another surgery?

[Guest guest]

Wow Bill,

Are you regularly getting water in your ears? You do not have good ears to be a swimmer!!! It sounds like you need an otologist to have a look at that ear because it sounds like it is probably back. I'm sorry for your difficulties. Let us know how it goes.

Dorothy

Another Surgery?

Hi All,Bill here. I'm a 39 y.o. who has had both eardrums replaced before. My background is as follows. I am a Naval Aircrewman/Rescue Swimmer that gets a annual flight physical every year. In June of 2000, I failed my hearing test and was sent to the Audiologist who in turn sent me to ENT. ENT said both my eardrums were concaved (curved inward) and needed tubes in my ears. Being a Rescue Swimmer, ENT elected to replace the eardrums. In March of 2001, my right ear was operated on for cholesteatoma of the mastiod and middle ear. My incus was removed and never replaced. In October of 2001, my left ear was operated on for the concave eardrum only (No cholesteatoma). I have NEVER had a follow up surgery in either ear. In April of 2002, the flight surgeon said my ears were good to go. I arrived in my present command on March 12, 2003 aboard an aircraft carrier. After a month of being on an aircraft carrier (high noise enviroment), my right ear now hurts and the flight surgeon says the eardrum is gray and cloudy. He also says that the pain is anatomical and not a virus or ear infection. Hearing is muffled/difficult and I also have a constant high pitch (ringing) in my right ear. This has been going on for about 3 weeks. I am unable to see ENT for another 10 days. Can someone give me some insight on might what be going on with my right ear? Does it sound like an reoccurance of cholesteatoma? If so, is another surgery a possibilty? Thank you to all who read and reply.

[Guest guest]

HI Bill

I guess it would compromise the your work if you do have a serious run in with ctoma. Since you've had this condition before you'd be prone to get it again and you almost certainly would have to have more surgery. Obviously a suspicion but there's no sure way of telling whether it is ctoma until you caan be seen by an ENT. It strikes me that the symptoms you have could also describe fluid behind the eardrum. I'm not sure how good flight surgeons are with serious ear diseases but if they're anything like regular doctors... well, they wouldn't be experts. The ringing you mention is tinnitus. It's a something that comes with hearing loss, though for some people it can be brought on or exacerbated by noise exposure.

Good Luck

Phil

[Guest guest]

Hi. This is my first post in this or any network. I have a 12 year

old daughter who was born with blepharophimosis syndrome. She

underwent 2 surgical procedures to cosmetically correct this problem

at 2 and 3 years old. Although her appearance has improved remarkably

from infancy (her case was severe), she is still unhappy and totally

self-conscious about her appearance and would like to have another

surgery to achieve greater results. Her opthomologist recommends

waiting until she has fully grown, but I am thinking of rushing the

surgery somewhat. She is at the age where appearance is " everything "

and wants to look like everyone else. She cries about her looks almost

daily, and is obsessed with changing them. I am amazed that with all

the improvements made in cosmetic plastic surgery, it is still so

difficult to achieve normal looking results in correcting this

syndrome. Also, her ears protrude, which is a common trait of this

condition. Of course, she is begging for that surgery as well.

Do doctors/surgeons post on this site? I would love some input and

recommendations regarding another surgery. I am also curious about

the new " threading " procedure to lift the upper eyelid, and if it is

successful in treating blepharophimosis.

I am open to any and all input, and thank you in advance for sharing it.

[Guest guest]

Hi ! Thanks so much for sharing your experiences of growing up with BPES. You have obviously evolved into a very strong, confident adult despite the painful experiences you endured in your childhood. You have given me hope that this syndrome my prove to be a blessing, as my daughter's character is strengthened through each struggle she encounters. happyappykd <happyappykd@...> wrote: Hello Donna, I love reading Rob's emails too! I haven't posted in a while but something in your email evoked a response and I thought I would

