Jake's surgery

As most of you know our little one Jake was diagnosed with a rare genetic eye disorder which left him almost completely blind. After seeing a retina specialist it was determined that surgery would be needed in order to give Jake the best chance at sight. There was no promise of sight for Jake but there was a good chance that with surgery, glasses and a lot of therapy there may be some sight. This is a progressive genetic disorder so this may be a life long battle for our little man.
Basically Jake's retina's were completely detached in both eyes preventing him from seeing. There was fluid build up between the retina and the lens blocking his vision. The surgery would remove the fluid and reattach the retina.

Last week we brought Jake to Children's hospital in St.Paul for his two surgeries.. One was scheduled for Thursday and one was scheduled for Friday. Jake and were going to be stay at Children's from Thursday through Saturday. We got to Children's Thursday afternoon to get Jake prepped for surgery.

Jake and Daddy getting ready


The surgery took about 2 hours. It felt like it was about 10 hours. Brent and I were nervous wrecks. Neither of us were prepared for what Jake was going to look like. The surgeon came out after the surgery and said that she was able to reattach the retinas but that she was not expecting the damage that was already done. His retinas were badly damaged. She said that it looks like his eyes have been like this since they were formed in the womb. She did give us some hope by saying that the retinas were attaching like they should. Unfortunately it would be 4-6 months before we Will know if the surgery was a success.

Because the retina is so sensitive there is only so much you can do in one surgery without pushing it too much and causing more damage.

Our baby boy after his first surgery

In his room after the first surgery

Grandma and Jake. I love how he is holding her necklace.

The second surgery went well. The retinas in this eye were the same as the other. One eye isn't better than the other.

After his second surgery.. He is starting a stuffed animal collection.

Night night sweet pea

I thought his little feet were so cute and sad all at the same time.

On our right home.. Finally sprung from the big house.

My new nickname for my little sweet pea is buggy

Brent's work sent this.. How thoughtful.

The past few days have been very hard. Buggy is very sore and is also teething. He refuses to eat and cries most of the day. The doctor and surgeon said that is normal for especially after everything his little body has gone through. We are just praying for strength and for a speedy recovery for our little man.

Friday we see the surgeon for a check up. I feel bad saying this but his eyes are not the best thing to look at right now. They look painful. I can't wait for my baby to get his beautiful peepers back. Next month he will be fitted for glasses and we start therapy soon.

Even though this is probably two of many surgeries we are thankful for our family and friends who without them we would be lost.

Brent and I would like to thank our family and friends that came to visit us in the hospital, those that called and those that just let us know they were thinking and praying for us. We are thankful for all the support we have.

Love you all,

Kim