specs

So, I'm 33 weeks pregnant and caring for Eve is getting really difficult.  We're both getting so big. ;)  Consequently, I can't take her to appointments by myself anymore.  Yesterday we had quite the ordeal at the eye doctors and I am *so* glad that Jim was there to help.  It was physically and emotionally draining.

Background: Eve has had her eyes examined twice before (once at 2 years old and once last summer) with a result of slight astigmatism and eyesight that is fine.  Two weeks ago, Eve's teacher mentioned that they thought she might have eyesight issues.  She used to be able to identify classmates (e.g., "Where's Bobby?") by looking at them , but recently has been unable to do that.  The speech therapist recommended bringing the students closer to Eve (approx. 5 feet away) and suddenly Eve could easily complete the task.  This suggested an eyesight issue and not a cognitive regression.  So we made an appointment with a eye doctor in Pittsfield who has worked with kids with multiple disabilities (and has evening hours so Jim could come).

Eve has been a nightmare in medical settings lately.  I don't blame her.  She's had some invasive procedures this spring and has just been so fearful.  She cries the second she enters a waiting room.  So we tried to prepare her by telling her we were going to the eyeglass store.  When we arrived, Jim took her around to look at all the frames on display.  Bless her heart, she tried to keep it together but was wise to the situation.  Her lip kept sticking out.  When we got called back to the exam room, it was all over.  Screams and tears.  We tried everything.  That poor doctor.  She was barely able to examine Eve.  FINALLY, I stood holding Eve with her head looking over my shoulder and the doctor was able to look into her eyes with the light and little glass reflector.


Result?  Eve is significantly farsighted and needs glasses.  I asked why she was able to see classmates better up close if she is farsighted, and the Dr. said that totally can happen.  She seemed very surprised that Eve's last eye exam (less than 12 months ago) didn't indicate a need for glasses.  I explained that Eve's disease is progressive and involves muscles.  She wants to see Eve back in 6 months.  Anyhow, then we picked out some really cute frames.  They are purple and should be ready in about a week.  The Dr. thinks it will make quite a difference for Eve.

Jim and I talked about it afterward.  I think we were both surprised that Eve actually needed glasses. We didn't think her eyesight was really that bad.  Eve's regressions from mito have been so subtle that it's very easy to ignore the fact that she is losing ground.  When we are faced with evidence that regressions have occurred, it's a bit of emotional hit for me.  This is compounded by the fact that medical appointments are such an ordeal (and usually involve travel as well).  It's tough to keep it together when you just want to cry along side your child.  It's stressful because I feel bad for Eve (who is just so scared), for the doctor (who is just trying to do her job), and every other person in the office (who has to listen to the screams).  I also feel bad for me.   (BTW, you know you are having a pity party when you watch an episode of Extreme Home Makeover and start crying at how lucky the family is - BEFORE they get their home makeover - simply because the affected child has more independence, mobility, and communication than your child ever will).  I know that I am extra emotional thanks to pregnancy hormones, and some days are better than others.

I'll post pictures when we get Eve's new specs.  She will look so cute.