give a girl's perspective! First, please know that what I say is strictly based on my own experience. I have BPES and so does my daughter who is two years old. I was maliciously teased every day of the first grade and even now it is hard to think about. A group of kids would wait for me each day as I would leave from school just to laugh, point, and call me names. Luckily we moved the next year to another state and the teasing subsided some but kids constantly asked what was wrong with me. Because my nickname seemed to be "Chinese Eyes" everywhere I went (even from state to state) I began telling everyone that my father was Chinese. Suddenly the teasing stopped because I guess it was an easier explanation than a birth defect, which is what I thought it was at the time. I say all of this not because I want to compare sad stories but because I want to encourage you to

keep doing what you are doing! You are helping your daughter immensly by telling her what is most important, her inner beauty. Also, the fact that you don't automatically dismiss her interest in additional surgery makes her realize that you take her seriously. She may never decide to have another surgery but the fact that you support her desires, even at the age of twelve speaks volumes about your relationship. By the time I was in junior high the teasing completely stopped and I rarely receive any remarks or questions about my eyes today. In fact since having my daughter, many of my friends had no idea that I even had BPES much less could pass it along to my daughter. But even though the teasing stopped just as I reached my teens, the teasing I received so early on was still engrained in my self- image. If it wasn't for my mother, I would have grown up to be a completely

different person. I am confident in how I look and who I am and I don't think I am less of a person. That is what you will do for your daughter. I know appearance is everything to her now, but your encouraging words are what will be everything to her when she grows up! Hi dhaskins214 (catchy name, that), > > Nobody has answered so far, which is unusual, so I'll bite... > > > Hi. This is my first post in this or any network. > > Congratulations on taking the plunge. The evil InterWeb thingy is > becoming so predatory these days that I can fully empathise with your

> hitherto reticence. > > > I have a 12 year > > old daughter who was born with blepharophimosis syndrome. She > > underwent 2 surgical procedures to cosmetically correct this problem > > at 2 and 3 years old. Although her appearance has improved remarkably > > from infancy (her case was severe), she is still unhappy and totally > > self-conscious about her appearance and would like to have another > > surgery to achieve greater results. Her opthomologist recommends > > waiting until she has fully grown, but I am thinking of rushing the > > surgery somewhat. > > What is it about her appearance that concerns her? There seems to be a > wide range of not only initial severity, but also post-surgical results. > For example, my initial state was

severe, yet, even though my surgery > was done almost 40 years ago when techniques were experimental > especially here in the far-flung colonies, I'm happy with the results. > And I've met folks with similar results. But I've also met folks with > initially milder cases whose surgical results were less effective. > > > She is at the age where appearance is "everything" > > and wants to look like everyone else. She cries about her looks almost > > daily, and is obsessed with changing them. > > Having never been, nor had, a 12-year-old daughter, it's hard for me to > comment. My impression as an "outsider", though, is that such creatures > obsess about their appearance whether BPES-enhanced or not. However I > have been, and had, a 12-year-old son (close, but no cigar, eh?),

both > with severe/mild BPES respectively, and I can tell you that for us it > passed. Not much of a consolation for a girly, perhaps. > > > I am amazed that with all > > the improvements made in cosmetic plastic surgery, it is still so > > difficult to achieve normal looking results in correcting this > > syndrome. > > My experience is that it depends more on the skills of the individual > surgeon than on the state of the art as a whole. > > > Also, her ears protrude, which is a common trait of this > > condition. > > Interesting. I will neither confirm nor deny that my son and I also > possess and cherish this particularly joyous advantage of > BPES-enhancement. Again, more serious for girlies no doubt. > > > Of course, she is

begging for that surgery as well. > > > > Do doctors/surgeons post on this site? > > I believe there are about 3 doctors who pop up here occasionally, but I > don't think they're occuloplastic surgeons or even mere ophthalmologists. > > > I would love some input and > > recommendations regarding another surgery. > > Depends... (see above) > > > I am also curious about > > the new "threading" procedure to lift the upper eyelid, and if it is > > successful in treating blepharophimosis. > > What procedure would that be, exactly? I had a "threading" procedure > nearly 40 years ago to treat ptosis, and it was quite successful in > treating the 'P'tosis part of BPES (but not the 'B' or 'E' parts of > course). Hardly what I'd

call 'new', so I'm intrigued about what you're > referring to. > > > I am open to any and all input, and thank you in advance for sharing it. > > You're welcome. > > Rob W > Oz (We're into the quarter finals! woot! How did THAT happen?) > > > > > > --------------------------------- > Sports Fantasy Football '06 - Go with the leader. Start your league today! >

Messenger with Voice. PC-to-Phone calls for ridiculously low rates.

