Luke was diagnosed with stage I ROP which means he has mildly abnormal blood vessel growth in his eyes. The doctor explained that most children who have stage I improve with no treatment and eventually develop normal vision. Luke’s eyes will be examined again in 2 weeks to assess whether the blood vessels are continuing to extend out into the periphery of the retina. Of course we hang on every word the staff and doctors say so today after the eye exam I was encouraged by the opthalmologist who reported, “He’ll do fine, he’ll do fine. I’ll see him in 2 weeks but he’ll do fine.”
Luke’s weight today was 4 lbs 3 oz. They have decided to try rice cereal again due to his frequent episodes of reflux. He is also not tolerating the bottle as well as he did on the first couple of trials…he gags and chokes during the bottle trials now. This is very typical of a baby Luke’s gestational age so we are trying not to be discouraged…we’re very optimistic that he’ll master the suck, swallow, breathe pattern as time marches on. As he grows and matures we also know the reflux will improve as well. In time, in time!
“Do not be afraid, for I am with you.” Isaiah 43:5