Cleared for Surgery

We are ready for surgery and most of all Andrew is ready and excited to have this surgery. We completed our pre-op evaluations with the pediatrician and with the ophthalmologist. Andrew is still at a strong 20/50 and will have surgery on only his left eye. The surgery is outpatient so we will arrive early on the morning of June 3rd at Gramercy Outpatient Clinic in Downtown Houston. This clinic is actually right across the street from where we go to see Dr. Mazow so it is familiar territory for us. Little Andrew will have to have nothing to eat after midnight the night before until after his surgery, so we are hoping for an early surgery time slot. At this point we will not know the exact time of the surgery until the day before.

We start giving Andrew antibiotic eye drops at 3 days prior to surgery (pray for him on this it is not fun for him!) After surgery we will have to give him the same drops plus an anti-inflammatory eye drop several times a day. He will have no bandages after surgery, but we have been told that it is possible to have bruising although not likely. He will however likely have red, bloodshot eyes for a day or two and his eye will feel like he has sand in it. The most difficult of the post op time is that for 2 weeks he cannot swim, even get bath/shower water in his eye nor any dirt. So, basically he can't be a BOY for two weeks! Well, we will catch up on a few movies and learn some new board games to play. Any suggestions for fun games is greatly appreciated.

It is strange I am finding myself grieving this change a little. Andrew's eye has just been part of who Andrew is so the thought of how different he will look has taken me by surprise. I know it will be better in every way, but that cute little eye turn is part of my first memory of seeing my sweet little boy. I will miss it. Just as one day the little boy diminishes and the young man emerges, life is about changes...we never stay the same.

Thank you to the many who have encouraged us throughout this year as we have journeyed through this process that has led us to surgery at this appointed time with this specific doctor. We are so thankful for the many prayers and notes of encouragement over the past year.