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3.29.2012

it paid off

Tuesday Caleb had another eye appointment.  This was about the sixth appointment since early October when we learned that his amblyopia was going to require all day, every day patching.

After several visits hearing "We're still seeing progress, lets give it five more weeks at all day," we had stopped hoping for each visit to be the last.   So much so that I didn't even stop to take pictures before we left Tuesday morning.

The following is a staged shot of how he looked before we left...



But we got some great news.  The past 5 1/2 months of sticking to it paid off!  Vision in his weaker eye went from 20/150 (with corrective lenses) to 20/20.  His eyes are now balanced when he is wearing his glasses.  

Making him wear his patch was so hard in the beginning.   He'd cry that he couldn't see after we put his patch on.  Some mornings he'd beg me not to make him wear it.  Most days he'd ask if it could come off by dinner.

But I knew it was in his best interest.  So I made him wear it.  All day.  Every day.  

(Except while we were in Disney.  At our January appointment we'd been given hope that February would bring no more patches.  His vision had greatly improved, but with both loss of periphery vision and the irritation of a sweaty patch on his face, I decided that vacation would be a break for my boy.  When I promised our ophthalmologist at the February visit that we'd faithfully continue but not at Disney,  he pretty much didn't know what to say to me at that point.  So he agreed.  I think he saw the look of determination in my eye.  At least I was honest.)

Tuesday his doctor turned to his assistant and said, "See, this is what happens when you have patients ~ and parents of patients ~ that listen to you."  I wanted to tell him that in exchange for transition lenses that Caleb could be his amblyopia poster child.  


My boy is thrilled to be done with patching.


Me?  I think I may actually miss his firetrucks, dinosaurs and aliens.  I sorta got used to his one eyed grin.

But I think I'll get used to this one again too.

16 comments:

Glenda said...

Yay, Caleb! Celebrating with you as you go patchless.

Laurie said...

That is great news!! I can't imagine how wonderful it feels for him to not have something over his eye anymore. Good job, Mom and Dad, for doing what's best for your kiddo. It's tough sometimes!!

Peggy said...

I am so happy for Caleb! I know he has to feel soooo free! Yay, Mom and Dad for sticking to it!

We heard great things yesterday from Rachel's doc also! Rachel has 3 more months of continuous patching, but we have hope that the next visit will bring reduced patching. The doctor said he sees "unbelievable improvement" and he is so happy that we are diligent with patching.

Andrea said...

Glad to see that awesome smile! I knew you were that kind of mom. I doubt the doctors say the same about me. Hmm, where is that hearing aid these days?

Sharon said...

So awesome.... Way to go mom!!

Stefanie said...

Yay for Caleb! And amazing that his 'not-so-good' eye improved THAT much! Way to go, Caleb! And way to go, mama :)

Traci said...

WOOOO WHOOOO!!!! So excited for you Caleb! Good job buddy!!! Can't wait to see both of your grinning eyes at Easter!
Love
Aunt Cici

Grandma Shultz said...

Yeah, Caleb! I'm so happy that you can stop wearing your patch every day - all day. I'm thanking God for His healing powers. Love you.

Heather said...

Yeah, Caleb!!! Great job mom and Caleb. He certainly does look smart in those "spectacles"!!! Very handsome man!!!

Jess Danielson said...

Yay for Caleb!!! Great Job family for sticking to it!!!

Valerie and Jeff said...

YAY! I'm so glad you stuck with it--what a lesson for him and for all of us parents that in the end there are great rewards for hanging in there, even with the tough, long road stuff. He is SO handsome with and even more so without the patch.
What a superman.
Great Job!--Valerie

Lee and Sarah VanGrunsven said...

YAY!!! :) Although, I think he totally rocked that eyepatch ;-)

Nancy said...

That is awesome! So glad the months of months of patching paid off!

Our Journey to China said...

Awesome! God is good! You can see his joy! :)

Susie said...

What a cutie! Our daughter has transitions. $89 total plus the cost of the frame (or not if you use the old ones) at Costco. The eye doctor was going to charge me so much more! She has strabismus and may need to patch for part of the day. We'll see in May! Good job!

anything but LoKEY said...

Boy, you struck a chord with me sharing about him crying not to wear his patch. With me, one of the hardest things about the cleft palate recovery (and as you mentioned, all kinds of SN recoveries/treatments) is having to push them through those uncomfortable moments. So hard to do and yet, the only way to get the most desirable results.