[Guest guest]

Yo, Donna,

> Hi Rob! I loved your upbeat (and only) e-mail - it put a smile on my

> face! I was actually beginning to get a complex, as nobody seemed

> interested in my problem.

It might not be uninterest on folks's part - there have been threads on

this subject here before. Rather, it is a very difficult problem (and

one that we shouldn't belittle), and something that, I think, we are all

stumped about. I sense a couple of dozen " I don't know what to say " s and

much head scratching around the world might have been the response. And

parents certainly feel their kids' pain.

My mother used to say " Just ignore them. " Ha! Easier said than done,

mum. But there were options available to me that are probably not

available to your daughter (i.e. it's harder to mock someone who has

fattened your lip or blackened your eye, if you catch my drift!).

> Perhaps my post sounded quite superficial, as

> it emphasized only the " appearance " aspect of the syndrome.

I think people tend to emphasise small differences. And BPES is,

overall, a small difference, but one that is quite visible. I console

myself with the thought that there are plenty of much worse things

( " There but for the grace of God go I " , etc) one could have, like facial

burns, a hare-lip, a big 'birth mark', being female (just kidding,

ladies!), etc.

> Also, it

> seems as though most of the people who post on this forum are parents of

> infants and younger children, so it is difficult for them to relate to

> my concerns.

It's when kids are young that they are likely to be having their

corrective surgeries, and so their parents need information and support.

Then there's a lull until those kids reach high school age, as ours

have, and different problems arise. Then we oldies start getting droopy

lids and so forth.

> We have never in our lives (family included)

> met a person who has this condition.

I think most BPES-enhanced folks never 'accidentally' meet another. I

haven't either.

> Yes, I agree that my daughter will probably find another area that she

> is not happy with even after her next eye surgery.

I guess the consolation there would be that those new concerns are ones

she can have in common with her friends, and that you can talk to other

parents about.

> I have spent the

> last 12 years expressing to her the importance of " inner beauty " , and I

> tell her that she is beautiful constantly, but all she sees when she

> looks in the mirror is what is different than everyone else. (Which I

> believe makes her even more beautiful!)

Exactly. In that vein, http://www.trulybeautiful.org/ is actually a web

site set up by a BPES-enhanced person.

> As far as the threading procedure, I saw something on

> TV where while the patient was wide awake, they entered the eyelid

> through 3 small holes on the brow, and lifted the upper eyelid in

> minutes. No scarring, puffiness, bruising or down time. It sounds

> similar to my daughter's 2nd surgery as well, but apparently it is a new

> cosmetic procedure.

Hmmm. Sounds identical to the standard sling operation that I had done

in the 60s (want to see my brow scars?), and they're still doing today.

Different materials sometimes these days (silicone instead of fascia

lata, for example), and same-day recovery, but the basic technique is

the same.

> Again, thanks for responding. I would love to see photos of you and

> your son.

My photos are on the site in the 'Rob W' album. It's useful to

warn children that if they don't [eat their vegetables / do their

homework / whatever you want them to do], that they'll end up looking

like this old geezer/pervert/genius/whatever.

Give my regards to (Family Guy) next time you're in

Quahog, RI.

Rob W

Oz (Lose, Italy!)

