Well, things aren't going to be as simple as we anticipated. We are going to have to have another exam under anesthesia -- hopefully to be scheduled before school starts. They should be able to measure her vision and get a contact measured. There is some debate as to whether she will need to wear glasses as well as a contact for a 'bifocal' effect. We'll see when she gets fitted for the contact.
On the fun side, we all went to Great America and had a blast. Stan, Sarah and Emma rode all the roller coasters! Hannah and I preferred the more sedate rides, but still had lots of fun!
School starts the 21st - I know I can't wait!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Monday, July 21, 2008
Another Hannah update...and iPhone news!
Hannah had another exam under anesthesia on Friday. I was all ready - even had gotten a prescription for some Valium for her so she would be calm when we went into the procedure room. Well, so much for planning ahead. I gave her the Valium at 6, since her appointment was scheduled for 8. Plenty of time to 'get happy' and still be happy! Wrong! They were running 2 1/2 hours behind schedule. By the time it was time for the procedure the Valium had totally worn off (it was only 2mg). The upside was that we had WONDERFUL anesthesiologists this time. They were patient and even gave Hannah's baby a mask to wear. The transition to the mask was much smoother this time. They also gave her something so when she came out of it she was a bit less combative - still definitely angry and combative, but not for as long.
Results - all stitches are out, we 'graduated' from the trauma surgeon and are moving on to the lens doctor. We will also be going to the pediatric ophthalmologist to have her vision evaluated soon...we know she can see, we just don't know what the 'measurements' of the distortion are yet.
I have been thinking a lot about this injury. I am hopeful that things will be as close to normal as school approaches (and it's on it's way soon). I hate that my little girl has become so introverted and shy...mostly because the light irritates her eyes. I miss her being happy and carefree.
Now, for something completely different, after much careful research and whining on my part, Stan let me order the new iPhone 3G. When it became apparent that I was going to lust after every iPhone I saw, and that he could get away with an anniversary/birthday gift all in one, AND our cell phone bill would only go up $5 a month, he relented. I have been waiting with baited breath for it to ship since last Sunday, and, this morning, it has shipped and should be at the store tomorrow after 3pm! I can't wait!
Results - all stitches are out, we 'graduated' from the trauma surgeon and are moving on to the lens doctor. We will also be going to the pediatric ophthalmologist to have her vision evaluated soon...we know she can see, we just don't know what the 'measurements' of the distortion are yet.
I have been thinking a lot about this injury. I am hopeful that things will be as close to normal as school approaches (and it's on it's way soon). I hate that my little girl has become so introverted and shy...mostly because the light irritates her eyes. I miss her being happy and carefree.
Now, for something completely different, after much careful research and whining on my part, Stan let me order the new iPhone 3G. When it became apparent that I was going to lust after every iPhone I saw, and that he could get away with an anniversary/birthday gift all in one, AND our cell phone bill would only go up $5 a month, he relented. I have been waiting with baited breath for it to ship since last Sunday, and, this morning, it has shipped and should be at the store tomorrow after 3pm! I can't wait!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Hannah update and Vacation
Today Hannah had another check up. We're going to have another eye exam under anesthesia next Friday and hopefully get the last of the stitches out. She is also now patch/shield free, much to her dismay. It's going to be a big adjustment for her. I also asked that she be given something before her exam to settle her down so we don't have a repeat of the hysteria from last time. Hopefully that will help.
Now for the fun stuff...we spent 2 weeks in Syracuse, IN at my mother's cousin's house on the lake. It was a blast.
The girls favorite part was the beach...and the playground there...
Emma and Hannah loved the Amish bonnets I bought them in Shipshewana...
And my FAVORITE part was going here:
as seen on Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives
I had the Philly Chili - super yummy!
We had so much fun...even Great-Grandma played Nintendo Ds!!
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Friday, June 20, 2008
Today's exam
Well, this was the most taxing procedure to date for mom! I had to walk Hannah down to the exam room and hold her down while they got the mask on her and she was NOT happy about it. I am sure that later in life she'll be telling her therapist that I restrained her and let them gas her. This mommy stuff is hard! Then, upon waking she was the most agitated she has been...I don't know if it was because she only received the gas portion of the sedation (no IV this time) or what, but when she woke up she was MAD. She was screaming that her eyes were stinging and she wanted to be home on her own couch. They got us out of there without her even having to drink anything. Usually we have to wait until she's had a Popsicle or something, but I think her screaming was on everyone's nerves.
