Abby news

Abby’s eyes are getting worse. The ROP or Retinopathy of Prematurity is basically abnormal blood vessels that form in Abby’s eyes. Sometimes these blood vessels just stop growing and no treatment is needed, but in Abby’s case they continue to grow and are getting bigger. If this continues, Abby can go blind. The treatment is laser surgery that will kill these abnormal blood vessels. The eye doctor says this works 3 out of 4 times. Abby will lose some of her peripheral vision from the surgery but it will preserve her central line of sight vision. The surgery will happen sometime this week. We’re not sure exactly when. Abby will have to stop her feeding and have an IV put in for some supplemental nutrition fluids after she recovers from the surgery. Thankfully, she won’t have to have the breathing tube put back in her throat, but this is definitely a big step backward.

Abby is also continuing to have a bit of trouble with her suck, swallow, breathe coordination. She is picking it up, but very very slowly. The developmental therapist has increased Abby’s bottle feeding attempts so she gets more practice. She is taking a bottle twice during the day shift, and once at night. On a positive note, Abby is still gaining weight each day, she is still breathing on her own and she’s getting cuter every minute. We really need everyone’s prayers…again, to get through this eye surgery. Kelly and I are both very worried about the whole thing.

Please pray that the surgery will go well and be a success.
Take care, Us