Surgery

Last Wednesday, Braden went on his first adventurous trip to the Operating Room. I had been sick to my stomach for about a month in anticipation of it all. But, we made it, and here he is in pre-op.

He went in to have ear tubes put in his ears after tirelessly fighting ear infection after ear infection since December. What a brave boy he was, because he went with the doctors as happy as could be (although this could be due to the meds they gave him) and even helped the nurse put on his oxygen mask.

After the surgery was done, Braden's amazing eye doctors (retina specialists) did a test on his eyes to see if his retinas are what is causing his Nystagmus. They confirmed that there is some degree of abnormality in the cones and rods of the retinas, and that is what is causing the Nystagmus. Time will tell how well he can see. There is no treatment at this time for these abnormalities, but a lot of research is being done in that area, so there may be treatment in the future. They are certain it is a genetic condition, so they are trying to find out what gene causes the abnormality.

As he woke up, he wanted to hold his oxygen mask again. Braden, we are so proud to be your parents, and are so lucky to have you as our boy. We love you and are glad you have these doctors in your life to help you with your challenges.