Little Spence

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a potentially blinding disease affecting the retinas in premature infants. The retinas are the light-sensitive linings of the insides of the eyes. In infants born prematurely, the blood vessels that supply the retinas are not yet completely developed. Although blood vessel growth continues after birth, these vessels may develop in an abnormal, disorganized pattern, known as ROP. In some affected infants, the changes associated with ROP spontaneously subside. However, in others, ROP may lead to bleeding, scarring of the retina, retinal detachment and visual loss. Even in cases in which ROP changes cease or regress spontaneously, affected children may have an increased risk of certain eye (ocular) abnormalities, including nearsightedness, misalignment of the eyes (strabismus), and/or future retinal detachment. The two major risk factors for ROP are a low birth weight and premature delivery.

The reason I included the information on ROP is because this morning I was informed by Spence's Nurse that his eyes are in the early stages of ROP. The Eye Doctor is going to keep an eye on our little Spence and the ROP, hopefully it wont progress any further than stage one. His Nurse said that stage one can usually resolve itself but as it says in the information on ROP it could lead to damage later on in life. I asked his Nurse if him being on the Vent and other breathing machines could have caused the ROP. She said that and extended time on Oxygen can affect the eye's of premature babies, so it is very possible that his being on the Vent so long could have contributed to this Diagnosis. Sometimes ROP can just happen because of prematurity or low birth weight, and poor Spence fits into that catagory. As of right now Spence is doing well with his feedings, he is now up to 9cc's. He still hasn't had a good poopy diaper but he is definitely working on one. They have also done another brain scan and there have not been any changes. Spence still has two small brain bleeds that are at a stage two. The docotor's and Nurse's tell me that stage two isn't really that bad and that babies with stage two can go home with them. Spence will have to be continually monitored once he comes home to make sure that they resolve themselves and not get any worse. Seeing as he has had them for a while now, I don't forsee them getting any worse but we of course will be cautious. Little Spence is growing bigger each and every day, he is so sweet and loves to be held. I am praying that all that he is going through with his eyes,his breathing and stomach issues as well as his brain bleeds will be resolved with the help of Heavenly Father. I know that all things are possible through him, we just have to have Faith in him to know that whatever the outcome, that it is His will. I love each and every one of you and thank you from the bottom of my heart for your continued prayers on our little Spence's behalf. We know he feels them because he is making it through.