Contacts: First Attempt

For the last several weeks (or really, months), we have been in a battle to understand what is going on with Parker's eyes and vision.  At this point, we know he has astigmatism, nystagmus, and extreme nearsightedness.  We have been passed from doctor to doctor, with no real understanding of what is "best" for Parker.  After Parker's glasses failed because of being too big for his face and him pulling them off, his original doctor started considering and suggesting contacts.  As a side note, there ARE glasses for kids with Down Syndrome and their face shape, but the ones that fit the best are wire frames.  Parker is at the very-clumsy-toddler-trying-to-walk stage, so they are not comfortable having him wear these. 

Our original doctor set us up with the procedure to measure his eyes and get appropriate measurements along with his ear tubes and hearing test.  At that point, she passed us (without telling us) to a new doctor.  We could tell this doctor was slightly uncomfortable with contacts in a 17 month old, but really couldn't tell us one way or another what the best option was for him.  She left the ball in our court to make a decision...which I have to say, is infuriating!  She referred us to an optometrist, who is working with us to fit the contacts and get backup glasses for Parker.

This particular doctor has explained to us that, yes, contacts are the best option for Parker because of his unique visual issues, but she is not sure about the best type of contacts.  I do feel comforted by the fact that she has contacts in her own infant's eyes for his visual issues.  We went in Wednesday to try the first pair ordered, thinking we would go home with them and start using them.  Getting them in Parker's eyes was sheer hell.  Matt and I held him down and comforted him, the doctor attempted getting the contacts in, and the technician held my iPhone to play a visual/music app to calm and distract him.  After much fighting and screaming, we got the contacts in...only to have one of them pop out within the first 2-3 minutes of wear.  

Thank God, getting the contact that fell out back in was easier than the initial attempt.  Once the contacts were in, the doctor was able to measure his vision for a great improvement.  Parker was wide-eyed and very taken-aback by the sensation, though irritated that he could feel the contacts.

SO, ultimately, we wait another 2 weeks for "tighter" contacts to come in, so Matt and I can be trained on taking them out and putting them in.  YIKES.  The bottom line is that Parker MUST be able to have clear vision to process his environment appropriately......and we will do whatever it takes to get him to that point.  

Man, sometimes this "Mommy" stuff is hard!  I wish the kid could be cut a break or two, along with all of his friends! 

Orthotics!

After a frustrating debacle with Early Intervention, we decided to go privately for Parker's first pair of orthotics.  They are Sure Step SMOs...don't ask me what that means, though!  Essentially, they are braces that buckle around his ankle and the top of his foot to give him more support when he is walking.  His low muscle tone allows for easier accidents, especially in already-clumsy toddlers.

Right now, we are in the "watch and build up" phase, where we increase his wear-time each day and watch for any irritation or markings on his feet.  By the end of this week, he will be wearing them 8-10 hours per day...ie: any time he has on shoes or is active, he needs to have on his orthotics.

Parker SO badly wants to stand up and run around.  He is able to pull himself to standing easily now, but is still working on standing independently....it is all about technique :)  He pulls himself up onto things anytime he can....causing us to learn quickly to childproof areas that weren't already on our radar (ie: a kids book shelf we had in his playroom is no longer in his playroom).  As he gets used to his orthotics, it will be interesting to see the support they provide him!