Coping With Retinopathy of Prematurity

My son Santino was born at 26 weeks age of gestation. I was 38 years old and he was my first born child. He stayed at NICU for 3 1/2 months. He was hooked to a ventilator for 1 1/2 months and it was gradually removed after he had heart sugery (PDA ligation). He had also pseudomonas infection during his stay in the hospital but he never should any weakness. He always cry when he is hungry he was very active. Sometimes I was the one who is weak and times I want to give up because of financial problem but my son never gave up.

1 week before he was dischaged he was diagnosed to have Stage 3 retinopathy and need laser surgery. Three times he had laser surgery and we have to bring him monthly to the ophthalmologist for check-up. After 2 months of his laser surgery there was noted an hemorrhage on his left eye. Fortunately the hemorrhage regressed although it was noted to have bands which is also a threat for detachment of the retina. Patiently we visit our doctor monthly and now the bands was gone.

Last Monday we check if he needs glasses and true enough he needs one but I surprised that he had a vision of 400. I’m just afraid that during adulthood he would still have problem with his ROP.

He celebrated his birthday last July and he is a very handsome boy. Very active and very intelligent. I know we will both get through with all our problems together.

I know I’m still fortunate that my son can see.