Today we met with Carters opthamologist team. He has ROP. Yes, I feel at times like he has hit every issue in the preemie book. He is having surgery tomorrow on both eyes. Scared, yes but out of everything Carter has been through, I want him to see. On some level, it hit me in a different way because I want him to see the beauty in life, smell the flowers and hear the sounds of life.
Many have asked what ROP is: Retinopathy of Prematurity
The eyes of premature infants are especially vulnerable to injury after birth. A serious complication is called retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), which is abnormal growth of the blood vessels in an infant's eye. About 7% of babies weighing 1,250 grams (2.75 pounds) or less at birth develop ROP, and the resulting damage may range from mild (the need for glasses) to severe (blindness). The cause of ROP in premature infants is unknown. Although it was previously thought that too much oxygen was the primary problem, further research has shown that oxygen levels (either too low or too high) play only a contributing factor in the development of ROP. Premature babies receive eye exams in the NICU to check for ROP.
He is our joy, our blessing and my little fighter.
Today he is 3lbs 3 oz and 15 inches.
Much love-
Deanna, Andy & Carter
6 comments:
we are continuing to pray for you all. Keep fighting Carter!
We love you!
Deanna keep the faith! Carter's eyes will be better with the surgery and remember every day he's getting bigger AND stronger!! 3lbs is tremendous, think how far you've come now since Jan!! Know he is covered in prayer and blessings every moment of every day. :)
We will say extra prayers for Carter tomorrow.The kids and I look at his photo almost every day and say a prayer. Ella's pre-school class prays for him daily and the prayer warriors at our church and bible study are praying as well.
Blessings,
Heidi Scheer
We will say extra prayers for Carter tomorrow.The kids and I look at his photo almost every day and say a prayer. Ella's pre-school class prays for him daily and the prayer warriors at our church and bible study are praying as well.
Blessings,
Heidi Scheer
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11)
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Still praying!
Joy in AL
As I have said many times, Be Encouraged!!! We too hit almost everything you can hit for a preemie and it isn't easy, but technology is FABULOUS in this day and time and while they have to tell you the risks, the outcomes are generally good ... Our baby had ROP also, it only developed in one eye and he has surgery right before he was able to come home. With a couple of follow ups, the eye Dr. actually told me "I am not worried about him at all, his eye looks perfect now!"
I did learn that the people in the NICU don't sugarcoat anything, they don't give you much hope, they tell you the facts and let things take their course. Having the faith that you have is what is going to not only get you thru, but pull Carter thru what is probably the most difficult time of his life. And I promise ... one day, you will look back and not remember all of it. I have not been able to check here much since we came home so I am catching up today and am PRAISING GOD for how much Carter has grown !!!!!! You are so blessed .... thank you so much for sharing your story.
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