[Guest guest]

and Donna You have me in tears!! I completely whole heartedly agree..... Love clare Herts UKhappyappykd <happyappykd@...> wrote: Hello Donna,I love reading Rob's emails too! I haven't posted in a while but something in your email evoked a response and I thought I would give a girl's perspective!First, please know that what I say is strictly based on my own experience. I have BPES and so does my daughter who is two years old. I was maliciously

teased every day of the first grade and even now it is hard to think about. A group of kids would wait for me each day as I would leave from school just to laugh, point, and call me names. Luckily we moved the next year to another state and the teasing subsided some but kids constantly asked what was wrong with me. Because my nickname seemed to be "Chinese Eyes" everywhere I went (even from state to state) I began telling everyone that my father was Chinese. Suddenly the teasing stopped because I guess it was an easier explanation than a birth defect, which is what I thought it was at the time.I say all of this not because I want to compare sad stories but because I want to encourage you to keep doing what you are doing! You are helping your daughter immensly by telling her what is most important, her inner beauty. Also, the fact that you don't automatically dismiss her interest in additional surgery makes her

realize that you take her seriously. She may never decide to have another surgery but the fact that you support her desires, even at the age of twelve speaks volumes about your relationship.By the time I was in junior high the teasing completely stopped and I rarely receive any remarks or questions about my eyes today. In fact since having my daughter, many of my friends had no idea that I even had BPES much less could pass it along to my daughter. But even though the teasing stopped just as I reached my teens, the teasing I received so early on was still engrained in my self-image. If it wasn't for my mother, I would have grown up to be a completely different person. I am confident in how I look and who I am and I don't think I am less of a person. That is what you will do for your daughter. I know appearance is everything to her now, but your encouraging words are what will be everything to her when she

grows up! Hi dhaskins214 (catchy name, that),> > Nobody has answered so far, which is unusual, so I'll bite...> > > Hi. This is my first post in this or any network.> > Congratulations on taking the plunge. The evil InterWeb thingy is > becoming so predatory these days that I can fully empathise with your > hitherto reticence.> > > I have a 12 year> > old daughter who was born with blepharophimosis syndrome. She> > underwent 2 surgical procedures to cosmetically correct this problem> > at 2 and 3 years old. Although her appearance has improved remarkably> > from infancy (her case was severe), she is still unhappy and totally> > self-conscious about her appearance and would like to have another> > surgery to achieve greater results. Her

opthomologist recommends> > waiting until she has fully grown, but I am thinking of rushing the> > surgery somewhat.> > What is it about her appearance that concerns her? There seems to be a > wide range of not only initial severity, but also post-surgical results. > For example, my initial state was severe, yet, even though my surgery > was done almost 40 years ago when techniques were experimental > especially here in the far-flung colonies, I'm happy with the results. > And I've met folks with similar results. But I've also met folks with > initially milder cases whose surgical results were less effective.> > > She is at the age where appearance is "everything"> > and wants to look like everyone else. She cries about her looks almost> > daily, and is obsessed with changing them.> > Having never been, nor had,

a 12-year-old daughter, it's hard for me to > comment. My impression as an "outsider", though, is that such creatures > obsess about their appearance whether BPES-enhanced or not. However I > have been, and had, a 12-year-old son (close, but no cigar, eh?), both > with severe/mild BPES respectively, and I can tell you that for us it > passed. Not much of a consolation for a girly, perhaps.> > > I am amazed that with all> > the improvements made in cosmetic plastic surgery, it is still so> > difficult to achieve normal looking results in correcting this> > syndrome.> > My experience is that it depends more on the skills of the individual > surgeon than on the state of the art as a whole.> > > Also, her ears protrude, which is a common trait of this> > condition.> > Interesting. I will neither confirm nor

deny that my son and I also > possess and cherish this particularly joyous advantage of > BPES-enhancement. Again, more serious for girlies no doubt.> > > Of course, she is begging for that surgery as well.> > > > Do doctors/surgeons post on this site?> > I believe there are about 3 doctors who pop up here occasionally, but I > don't think they're occuloplastic surgeons or even mere ophthalmologists.> > > I would love some input and> > recommendations regarding another surgery.> > Depends... (see above)> > > I am also curious about> > the new "threading" procedure to lift the upper eyelid, and if it is> > successful in treating blepharophimosis.> > What procedure would that be, exactly? I had a "threading" procedure > nearly 40 years ago to treat ptosis, and it was quite successful

in > treating the 'P'tosis part of BPES (but not the 'B' or 'E' parts of > course). Hardly what I'd call 'new', so I'm intrigued about what you're > referring to.> > > I am open to any and all input, and thank you in advance for sharing it.> > You're welcome.> > Rob W> Oz (We're into the quarter finals! woot! How did THAT happen?)> > > > > > ---------------------------------> Sports Fantasy Football '06 - Go with the leader. Start your league today!>

Talk is cheap. Use Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. Great rates starting at 1¢/min.

