Monday, November 23, 2009

Much to be thankful about: Surgery #4

Fourth Surgery
Ryan's 4th surgery was today. This time, we got really good news. Dr. Hubbard sees a very big difference between the amount of exhudiate (yellow stuff leaking from the vessels) on and under the retina. This means that his body is absorbing some of it. Also, the ones he's treated in the past have not sprung new leaks. And the best news -- he performed cryo on the final quadrant. So, now, all of the leaking vessels have been treated, which means his vision won't get worse and could even get a bit better as his body absorbs more of the exhudiate. More than likely, though, it will stay the same as it is now. We go back to the pediatric opthamologist in January, so he'll have a more accurate screening of his vision in that eye then.

What's Next? Ryan will go back in February for an exam under anesthesia. That means that he'll still need the dreaded drops, the anesthesia and IV, but won't have to undergo the invasive procedure and the recovery (more eyedrops). I'm not sure how many exams under anesthesia he'll need after that for monitoring, but probably every few months before they can be more spread out. His eye will likely turn out a bit more, so he'll need surgery in an attempt at straigntening it.

Thank you.
How appropriate that this surgery (and result) fell on Thanksgiving week! Without the outpouring of love and support from you -- our family, friends (new and old), neighbors, colleagues and even strangers who have reached out -- this would have been a much more difficult few months. We cannot thank you all enough for your support and prayers. I know they helped. We've connected with some wonderful families as a result of this, and for the new families who are stumbling across this blog after the initial diagnosis, we know how scary it is, but take comfort in knowing how resilient children are, and that you will see the other side of this soon. See below -- Ryan's not much worse for the wear!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

I just had to include a (not so good scan of) Ryan's recent school photo: