Updates: one month post 360 degree trabeculectomy

It's been a busy week! Aaron has learned to 'crawl' (mix of slithering and scooting) around on the floor so we are having fun chasing him about, plus he is scarfing down three meals per day so not much time for blogging. There has been progress though, a month on from the 360 degree trabeculectomy to treat Aaron's congenital glaucoma.

One month after the 360 degree trabeculectomy 

We had another good visit from the sensory support worker on Friday who was impressed with Aaron's ability to see, track and go after all the fun toys she pulled out of her bag. She felt that his development was right where it should be for his age, which is great news given that he's been through a major surgery. At this point there isn't anything she felt Aaron needed to work on with his vision as we don't have a proper diagnosis of what/how he actually sees so we won't be seeing her again until end of January once we have the results from the December exam under anaesthesia (EUA). However she said if he ends up with just a squint, we won't need the sensory support service which completely makes sense.

In terms of our own observations, there have been a few things lately:

Thursday we went to Bluewater, a huge shopping centre, and Aaron rode in his buggy sitting up with both eyes open and looking around. This was the first time in a very long time he hasn't had a tantrum when he's been awake in his buggy. Before the congenital glaucoma started affecting him, he loved a good buggy ride and would stare at the sky out his 'moon roof'. From September onwards he would only sleep in it and any exposure to sunlight would cause screaming. Since the surgery he has been even less agreeable about the buggy rides unless he's sleeping. Most walks lately have ended with me putting him in the carrier facing my chest and simultaneously pushing his buggy. I felt very encouraged by the Thursday ride even though it was indoors.

On Friday I took Aaron out in his carrier and he was facing outwards when we walked into a bright patch of sunlight (we were crossing the street, it was unavoidable unfortunately). I turned away from the sun as quickly but he didn't cry at all! I couldn't see his face so it's probable that he closed his eyes but still, him not screaming was a major milestone. We then met up with a friend who commented on how good Aaron's eyes looked.

We had another huge milestone on Friday in that it was the last day we had to give him Maxitrol (antibiotic/anti-inflammatory drops) four times per day. This is very happy news as we only have to give him drops two times per day now (Pilocarpine to keep the pressure under control). Between the drops, all the feedings and the general dislike of sunlight it has been tricky to leave the house lately. I'm hoping we are on the path to being about to get out more. Now to get him to the point where he can eat solids in public without getting puree on everything within a three-foot radius, ha ha.