[Guest guest]

Hi again, Rob! I am mainly keeping this post going because I love reading your mail so much. For my Friday night entertainment (no life), I actually read through your old responses. It was more enjoyable than going out to a nightclub with friends! Honestly though, I have learned more about bleph through your interaction in this group, than all of the research available on the web! You are truly a helpful support in all areas of this rare syndrome! As I believe there are no "accidents" in life, you were "chosen" to have this condition to help and support others. Your great humor, keen insight, and most importantly, fun nature, have made this syndrome easier for me to accept.You are absolutley correct in the fact that this condition was mainly an issue at birth, then calmed down, eventually creeping up again in the pre-teen years. I have totally accepted this syndrome of my daughters, and am greatful that it is basically

just a cosmetic concern. ( I have actually thanked God for that many times! ) There are by far many worse defects that can affect children. Unfortunately, the "cosmetic" aspect has become an issue at this point in my daughter's life. Luckily, plastic surgery is all the rage now, kind of like changing one's hairstyle, so we are living in the perfect era for correcting facial abnormalities.I have learned that "threading" is a temporary fix for a mini face-lift. I think I watch too many of those foolish "make-me-beautiful-quick" shows! They will probably perform that procedure in spas soon! Count me out!I may run a few questions/concerns by you as they come up in the future, as you are easier (and sometimes more knowledgable) than doctors to speak to regarding BPES. I am sure I will have many foolish questions that arise before I meet with our Opthomologist/Plastic Surgeon in September.Love the website you

directed me to! - I wish I could send it to all the bullies at school and teach them a more valuable lesson than any textbook could supply. It seems as though many children's attitudes about appearance are far more defective than my daughter's eyes!Thanks again for easing so many concerns in such a short amount of time, and for keeping me

entertained in the process. Laughter really IS the best medicine!p.s. How do you know ANYTHING about Rhode Island? Most people have never heard of us! Rob <r.watson@...> wrote: Yo, Donna, > Hi Rob! I loved your upbeat (and only) e-mail - it put a smile on my > face! I was actually beginning to get a complex, as nobody seemed > interested in my problem. It might not be uninterest on folks's part - there have been threads on this subject here before. Rather, it is a very difficult problem

(and one that we shouldn't belittle), and something that, I think, we are all stumped about. I sense a couple of dozen "I don't know what to say"s and much head scratching around the world might have been the response. And parents certainly feel their kids' pain. My mother used to say "Just ignore them." Ha! Easier said than done, mum. But there were options available to me that are probably not available to your daughter (i.e. it's harder to mock someone who has fattened your lip or blackened your eye, if you catch my drift!). > Perhaps my post sounded quite superficial, as > it emphasized only the "appearance" aspect of the syndrome. I think people tend to emphasise small differences. And BPES is, overall, a small difference, but one that is quite visible. I console myself with the thought that there are plenty of much worse things ("There but for the grace of God go I", etc) one

could have, like facial burns, a hare-lip, a big 'birth mark', being female (just kidding, ladies!), etc. > Also, it > seems as though most of the people who post on this forum are parents of > infants and younger children, so it is difficult for them to relate to > my concerns. It's when kids are young that they are likely to be having their corrective surgeries, and so their parents need information and support. Then there's a lull until those kids reach high school age, as ours have, and different problems arise. Then we oldies start getting droopy lids and so forth. > We have never in our lives (family included) > met a person who has this condition. I think most BPES-enhanced folks never 'accidentally' meet another. I haven't either. > Yes, I agree that my daughter will probably find another area that she > is not happy with even after her

