Opthamology

I so wish that there was an "intermission" for doctor appointments and therapies.  I know it would make them take longer, which would be annoying, but I could really use some time to synthesize and analyze the information I am given.  I always end up really thinking things through after the fact, and then coming up with more questions.  Every appointment involves a period of time 2 hours later where I feel like "I should have asked ___" or "I wish I had thought of ____" or "What was that word again?"  I at least wish that, like teachers, doctors and nurses had office hours like in college where they could answer emails of questions that parents and patients have after an appointment.

This eye doctor appointment was no different.  I feel like I didn't ask some of the most important questions! (Does nystagmus affect vision? What if the patch doesn't work? How is his vision likely to be right now? Will he definitely need glasses at some point? and on and on and on.....)

Parker has had some eye issues slowly building for the last 6-8 weeks, primarily in his right eye.  His eyes seem to be crossing more often and more severely every week.  This week, I started to panic because I noticed them get "stuck" crossed a few times.  It is hard to watch your baby struggle to uncross his eyes because he knows it isn't right.

His eye doctor seemed to be very fascinated with him.  He showed some signs of Down Sydrome (crossing of eyes due to low muscle tone) and some of Klinefelter's (small nerves possibly due to low hormones).  He also has something that I now know is called "Nystagmus."  His right eye shakes quickly back and forth.  Several weeks ago, I noticed it happening occasionally.  At this point, it is pretty much constant. 

Overall, she agreed with every other person that has seen him in saying that he is definitely physically at the "mild" end of the spectrum so far.  Only time will tell how he fares cognitively...though in our eyes he is already so smart and aware, among many other amazing things that leave us in awe daily.

For now, he will wear an eye patch for one hour a day over his better eye.  It is so sad looking...but he couldn't care less.  He resumes playing with his toys and carrying about life...

...as always, teaching me to take a breath and relax a little, and let him lead the journey.