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Thursday, May 31, 2012

We Have A Date!

I received a very exciting call this morning from a bubbly woman at Dr. Hertle's office.  She was very excited to tell me that they would be able to schedule Makayla's surgery for August 2nd, which is a full month or two earlier than we expected!  I pretty much immediately burst into tears on the phone, but between fake coughs, lies about allergies, and asking the twerpies to settle down, I think I came off as a mostly sane, somewhat distracted mom of twins, rather than a hysterical mess.

Makyla's appointment will be very early in the morning.  We'll have to be in the hospital at 6:30 a.m., that's 3:30 a.m. for us Californians! Her procedure will only last for about an hour and a half; however, we'll need to stay for several days so that Dr. Hertle can see her after the surgery and make sure she is doing well before sending us home.  I'm actually relieved to be staying for a little over a week, because, from what I've read, the first three days, after the surgery, is excruciatingly painful, and I will feel better if she can sleep it off in our room at the Ronald McDonald House, rather than having to spend several hours flying.

Makayla's surgery will include a Bimedial Recession, Bilateral Inferior Recession and a Bilateral Superior Oblique Tenectomy.  All those fancy words basically mean that they are going to fix her stamismus, or "lazy eye" and move her null point.

Currently, Makayla's nystagmus is quietest in the lower field of her vision, so when she is trying hard to see something she often tilts her head back considerably and looks through the bottom of her eyes.  That is her "null point."  During her surgery, they will detach, and reattach her eye muscles in a way that her nystagmus is quietest in the center of her vision so that she no longer has to use a strange looking, and uncomfortable head position to utilize her best vision.  To the left is a picture of Makayla using her current null point to look at me while I take her picture.

Dr. Hertle told us that he expects this procedure to also slow the oscillation of her nystagmus.  However, he will see her again, six to seven months after her surgery, to measure her progress and determine if she will benefit from a second surgery to further dampen the oscillation of her nystagmus.  When we saw Dr. Hertle in April, he said that he thinks we will probably do the second surgery. 

Now the planing and preparation begins!  I'm glad that although her surgery is a lot earlier than we expected, it is still far enough out for us to make arrangements and plans!

14 comments:

  1. Great news!  I'll be thinking of you guys and hoping for the best!

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  2. That is great news!  We think the earlier the better.  By that time we will be mostly settled in the new house so we will be available to stay with Austin if that is your plan.  We should be able to stay as long as you need us. Let us know as your plans firm up but for now we will keep the first half of August open. (As if we were going anywhere anyway.)  As you know, we (and the entire family) want to do anything you need to insure the best possible ourcome for her.

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  3. That's fantastic.  I'm really happy for you, and look forward to hearing how it goes :-)

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  4. That is wonderful! I teared up at your excitement.

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  5. i have twins too! i am sorry you have to go through a surgery with your baby but so happy you will be able to get it done sooner rather than later. i had a friend who had multiple surgeries as a baby and she doesn't remember a thing! good luck to you all!

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  6. This is wonderful news! Good luck and many blessings!

    Marcia

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  7. Great news and so quickly after visiting them!

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  8. So exciting! Saying a prayer for a successful surgery and speedy recovery!

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  9. Thank God for the awesome news! I can only imagine the emotions you and your family must be going through. I pray for your little one's surgery and for great recovery after. 2 more months! Yay! :D

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  10. I've been through surgeries with my DS, and I can relate to how stressful it is. I'm glad you're getting it done earlier than you thought! Good luck, and tons of blessings your way!!

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  11. I hope all goes well with the surgery!  It is nice to get it out of the way.  I think my husband had this same surgery as a baby, so they have been doing it for awhile. Best wishes!

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  12. That's great news!  I'm glad they are able to get her in earlier then expected.  I'm sorry that she has to go through a surgery at such a young age but I look forward to hearing how it goes.  Many good vibes being sent her way!

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  13. You should contact me prior to the surgery date. I too have shared in your optimism, but there are many things you should be aware of. My son had the same surgery last year at Akron Children's. I do not want to dampen your optimism, however I think the community of parents that have been through this need to make sure that our children are diagnosed correctly. I do not want to over concern you, but our family has been through this, I will spare you the details, but if you want more info about what my son went through you should contact me at hurless@tusco.net. Best wishes to you and your family.

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  14. Thank you! The more information, the better. :)

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