next eye surgery. I guess the consolation there would be that those new concerns are ones she can have in common with her friends, and that you can talk to other parents about. > I have spent the > last 12 years expressing to her the importance of "inner beauty", and I > tell her that she is beautiful constantly, but all she sees when she > looks in the mirror is what is different than everyone else. (Which I > believe makes her even more beautiful!) Exactly. In that vein, http://www.trulybeautiful.org/ is actually a web site set up by a BPES-enhanced person. > As far as the threading procedure, I saw something on > TV where while the patient was wide awake, they entered the eyelid > through 3 small holes on the brow, and lifted the upper eyelid in > minutes. No scarring, puffiness, bruising or down time. It

sounds > similar to my daughter's 2nd surgery as well, but apparently it is a new > cosmetic procedure. Hmmm. Sounds identical to the standard sling operation that I had done in the 60s (want to see my brow scars?), and they're still doing today. Different materials sometimes these days (silicone instead of fascia lata, for example), and same-day recovery, but the basic technique is the same. > Again, thanks for responding. I would love to see photos of you and > your son. My photos are on the site in the 'Rob W' album. It's useful to warn children that if they don't [eat their vegetables / do their homework / whatever you want them to do], that they'll end up looking like this old geezer/pervert/genius/whatever. Give my regards to (Family Guy) next time you're in Quahog, RI. Rob W Oz (Lose, Italy!) __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Just wanted to say thank you for sharing.

Definitely having my daughter born with BPES was for me, the most

painful part of having it. Same as , many of my friends and

coworkers didn't know I had BPES, they thought my eyes " small " but

didn't think much of it. Neither did I truthfully. I was so excited

during my pregnancy, and I really thought Lily wouldn't have it.

Well, I was wrong but I am glad I didn't spend my pregnancy worrying

or obsessing, it simply does no good.

My mom really helped me, too. She didn't just treat me like I was

special, she made me believe it. I know she had to have felt hurt

many times but she never let me see it. My dad has BPES and he felt

very guilty about it and that hurt me a lot. His family treated him

very badly, I am amazed that he has gotten over the shame they put

on him as much as he has.

I never really let myself think that people treat me a certain way

because of BPES, now sometimes I realize that they might have, but

you just never really know. I am sure many people experience the

same thing ( I mean people without BPES). I did get teased as a

child but what I really disliked was questions, and I think much of

the time I just told people right away, so I didn't have to wait for

them to later question me about it once I started to feel

comfortable with them. Maybe not the best way but much easier for

me.

I actually think the light sensitivity is more annoying than they

way my eyes look. Yes they look different but I really hate the

squinting that I always seem to do outside. My daughter, too. She is

almost two. I am so hopeful things will be easier for her. She is so

far a really great kid. I am so proud of my husband and I am proud

of myself, too, when I realize how far I have come since we realized

Lily has BPES. I admit I am envious of other people who just seem

to " pop " out healthy children so easily. They have no idea the

anxiety others go through.

Hi dhaskins214

> (catchy name, that),

> >

> > Nobody has answered so far, which is unusual, so I'll bite...

> >

> > > Hi. This is my first post in this or any network.

> >

> > Congratulations on taking the plunge. The evil InterWeb thingy

> is

> > becoming so predatory these days that I can fully empathise

with

> your

> > hitherto reticence.

> >

> > > I have a 12 year

> > > old daughter who was born with blepharophimosis syndrome. She

> > > underwent 2 surgical procedures to cosmetically correct this

> problem

> > > at 2 and 3 years old. Although her appearance has improved

> remarkably

> > > from infancy (her case was severe), she is still unhappy and

> totally

> > > self-conscious about her appearance and would like to have

> another

> > > surgery to achieve greater results. Her opthomologist

> recommends

> > > waiting until she has fully grown, but I am thinking of

> rushing the

> > > surgery somewhat.

> >

> > What is it about her appearance that concerns her? There seems

> to be a

> > wide range of not only initial severity, but also post-

surgical

> results.

> > For example, my initial state was severe, yet, even though my

> surgery

> > was done almost 40 years ago when techniques were experimental

> > especially here in the far-flung colonies, I'm happy with the

> results.

> > And I've met folks with similar results. But I've also met

folks

> with

> > initially milder cases whose surgical results were less

> effective.