The GOOD portion of the day -- her eye continues to look wonderful. Today they took out 6 of the 9 stitches (which means we're going to have at least one more of these!). The trauma surgeon said that he could have taken all 9 out, but they like to leave a few in a bit longer to establish that it is truly healed and that they haven't missed anything. Her retina looks good, as it has since the accident. The capsule where her lens was removed is still well formed and complete, meaning that when she is older they'll be able to slip in a lens with no stitches. That is a really big deal. Here's a neat fact...most of us wear sunglasses to protect our eyes from UV rays...Hannah's artificial lens will have the UV protection built in!
Thanks for all your prayers!
The GOOD portion of the day -- her eye continues to look wonderful. Today they took out 6 of the 9 stitches (which means we're going to have at least one more of these!). The trauma surgeon said that he could have taken all 9 out, but they like to leave a few in a bit longer to establish that it is truly healed and that they haven't missed anything. Her retina looks good, as it has since the accident. The capsule where her lens was removed is still well formed and complete, meaning that when she is older they'll be able to slip in a lens with no stitches. That is a really big deal. Here's a neat fact...most of us wear sunglasses to protect our eyes from UV rays...Hannah's artificial lens will have the UV protection built in!
Thanks for all your prayers!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
A great appointment!
First, to all those who have called that I haven't called back, I'm sorry. I'm just swamped trying to keep things afloat! Know that I appreciate it, and I really have meant to call you!
Today's appointment was great. Hannah's eye looks great, no sign of infection or opening of the wound and she is still able to see, and could even see farther this time.
We got the green light for swimming and spent the rest of the day at the pool! Hannah swam like a fish! It was awesome to see her acting like her old self. I was starting to get worried about her...she'd been pretty depressed and sleepy...I'm glad the 'happy Hannah' is coming back!
We go back on the 20th for an eye exam under anesthesia. They contemplated trying to get a good exam while she was awake, but based on the trouble we've had just getting cursory exams in the office, I felt that anesthesia would be our best bet. I wanted to be sure that they get a complete look at all that's going on in the eye, as well as give the trauma surgeon who stitched her eye a chance to see if the stitches are close to removal stage.
So, things here are good, and getting better. We're looking forward to spending lots of time at the pool now!
Today's appointment was great. Hannah's eye looks great, no sign of infection or opening of the wound and she is still able to see, and could even see farther this time.
We got the green light for swimming and spent the rest of the day at the pool! Hannah swam like a fish! It was awesome to see her acting like her old self. I was starting to get worried about her...she'd been pretty depressed and sleepy...I'm glad the 'happy Hannah' is coming back!
We go back on the 20th for an eye exam under anesthesia. They contemplated trying to get a good exam while she was awake, but based on the trouble we've had just getting cursory exams in the office, I felt that anesthesia would be our best bet. I wanted to be sure that they get a complete look at all that's going on in the eye, as well as give the trauma surgeon who stitched her eye a chance to see if the stitches are close to removal stage.
So, things here are good, and getting better. We're looking forward to spending lots of time at the pool now!
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
A huge miracle!!
We went for another check today at UIC and HANNAH CAN SEE!! She saw when the doctor put fingers in front of her eye - a HUGE improvement from before when she couldn't see anything but shapes! Needless to say, we are all elated.
We also got lots and lots of good news regarding summer! The doctor sees no reason why Hannah can't swim (yeah!) after next week's appointment and also gave us the green light for our vacation at the end of June and Great America later in summer! The best appointment yet!!
So, thank everyone for their prayers - they certainly worked!! Better than I ever expected they would! I ask that you all keep some very special people in your prayers...there is a little girl in Hannah's class that is having tonsil/adenoid surgery soon, a little boy in my triplet group with leukemia, a little girl in my triplet group that is also having tonsil/adenoid surgery, mom in my triplet group who's husband is gravely ill, and my college roommate's husband who was in a bad car accident and is now blind and in rehab for lots of orthopedic issues. If your prayers did wonders for us, imagine how much more you can all do!
p.s. a special thanks again to all my bunco ladies and triplet moms...you have no idea how much you have touched me and I hope that someday I will be able to give back!
We also got lots and lots of good news regarding summer! The doctor sees no reason why Hannah can't swim (yeah!) after next week's appointment and also gave us the green light for our vacation at the end of June and Great America later in summer! The best appointment yet!!
So, thank everyone for their prayers - they certainly worked!! Better than I ever expected they would! I ask that you all keep some very special people in your prayers...there is a little girl in Hannah's class that is having tonsil/adenoid surgery soon, a little boy in my triplet group with leukemia, a little girl in my triplet group that is also having tonsil/adenoid surgery, mom in my triplet group who's husband is gravely ill, and my college roommate's husband who was in a bad car accident and is now blind and in rehab for lots of orthopedic issues. If your prayers did wonders for us, imagine how much more you can all do!
p.s. a special thanks again to all my bunco ladies and triplet moms...you have no idea how much you have touched me and I hope that someday I will be able to give back!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
