Set the date

I mentioned here that Owen would be most likely need to have surgery on his eyes. At our last follow-up visit to Children’s on November 11, they did one final measurement to ensure the condition wasn’t correcting itself, thereby eliminating the need for the procedure. Based on this appointment and along with findings from the last one, it was determined that he would definitely need the surgery.  So we were encouraged to move forward with setting the date.  January 24^th Owen will go in for his first and hopefully only procedure to correct his cross-eye issues.

What else do I know?  Honestly, lots.  Probably more than I really wanted to!!  We were given a brochure, some paperwork with an in-depth description of what to expect, along with details of the surgery itself.  Those details leave me a little more nervous than before. What was initially described as a simple procedure, sure sounds more serious in writing. Our short 30 minute procedure turned into “could be anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes. Sometimes longer depending on what is found.”  He will have to wear a hospital gown. There will be a koolaid drink that is given to help him get sleepy before any kind of iv or other things are done.  While there is no overnight stay, we do have a 3 hour waiting period before he will be released to go home.  Our no post-op down time turned into “most kids are sluggish from the anesthesia for the remainder of the day,” as well as an antibiotic ointment will have to be applied once a day for 7 to 14 days following the procedure. The whites of his eyes will be red and irritate for weeks following the surgery…and the words no stitches, should have been “no visible stitches” as there will be stitches internally that dissolve.  Also interesting to note, 20 to 40% of kids need a repeat surgery because the surgery just doesn’t take. Which is the same as 80% chance of no repeats, but I guess the spin is different. Also problems can arise up to 10 years later.  Some kids needs only one repeat.  Some kids need 4.  He will end up being monitored for the rest of his childhood.

All that being said our pediatrician assured us that they do not just perform surgery on a whim. If they decide to do it is because they have thoroughly reviewed his case and feel it is necessary.  So, while all of the above scares the pants off me and makes me nervous for my little boy…I am comforted remembering we are doing what’s in his best interest in the long run!

Anyway…I am usually a more information is good kinda gal.  But for now, I just want to pretend I didn’t read it all.  And when we get a little bit closer to his appointment…I’ll pick it all back up and read it again.  They gave us a wonderful set of papers, books and a DVD to share with Owen before the surgery so he is more prepared.  We will also read a book or two to Owen about surgeries and going to stay at the hospital.  Just so he isn’t as scared. It is still a little ways off and we have lots of wonderful Christmas things to concern to ourselves with at the moment.  But don’t you worry. I’ll be back!  We return January 13 for follow-up measurements and then again on the 24^th for the surgery itself.

For now we just wait!