I got to the hospital at 2:30 pm to talk to Isaac's neonatologist Dr. Ishii and then talked to the eye surgeon at 3 pm. Isaac's eye surgery began at around 3:50 pm and took about 2 hours. I learned quite a few things from talking to the eye surgeon today. First let me step back and very briefly explain what ROP is. ROP is basically abnormal growth of blood vessels in the retina. Blood vessels are supposed to grow along the wall of the retina but with ROP, it keeps growing and grows inwards towards the center of the eyes. These blood vessels are very fragile and break very easily which forms scars, creating a bulge on the wall of the retina. The bulge creates tension and may force force the retina to ultimately detach in the worse case scenario. What the laser surgery does is to burn off the blood vessels on the edge of the retina to try to stop the abnormal growth. Apparently, laser surgery may not stop ROP in 10-20% of the cases and if it doesn't stop, the eye surgeon may try to do up to 2 more laser surgeries before moving on to an even more invasive eye surgery.
In any case, we won't know how effective the laser surgery was until next week when the eye surgeon checks Isaac's eyes again. Basically he needs to see that the bulge has gone down. If it stays the same size or gets bigger, then the surgery was not effective.
Therefore, please pray for the following:
1. that the surgery was effective to stop the abnormal growth of blood vessels within Isaac's retina, that Isaac's ROP will completely heal and that there is no need for additional laser surgeries
2. that Isaac's beautiful eyes will not be affected by potential side effects from ROP and laser surgery such as short sightedness, crossed eyes and lazy eyes
3. the laser surgery is supposed to have destroyed part of Isaac's peripheral vision, so please pray that the damage to Isaac's peripheral vision is minimal and for his peripheral vision to be miraculously healed
4. I really love Isaac's eyes - they are so beautiful - please pray that if its in God's will that Isaac will be able to see clearly without the need of really thick glasses
Isaac was completely exhausted after the surgery. Please also pray for his quick recovery from the trauma of having 2 surgeries and general anesthesia in a week. It breaks my heart to see him suffering so.
Here are a few pictures from before his surgery today.
Thanks for all of your prayers,
Sonia
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5 comments:
Sonia
Will pray for the requests you have enumerated. Your mother's heart and love come through. Request four is one that resonates with me. I am very myopic, and oft wonder about and pray for my kids :)
Sending love and hugs,
OXAndrea
Hi Sonia,
Yes, Isaac's eyes are very very beatutiful. Will pray that they will heal to see many of God's beautiful creations when Isaac grows up.
Love,
N
Sonia and Jong....
i know i don't write very much...but i have to tell you there is nothing more i love than waking up in the morning and seeing isaac's gorgeous face on my screen. he is looking absolutely fabulous! i check on him, literally, morning noon and night because i am still uncertain of the time difference. (too much for my tired brain to remember!) in any case...even if i could remember the time difference, i'd still check on you 3 times a day if not more. God is so good and so faithful...and the miracle that God is performing in isaac before our very eyes is captivating. thank you for being so faithful. i have more to write but for now duty calls..l..
erin eccles
Thank you so much for doing such a wonderful job of keeping those of us who are following your amazing journey of faith and hope so well informed. Like others, Isaac is usually the first thing I check on in the morning. I have been away for a couple of days and have not been able to check in but was relieved to learn that the laser surgery is over. Yes, I will pray for the things your requested. I want him to be able to see his wonderful parents perfectly! Take care and do get some rest. I don't know how you do it all! Rowena
Sonia,
I am sorry you had to go through Isaac's surgery without Jong. Know that you are not alone, and that we are all with you on this journey. I don't think all that many people have the thoughts and prayers of so many people as lovely Isaac!
Hugs,
Susan
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