Concerned About Baby's Surgery

Updated on November 18, 2010
S.C. asks from Stone Mountain, GA
4 answers

So on Monday the doctor decided to go ahead and schedule my baby for surgery. She has been diagnosed as having ptosis. The doctor said she wanted to have the surgery because her eye wasn't getting any better and that it would later impede her vision. One procedure they could do would be to strengthen/tighten her eyelid muscle but that would be unsuccessful being that hers is currently not working at all. She has learned to make herself use that eye by raising her chin to see thru both eyes equally. The doctor also said unlike some people she has learned to only raise one eyebrow when trying to see, which I thought was a plus but she quickly said it wasn't. So they have decided to do the levator sling operation where they would put incisions above her eyebrow and top eyelash then insert slings (like rubberbands) to make those muscles work. I've been told that its better to do the surgery while she's young and to keep her from having vision problems but a part of me is hoping that it would get better on its own. Its just hard for me to imagine my 8 month having surgery which is outpatient btw.

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More Answers

C.M.

answers from St. Louis on

I do not have any words of widsom here, only that if you trust your doctor, then I think it sounds like it's the best. Better now when she's small and can't ask you why she has to be in pain, or be put under, or can't touch her eyes, etc. It's sad for you because she is so small (and that is completely understandable!) but just think about her having to go to her toddler years/older years with the eye issues if she didn't have it. Get family and friends to keep you company.

I'll keep your daughter and family in my prayers!

J.P.

answers from Stockton on

I am sorry that you are going through this. I know how scary it is to have a child going in for surgery. My son had open heart surgery. I think if I were in your shoes, that I would get it over with now. The younger they are, the less they remember, AND the quicker that they heal. I think that it is harder on us as parents then it is on the kids. They are troopers!! From what I have heard about eye issues, the quicker you take care of them the better. I wish you all the best, and just know that these Dr.'s do this stuff all the time and know what they are doing, so try not to worry because your baby can sense your stress, be calm, and she will be calm. I know - easier said than done, but it is possible!!

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A.F.

answers from Columbus on

I had the surgery on my eye when I was 9 months. I would turn my head to the side to focus. If I wouldn't have had the surgery I could have had neck problems from always holding my head sideways. I didn't have any complications. I recommend getting the surgery.

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A.H.

answers from New York on

do it while she is young.. if you want get a second opinion.. make sure you use a pediatric dr. and pediatric anesteeologist... (spelling sorry) Make sure you are happy with the dr... before you do anything.. but get it done soon.. eyes are important.

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