Our Family

Our Family

Thursday, November 13, 2008

A Doctor a Day Keeps the Apples Away

At least, that's how we feel lately. However, I must say that we have found a FANTASTIC doctor named Dr. Steve (Lichtenstein) who is the pediatric ophthalmologist that we went to yesterday. We have finally solved the mystery that is Mercedes eye! So it IS a hemangioma that she has in her eye, it is just under the surface instead of on top, like the strawberry hemangiomas that are common on babies. The doctor was able to test her prescription in her eyes through lenses and shining lights in her eyes (which she HATED because they had to dilate her eyes again!). They said that hemangioma is causing a slight astigmatism in her right eye. it isn't a problem yet, but if it keeps getting bigger then it could cause her some problems with her eyesight. So we go in again in one month and they will check it again and see how it has changed. If it becomes a problem then they will treat it. But if it is not a problem then it will go away on its own in a few years. I'm torn on the issue, because I don't want to give her medications or steroids that she doesn't need, but I also don't want her to have a black eye for the first 4 years of her life.

I think that the thing I liked the most about this doctor is that if I think it's getting worse I can email him a picture and he will tell me if I should bring her back in or not. And if I take her in and everything is the same, or no need to worry I don't get charged. If it is something worth worrying about he will fix it. I'm so glad that we are in the right place finally!!

I related news, Kendall went to the doctor, and still no news on his throat or swallowing problems. He doesn't have the Zenker's Diverticulum that we thought, so they are going to try stretching his throat again in December and this doctor will do the esophogram so that he can get a good look at his throat. So at least we know what one of the problems is. :) Sorry about no pics. But that is our update.

6 comments:

anoyce said...

I'm so happy to hear that you've finally found yourselves a good doctor! I hope things continue to go well!

The Gentry Family said...

I am so glad that you finally know what is going on! What a relief!

argylesocks said...

I am so glad to hear that they have figured out Mercedes' eyes. I know what you mean about being to torn on medical issues. I always find myself feeling like is this really necessary and is the benefits worth the risk of potential side-effects. As far as Kendall's throat goes. I just really hope it doesn't have anything to do with the pistachios I didn't mean to hide in the salad. Good luck with everything. We miss you.

Deb Nott said...

With all of those big word medical terms I am kinda glad we don't get pictures on this one! : )

Anonymous said...

I'm glad you found out what it is. I didn't know that hemangioma's did that. I hope it doesn't get any bigger, I would hate to have to treat it. I know the feeling. I was worried about Quade's being so close to his eye. Because of course I'll treat it if it's going to cause vision problems, but I really didn't want to. I hope you don't have to. Good luck with it. I've been thinking about you alot the last couple days. I was going to call you tonight to ask about Mercedes. I'm glad to hear at least you know what it is!

Stacy and Mike said...

Oh man Melissa, glad you are getting answers to her eye, bummer about Kendalls throat...Hopefully everything works out now that you found a Doc.