A Visit to the Opthomologist, and a Few Other Things

One of the things on our "to-do" list, courtesy of the Down syndrome medical lists, has been to visit the pediatric opthomologist. I have been putting it off because 1) there is a conflict between vision insurance and medical insurance about who wants to cover such a visit (no one wants to cover it...) 2) it's difficult to find a pediatric opthomologist who takes our insurance and will see children with DS and 3) he doesn't seem to have any real problems with his vision (from my untrained observations). The last time I took Justin in for "just a check" they decided he needed open-heart surgery. So I thought, why look for more problems? But we were chastised in May when we went to the DS Clinic for not having attended to this aspect of his care, so I made the effort and worked though 1, 2 and 3 and got an appointment.


And let me tell you, I got what I expected! He apparently has a congenital condition, not related to DS called myelinated nerve fibers in his left eye. It is usually asymptomatic, but it can cause extreme near-sightedness or crossing of the eyes. There is nothing that fixes it, but he will need to be observed to watch for any decline. If it does cause symptoms, they can be addressed at that time. So this is another doctor we will have to visit in 6 months, just for a check-up. Justin really was a trooper, getting his eyes dilated and then having to sit through swimming lessons in the sun!



On the Travis front, he is excelling in swimming lessons. He managed to jump off the edge and get back to the wall with no help from the teacher. A first for him! His one major issue is still breathing. He can only swim as far as he can hold his breath. He doesn't lift his head up, and if he does, he stops kicking and using his arms, causing him to sink. The teacher taps on his head to remind him to breathe, but still, no big breakthroughs.

I am considering changing around some of Justin's therapy sessions, and I may add OT at the same place Justin receives his other therapies. When I spoke with the receptionist (my major advocate and insurance guru) she said that one of the OTs has already called "dibs" on Justin if he ever adds OT there. Apparently he is in high demand! Another warm fuzzy. That really helps get through my week.

Yesterday we had 2 neighbor boys with us for the day. They are 5 and 7 and they did so well playing with Travis, and even Justin. I have never been more sweaty and tired at the end of the day though! We played outside for several hours and they wanted me (holding Justin) to play tag and baseball with them. It was really lots of fun! But we all got baths before we went to church last night. And as a special treat the boys' mom brought Travis and Justin some really yummy cookies. You know, the kind with lots of icing heaped on, in really bright colors? It was all over Travis' hands and face and he almost needed another bath after eating it. But it was so worth it.