someone along to drive, make sure you eat, take care of the things that you won't be thinking of. Our whole family was there the day of surgery and we were able to actually laugh in the waiting room while our son was in surgery. They were all there to greet him when he came out and support us as we helped our sweet boy post-surgery. Good luck with surgery time and God bless you and he will keep your Gwyneth safe!
ReplyDeleteGwyneth's angels will surround her in her surgery and God will smile down upon her and guide the doctors. Be calmed and know that our God is good. You two are such wonderful parents. What a blessed little girl Gwyneth is!
ReplyDeleteBetty
Wisconsin
You can definitely count on my prayers!
ReplyDeleteAs a Mommy of three, I know that anything done to your precious baby is scary. I will keep Gweneth is my prayers each day....and you and Tricia, too!
ReplyDeleteI will be praying for y'all. I know you said you hoped the surgery wasn't too early, but having had a child have surgery, you hope they are done really early so that they can eat. They can get pretty cranky if they are not allowed to eat before the surgery. Mine did not understand why he could not eat and that was the hardest part.
ReplyDeletedefinitely will keep the surgery specifically in my prayers for the next several days.
ReplyDeleteit's totally normal to feel a little nervous anytime a loved one has even a minor surgery. It's a chance for us to spend some extra special one-on-one time with God seeking comfort, I think.
Hi Nate! I'll be praying that all goes well for baby girl on surgery day! And for peace for you and Tricia as well! Hey, I thought maybe you could visit this blog:
ReplyDeletehttp://coxquads.blogspot.com/ and give them some encouragment. I don't know them, but someone emailed me their blog address. They just had quadruplets at 28 weeks and seeing the progress that Gwyneth has made, I thought you could be of great encouragement to them! Praying for you guys!
When we were in the NICU so much was out of our control. They said we are going to do XY and Z and we said OK. Now that our children are in our own care, having to hand them over is a whole new emotion to resolve and be accepting of. There is also the feeling of "haven't they been through enough?" I know right where your hearts are.
ReplyDeleteMay God lay his protective hands on Gwyneth and give guidance and wisdom to the surgeons.
You guys surely have my prayers, I was never a parent of a preemie, but I can imagine why it is now all so different at this juncture. For lots of reasons - one, because you know that she is now so much more aware, and you are so aware of her personality. Another, because this surgery, while so important to enhancing her life, probably seems more like a choice while procedures she had a year ago were probably imperative. However, there sure are some encouraging posts by parents who have been through this same surgery. I add my prayers for you three to everyone's.
ReplyDeleteAs a preemie mom myself, I hear you. 68 days in the NICU with my triplets and still I had to hold back the tears many months later when our son got tubes in his ears. Seriously tubes! He was only away from me for 20 minutes tops, but it was still tough. But like you said, it is kind of nice to be a "normal" parent worrying about "normal" kid issues.
ReplyDeleteWill still be praying that everything goes super smoothly for your little one!
I will be thinking of you all on the day of the surgery. I hope all goes well. I had this surgery as a child about 42 years ago! I am sure the surgery procedures have advanced since I had it done back in the dark ages. I was told I would probably need glasses, but that did not happen until I hit my 40's. Amazing what they can do. Prayers that all goes well.
ReplyDeleteNate, I will keep Gweneth and you and Tricia in prayer on the 5th.
ReplyDeleteHi Lawenson's -
ReplyDeleteMy brother was a preemie too and like other premmies had to have this surgery as well to correct his lazy eye. He had his done when he was a little older than Gwyneth and only needed the one to correct it. He wore an eye patch for a while too and eventually cute little glasses until he was about 4 - which he hated and hid in all kinds of places in an attempt not to wear them. My mom says it was harder to keep those glasses on then all the other things he needed - he had hydrosyphilus and required about 25brain/VP shunt surgeries for, so he was a bit high maintenance physically.
in the end he is 21 now with fully corrected vision (and no longer working VP shunts as his brain no longer needs them). I hope for the same outcome for your precious white rose.
Prayers from PA will be coming your way that day.
and thanks for letting us in your world...
I can relate. When they are in the hospital "being a preemie" you you are sort of numb to what's going on, I guess b/c it's overwhelming. Jax had two surgeries on his groin area. One when he was 1 yr old and another at 2 yrs. It is a totally different experience. You know and love them as little people with personalities. God always takes care of it but I can relate to the terrible nerves it causes. Once she's back there you should relax a bit. We will be praying CONSTANTLY.
ReplyDeletePraying for you all when your sweet baby has her eye surgery. My youngest had strabismus eye surgery when she was 2½. It was done by a Dr. Ellis, who was the head of Pediatric Opthamology at Rainbow Baby's and Children's in Cleveland at the time. He, however, has moved, I believe, to Virginia. Would your surgeon happen to have the last name of Ellis? He did a great job on my Abby's eyes and I am thankful he was here when she needed it.
ReplyDeletePRAYERS FOR YOU!!!
ReplyDeleteAww! We'll all be praying for Gwyneth(and for you and Tricia!)
