Ophthalmologist #1

We went to meet Dr. Fishman today. She is a pediatric ophthalmologist that came recommended to us by a few people. The appointment went good! First, they dilated Brody's eyes and took some family history down. They had a spray for his eyes instead of drops. I was wondering how they were going to get drops in a baby's eyes. The spray looked like it was a lot easier to use.

Dr. Fishman used a light and a little magnifying glass thingy-majig to look into Brody's eyes. With Retnis Pigmentosa (what will cause his vision loss), there is clumping of pigment in the eyes. She explained that this is what starts the night vision loss. Brody didn't seem to mind the lights in his eyes. He even slept through the first part of it. Dr. Fishman said everything looks good right now. He is tracking exactly how he should be, his optical nerve looks perfect and pink, and his vessels don't look too narrow. Overall, she gave him a clean bill of health and said his eyes look great right now!

She made some recommendations to help the future outlook. One was to get an ERG done at the Kentucky Lions. She doesn't know if they will do the test on a baby even though she felt it was probably easier the smaller they are. Dr. Fishman is going to call and see about it. The second thing she wants us to do is give Brody cod liver oil. It has natural Vitamin A in it. Some research we have found on Usher's shows that Vitamin A intake can help the vision stay intacked longer. You have to be careful not to get too much though. It can affect other organs. Jordan and I want a second opinion on it before we give any to Brody though! Last, she said she had never had a patient with Usher's before, so she wants all of us to do more research on different parts of it.

Overall, we liked her. We have an appointment with Dr. Franklin next week. He is Dr. Douglas' partner. Dr. Douglas has been recommended to us from A LOT of people, but we couldn't get in to see him till the end of January. He had to cancel his appointment with us today due to him being sick.

Brody has a busy week ahead! Six different Christmases! He'll be traveling to St. Louis to see the Massey side (mom's side). Then, on to Cincinnati/Dayton to see the Fromholts and Winkles (Daddy's side) as well as some of Mommy's sorority sisters. Then, back to Louisville with Mommy and Daddy for Santa gifts. Finally, Grandma, Papa Brown, Aunt Sara, and Uncle Dany will be coming over for Christmas brunch! Worn out yet??? Brody is...