Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Checking in after the check up


Anna Marie had a checkup at the eye specialist yesterday. When we made the appointment, we completely forgot about school starting. We had to check her out early, which I hated (especially since she had just gotten to the library when we came, and was going to miss her first Spanish class) but, what can you do?

Nothing. But anyway.

I had a conference call scheduled, so I couldn't go. She and Jason went, and they were seen early! Like 20 minutes early when they got there. When does that happen? Never, I tell ya. Never.

He called me a few minutes after the appointment was scheduled to start. She didn't have her eyes dilated (which made her very, very happy.) It was just a simple vision check.

The results were nothing short of miraculous.

Especially since we had no idea how bad her left eye really was before the treatment.

Before, the vision in her left eye was 20/200. She basically wasn't using that eye to see at all. It just wasn't working.

Now, eight weeks into the stronger lens/two-hour-daily patching, she's up to 20/40.

Did you just see that? I'll let it sink in for a moment.

From 20/200 to 20/40. In eight weeks time.

I am in awe. We've been praying diligently for her since we got the news that something was wrong. And we've been following the doctor's instructions to the letter. (Knowing what a slacker I am, I'm actually kinda proud that she's not missed a day of wearing her patch.)

I praise God that He helped us find this problem before she started school. I shudder to think what might have happened if this had gone untreated much longer - if a kid can't see, they can't learn. At least not very well. And they generally don't behave well in classroom settings, either.

She has to go back in six months for another check up. I'm really, really praying that the patching won't be needed after that. She's been great about wearing it, and we try to put it on when she won't be in public much (to minimize any potential for embarassment). But all the same, if I wasn't having to put it on her (and shell out the $$$ for the darn things) it wouldn't hurt my feelings a bit.

I suppose I need to take a picture of her with one on, to make a scrapbook page. It could be pirate themed!

Argh, mateys!

8 comments:

Steff said...

That is truly wonderful! And you've got to post those pictures of her with her patch. I think it'll just make her more adorable...if such a thing is possible! LOL

Anonymous said...

What great news! And yes, we'd love to see her with her pirate patch on.

doodlebugmom said...

Great news!

Susie Q said...

I am so happy and relieved with this wonderful news! Prayers work!

This is one heckova kid and you are one heckova Mommy.

Hugs to you all.
Sue

Jolene George said...

What a blessing. That is just the best news. Good for you for keeping up with the daily eye patch. Cute picture of the two of you.

Sheila said...

That is AWESOME news!!! I'm so happy to hear this! And yes, just in time before school.

Kris said...

That is great!! Bad eye sight is hard to live with. My dh has very bad eyes, from a genetic eye disease. The best they can correct is 20/80 in one eye and 20/60 in the other. We just checked out the kids to see if they had it and so far they don't. Dr. said it can still show up until they are teenagers.

Glad the eye patch worked its magic!

Valerie said...

truly the best news i have heard all dang day!!! can't wait to see Capn' AM Sparrow's photo!!