ReplyDeleteFirst time commenter, but I've been reading along for over a year! This sounds like the same surgery I had at 18 and may be having again in a year or two (I'm 29 now). Anyway, everyone's experience is certainly unique, but for me it didn't hurt at all and I was back to normal in literally a couple hours. Just thought I'd add my experience to the other eye surgery veterans to let you know that for this patient, it truly was a breeze and a huge success. Regardless, I know my parents were pretty worried, even though I was technically an "adult" at the time. :) Best wishes to you guys!
ReplyDelete-Stephanie
I'm a premie twin (now 27 years old). I wasn't born in the states and medicine wasn't as good back then so they waited until I was older to start the strabismus surgeries. I ended up having 4 plus the botox injections that Kat mentioned (which, btw Kat, did not work...waste of time and money...even if it does work it's a temporary fix) but I see very well now.
ReplyDeleteAnyway...I just wanted to say that my mom felt unprepared about a few things. The surgery went fine, but after my eyes weren't as bruised as they were VERY bloodshot. I guess when they said my eyes would be red she assumed they would look like pink eye or something...but they really do mean RED. After sleeping my eyes would be crusty from where it was healing. It might look like the eye is bleeding, but it's just a little blood mixed with the tears that are helping the eye to heal. Also my mom didn't understand that there would be stitches. When she saw one she thought there was something in my eye. The dr. didn't talk much about them since they dissolve and can't always be seen. Anyway...just thought I'd prepare you in case you were unaware of any of those things. But Gwyneth will be fine. Kids have such a high pain tolerance! I don't even remember my first surgeries hurting. :) The doctors wisdom and the parents nerves will be in my prayers. (And yay for VA-especially if it's VA Eye Institute...they still hold a special place in my heart!)
Nathan, I understand. I didn't have a preemie, but my daughter was born with a blocked tear duct. It caused her eye to always be caked and look like she had pink eye. So, she had the surgery to unblock it and me and my husband were total wrecks! I was so nervous! We both cried. So, I uderstand how you'll be nervous even though it might not be a "major" surgery. She'll be ok and I hope it works the first time!
ReplyDeleteI'll definitely keep you 3 in my prayers that day!
ReplyDeleteC wasn't born as a preemie but with his heart condition I have a feeling I know what you mean about facing situations. We'll be keeping you in our prayers!
ReplyDeleteI am a first time commenter. I follow your story on a regular basis. My daughter had to have tubes put in her ears when she was 6 months old. It is about the safest, least invasive procedure known to man and I still was fretting the whole time. Which ended up being only about 20 minutes. There is something about your child having 'surgery' that causes your little parent heart to get anxious. I will be thinking of you and praying for a good outcome.
ReplyDeleteyes I can relate to the feelings of nervousness. My son had a minor surgery at 1 1/2 (after being a 28 wkr) and I had to carry him back and lay him on the operating table, and then walk away. It was very hard and made things a bit more nerve wracking but it turned out okay.
ReplyDeleteI will be praying for steady hands for the DR and the Father's wisdom for him as well.
Erinn
I have had two eye surgeries- (lens implants as I went blind from cataracts at 19)...They didn't hurt...Healing was more of an annoying feeling, but that faded as well- kind of like having an eyelash in your eye- sometimes it hurts, sometimes it's just annoying, and sometimes it doesn't feel like anything at all...
ReplyDeleteI'm also mama to a preemie who has benign hydrocephalus... My experience when he has gone in for anything is that I go numb. I think I'm going to lose my marbles and be extremely nervous but I just kind of go blank until it's all over...I go into survival/robot mode... I don't know if this is normal but I do know that it's helpful, and it's automatic... As a parent you get done what you need to get done- I always think that nature must make it this way, so we can get our kids through some very tough times...
Anyway, giant hug...We'll be thinking about all of you!
My daughter had the surgery when she was 5 and did awesome. We made sure they gave us some extra time post-op before we got her up just so that she didn't feel nauseous and rushed out of there. Her eyes have been doing great - no more crossing at all. She had it done by Dr. Marijean Miller at Chidren's in DC.
ReplyDeleteMy niece, who was a preemie, just had this surgery (or something very similar) a few weeks ago and she seems to be doing well. She did experience some serious pain afterward, but felt totally fine the next day.
ReplyDeleteI'll be praying for all 3 of you!
I had a similar surgery when I was in fourthgrade for my eyes going out all the time. I do remember it and I have to say it really wasn't painful at all. Your eyes just feel a little sore and exactly how others described it like there is sand in the eye.
ReplyDeletePraying that all goes well for that sweet little one. And...for her Mommy & Daddy while waiting in the waiting room.
ReplyDeleteI am a first time commenter as well, but have been praying for your family for over a year now.
ReplyDeleteI thought I would comment and let you know that we are in the same boat with our 2 1/2 year old little girl. Cole is having strabismus surgery this Friday (Feb.27) on both eyes. We too are praying for this to be a "one time" fix and know the anxieties you guys are facing.
My biggest concern was for her to be at peace and as comfortable as possible leading up to, during, and right after the surgery.
We will praying for you, Tricia and little Gwenyth on March 5th inparticularly.
Good luck. We will keep you and Gwyneth in our prayers.
