A Few Changes and Tests for B

In September, B got glasses. We had noticed for awhile that he would sometimes look cross-eyed in certain situations. At first we didn't really think much of it, but it soon became more frequent and made us increasingly concerned. We asked out pediatrician about it and he referred us to a pediatric specialist at the Illinois Eye Center. The day of his appointment they did many different tests and also dilated his eyes. He did very well with everything considering it was during his nap time-always scary! The Dr. came in and told us that he would most defiantly need glasses. She said he had a condition called Accommodative Estropia and was also very far sighted. The Estropia means that when he focuses, his eyes strain and turn inward. He was also very far sighted, which means that he has trouble seeing things close up. M and I were very surprised by the diagnosis we received mainly because neither of us wear glasses or contacts or have any sort of eye problems. We just assumed since we had good eyes, our kids would too! It is good that we caught this early. By wearing the glasses, it reduces the effort on his eyes as well as straightens them and allows him to see better. Most likely he will outgrow the Estropia (cross-eyed). He will probably always need glasses to help with the far sightedness. We were a bit concerned with how he would cope with wearing them but he has amazed us with his willingness. They must be working because he wants to wear them all the time which is great! When he first got them we called them his "magic glasses" because they could magically make him see. We think he looks awfully cute :)

 



In October B participated in a sleep study. We have seen an ENT doctor for awhile now. He did B's ear tubes last year and another concern that was brought up was the size of his tonsils. They are HUGE! He has had strep enough times that the doctor said we could consider taking out his tonsils. M and I both felt we weren't ready for such a drastic step and we wanted a little more information to help make our decision. One of the things the ENT doctor wanted to check for was sleep apnea. Kids who have enlarged tonsils can also have sleep apnea-which interrupts their breathing in their sleep. Since B snores, it was estimated that he probably has some degree of sleep apnea, but a sleep study was the best way to determine the extent. So B and I went to the hospital for a night to be monitored and tested. He did so well with them putting all the sticky wires on him. He was even telling the technician which ones to put on next. He was NOT fine with the one that had to go in his nose. That was a big struggle and really made him mad and uncomfortable. This picture was taken before the big meltdown over the nose pieces. He slept well considering all the things hooked up to him. He did wake up once and pull the nose pieces out, so Mommy stayed awake holding his hands the rest of the night so we wouldn't have to endure that battle again! The next week we went back for our follow up appointment where they confirmed he does have sleep apnea. It is in the mild category but still could cause him problems in the future. They say the cure for most children with sleep apnea is to remove the tonsils. So we will plan to meet with our ENT again to discuss what the next step is.