Tuesday, September 9, 2008

The "Eyes" have it!


When Chasey was about 2 months old we noticed a film on his left eye that came and went. It seemed he could blink it away, so we didn't think much of it. As he got a little older, it seemed the film got more persistent. It looked like a tiny piece of Saran Wrap right in the center of his eye. At his 4 month Doctor appointment Caradon pointed it out to our family doctor, who seemed concerned and referred us to a local pediatric optomotrist. We went and saw Dr. Abrams (who Caradon might refer to as Dr. Knows Nothing) later that week. Over the course of a month, we saw Dr. Abrams 5 or 6 times, with him providing no more information, yet making us feel stupid for our concern. He did however have us take Chasey to Primary Childrens Hospital for a MRI, which turned out to be the scariest, and most relief-filled experience of our lives! Relief came by way of a nice doctor who told us Chasey did NOT have cancer. Caradon was so happy, she hugged him :). Finally, Dr. Abrams recommended we go see a specialist, which Caradon's mom will tell you until she's blue in the face, she suggested all along!

Drs. Warner, Hoffman and Mifflin have been heaven sent for this little boy! Although every time we see them, the medication regiment seems to change, usually in the way of us adding more! We have been through 3 eye drops, 2 ointments and an oral medication, all of which are given more than once a day. But Chasey is such a trooper! He lays there and lets us put things in his eye all day long! One of the doctors told us, Chasey is the first baby he has ever seen allow him to put their chin up on the device they use to look into the pupil! Yay Chasey!!

Our latest development in this saga has been to turn our little boy into a pirate for an hour every day. But he looks so darn cute with that patch over his right eye. There is concern that his brain is telling his left eye not to bother since whatever he sees out of it is blurry. So, in order to prevent lazy eye later, we are working his left eye now. Our adorable neighbor boys make sure to talk to Chasey whenever he has his patch on, so we can all make sure he is sufficiently using the left eye when it is patched!

The final diagnosis is that Chasey has herpes simplex. Apparantly everybody is born with the herpes virus in their body. For some people it will manifest itself as cold sores or something similar. Most people never have to deal with it, it just stays dormant in their bodies. But there are the few who get it in their eyes. I guess it is just something he will learn to live with.

Thank goodness for modern technology. Though there is a chance Chasey will always have a blurry spot in his left eye, with lasers coming as far as they have, there always seem to be ways to make eyesite better. We are just hanging on to our faith that this boy has an important mission on this earth, and it will require his good eyesight. Heavenly Father is blessing us so much. Chasey has such a positive demeanor, and doesn't stop at all, even when obstacles are thrown in his way. What lucky parents we are!!

5 comments:

Lisa and Josh said...

He looks so old and really adorable with the patch! How sweet that he is doing well and taking all that in stride with the drops. I'm glad things are going well for you guys.

Answer to Many said...

I like the patch! Chasey is a realy trooper.

Jamie said...

it's very frustrating when you don't get straight answers out of doctors, or they seem to brush off what you're concerned about. I had a terrible rash with my first pregnancy. I went to a dermatologist he said "it has nothing to do with your pregnancy, I can't do anything for you, pay me $75, good bye" My dad, a veterinarian, and a very good doctor said it has everything to do with your pregnancy. The day I saw the dermatologist I went into labor. The rash was about 50% better the day I had my baby, and completely gone within a couple of days. arghhh!!! With my 2nd OB here in Utah, he was like Oh I know what that was and explained it right away.

I guess they can't all be perfect but sometimes I'd like them to just try a LITTLE bit harder for the money we pay them and spend a LITTLE more time listening and diagnosing.

wow... I'll climb off my soapbox now since this is a comment spot and not MY blog!

Glad you have answers and know what to do for your little guy! He is a cutiepie.

Anonymous said...

cutest baby ever. you are a great writer, sister.

Rachael Grotegut said...

I found your blog through the Utah county Mommies. I wanted to comment because Dr. Abrams is my son's ophthalmologist too and we can't stand him. He is rude and treats us horribly every time we go in there. He even yelled at our son once for touching things on his desk. Hello the kid was 3 at the time and has autism. Grr. So I know the frustration you felt.
Glad you figured out what was going on with Chasey though. He looks down right adorable in that little patch :)