Well, after a month long break we were back to the glaucoma specialist this Friday (4/12). Since her numbers had gone down between the last 2 visits that were only 5 days apart, the hope was they would be down even further after a month. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case and instead the numbers were back up to roughly 30/34. It was a disappointing visit. My Little Reader was not cooperative at all. She was having a hard time following directions and keeping her eyes focused where they needed it to be to get a good reading of her IOP. Then when the doctor tried to talk with her about the surgery she ignored him. Beautiful. Looking back, I realize that her avoidance was more of a defense mechanism, but it was still so frustrating knowing that both Ben and I had taken a day off work to come to the appointment and that we had both come with the hope that surgery could wait until the 1st week of July. No such luck. So our summer plans are all effectively cancelled. Super bummed about that. It means there won't be a cruise this summer, that she won't get to go camping with Leslie or continue swim lessons.
The biggest worry is that the numbers are still far from the safe range. And every day that we spend in the unsafe zone is damaging her eyesight and slowly stealing what she has now. Hopefully the surgery will bring the numbers down. The doctor was very kind this time and spent time talking with us and answering questions. He is willing to do her "bad" eye as well so probably within 3 months she will have her 2nd surgery. Just hoping beyond hope that the surgeries will work and will save the eyesight she still has!
This was so good to read in your own words. I was especially glad to hear about your feelings on why Em acted the way she did - truly a defense mechanism that I see in my 4th graders all the time. Also, I am VERY glad that the dr really rallied and was better with you and Ben. Hang in there. We are all praying mightily. We love you!
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