ReplyDeleteMy 3 y.o. daughter just had the same surgery three weeks ago on both her eyes. The Tylenol definitely helped and we did use Motrin at night to give her some more extended relief while she slept. She was very playful the next day with only minor complaints. Although she definitely like the extra cuddling for a few days. After 3 days she had no complaints. In fact she was mad that her twin got to go to preschool and she had to stay home :)
She had "red tears" the first few hours which was a bit strange to see, as no one warned us about that. Otherwise the outside of the whites of her eyes just looked bloodshot. Her eyes looked REALLY overcompensated and turn inward (her eye was pointed outward before surgery) for 10 days after the surgery -- slowly they turned in less frequently and now they looked aligned. Despite all the warnings about the possible overcompensation by the MD, it was still worrisome because it was such an "unnatural" look for her --go figure, after 3 years of the eye wandering VERY far out to the side didn't phase us, but a little turned in and we worried.
Hello! :)
ReplyDeleteI had 4 surgeries on my eyes before I was 4 yrs. old. At that time, my parents had to leave me in the hospital & were unable to come every day to see me. I was cross eyed & had issues with my muscles.
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely thinking all good thoughts and sending prayers for you guys. A friend of mine had some sort of similar surgery nearly 40 years ago, and she's doing great....only a need for glasses for some things.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes, good thoughts, prayers, and love to you your family.
WIll Gwenyth have to fast for the surgery? if so, the earlier in the morning the better. We had surgery on my son when he was a year and he had to fast. It was scheduled at 7:00 but not performed until 13:00!!! Poor baby was besides himself from starving. If she has to fast - please ask for it as early as possible. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteAriela
I'll be praying as well! Everything is going to be fine.
ReplyDeleteHi Nate,
ReplyDeleteI have been following your journey for a year now, but this is the first time I have posted. My preemie is now 8 years old and had this surgery last year after patching for 4 years. The hardest part for me, was giving him up to go to the OR. He did very well and was in surprisingly little discomfort when it was over (after the first day). The results were amazing! He still had to wear his patch/drops until just this month. Five long years later, he has 20/40 vision (legal driving vision) and a straight eye. Gwyneth, you & Tricia will continue to be in my prayers! Best wishes!
Oh, honey (that's my bloggy way of patting you on the back or giving you a quick hug)...she will continue to amaze you like she always has with her strength. She's no wimpy baby!!!
ReplyDeleteLike grandfather like granddaughter.
ReplyDeleteBoth of Gwyneth's surgeries in her short life have been inherited.
Sorry Gwyneth.
I'll keep her in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI think I understand some of what you mean re: the surgery. Bennett was in the NICU a long time (he's a 23 weeker) and went through a lot there. He's had a few things done since he came home and it does feel different now when we go in for a procedure vs. when he was living at the hospital and we were visitors but not primary caregivers. For us at least, I struggled in the hospital with feeling like he wasn't quite ours yet and once he was home, I didn't ever want to hand him back over!
ReplyDeleteSo not to presume that's what you are feeling, but the day to day uncertainty and adrenaline and procedures of the NICU really had us in an state of constant emotional stress. When you are home and able to enjoy your baby and achieve some sense of "normal" then going back in for anything medical triggers for us a lot of that old anxiety on top of the concerns for your child's comfort and health.
Sorry, that was a rambling comment!
We'll be thinking of you and hoping for a smooth surgery and speedy recovery. Bennett had surgery at 10 months/6 adjusted and he was up and trying to crawl away just a couple hours later. These little ones are amazingly tough, aren't they? :)
My daughter had the same surgery and YES, you will be nervous that day. Gweynth will do great. We were told the same thing about over compensating. I will pray that they don't have to do a second surgery. I also wanted to add, that a lot of my daughter's motor delays improved greatly as her vision improved and she learned how to focus better. You are doing a great job. I have followed your blog since before her birth but have never commented before!! Good Luck.
ReplyDeleteMichele, mom to two sweet little girls
Kellar had this surgery done a little over a year ago, I don't regret it now but I will admit the first week after he had it all I did was cry b/c something just didn't look right to me, I called the dr and begged them to go in and undo what they did, I can look back on that week of total insanity and laugh NOW but at the time I was so upset. It is a very routine surgery and Kellar bounced right back, the eyes ( he ended up having loosening of the muscles in both eyes ) were so red and they oozed a lot but he never complained or appeared to be in any pain. I am thinking that Kellar may end up having to have another surgery but I'm praying he won't... Good luck!!!
ReplyDeleteI will pray for Gwyneth!
ReplyDeleteMy 3 yr old is having the same surgery done on both of his eyes this Friday.
I'm sure they'll both be just fine.
Nathan & Tricia,
ReplyDeleteMy oldest daughter had this same surgery as a toddler. (actually, she had 4 of them b/c of the over/under correction) She's nearly 13 now and I still remember the surgeries like it was yesterday. Definately nerve-wracking, but in the end, I wouldn't go back & change a thing! If you have any questions about what to expect, feel free to email me! Lizreeves2@aol.com or check w/ me on Facebook (Liz Reeves). I'm on both of your friends lists.