> >

> > > She is at the age where appearance is " everything "

> > > and wants to look like everyone else. She cries about her

> looks almost

> > > daily, and is obsessed with changing them.

> >

> > Having never been, nor had, a 12-year-old daughter, it's hard

> for me to

> > comment. My impression as an " outsider " , though, is that such

> creatures

> > obsess about their appearance whether BPES-enhanced or not.

> However I

> > have been, and had, a 12-year-old son (close, but no cigar,

> eh?), both

> > with severe/mild BPES respectively, and I can tell you that

for

> us it

> > passed. Not much of a consolation for a girly, perhaps.

> >

> > > I am amazed that with all

> > > the improvements made in cosmetic plastic surgery, it is

still

> so

> > > difficult to achieve normal looking results in correcting

this

> > > syndrome.

> >

> > My experience is that it depends more on the skills of the

> individual

> > surgeon than on the state of the art as a whole.

> >

> > > Also, her ears protrude, which is a common trait of this

> > > condition.

> >

> > Interesting. I will neither confirm nor deny that my son and I

> also

> > possess and cherish this particularly joyous advantage of

> > BPES-enhancement. Again, more serious for girlies no doubt.

> >

> > > Of course, she is begging for that surgery as well.

> > >

> > > Do doctors/surgeons post on this site?

> >

> > I believe there are about 3 doctors who pop up here

> occasionally, but I

> > don't think they're occuloplastic surgeons or even mere

> ophthalmologists.

> >

> > > I would love some input and

> > > recommendations regarding another surgery.

> >

> > Depends... (see above)

> >

> > > I am also curious about

> > > the new " threading " procedure to lift the upper eyelid, and

if

> it is

> > > successful in treating blepharophimosis.

> >

> > What procedure would that be, exactly? I had a " threading "

> procedure

> > nearly 40 years ago to treat ptosis, and it was quite

successful

> in

> > treating the 'P'tosis part of BPES (but not the 'B' or 'E'

parts

> of

> > course). Hardly what I'd call 'new', so I'm intrigued about

what

> you're

> > referring to.

> >

> > > I am open to any and all input, and thank you in advance for

> sharing it.

> >

> > You're welcome.

> >

> > Rob W

> > Oz (We're into the quarter finals! woot! How did THAT happen?)

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > ---------------------------------

> > Sports Fantasy Football '06 - Go with the leader. Start

> your league today!

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hello Beth, I thank you for sharing your story. I wish my daughter had the attitude and confidence that you showed growing up while looking "different". I love your Mom's approach of not showing her pain, and in turn keeping it from hurting you. I agree that the ridicule our children endure probably hurts the parents more. It is also true that many perfectly "normal" children are teased for many other reasons. If it weren't the Bleph Syndrome, there would probably be something else less than "perfect" that would make my daughter uncomfortable. It doesn't help that my she is an extremely sensitive person to begin with, and is a complete and total perfectionist. Many of these "appearance related" concerns she has would be a problem even if her looks were not affected by BPES. I get the feeling that because of your experience of having grown up with this syndrome, your daughter will

have an easier time with it. You are very lucky, and your daughter is lucky to have your support and insight. As far as people's comments (parents usually worse than kids), I have noticed that people actually become embarrassed for asking after you explain what it is. We usually just very casually say "she has droopy eyelids". (They don't need to know the details.) It sounds like such a minor (and obvious) answer, that they look foolish for asking! My daughter just doesn't answer for some reason, and that just seems to make people salivate for more info. I am flattered that they care so much, but I don't get why, as they are usually total strangers. (And will remain that way forever!) Your approach of telling them about the condition before they have a chance to ask is a winner that I never thought of! It immediately relieves the pressure of wondering what they are thinking. I

may tell my daughter to try that one! Yes, I also found myself jealous when everyong seemed to have perfectly healthy babies. And yes, I did find myself thinking "why me"? I also became obsessed with checking out everyone's eyes for size, but found myself becoming hurt and angry because I saw no flaws. That was when I knew that my attitude and acceptance had to change. Now I see my daughter as someone who stands apart from the rest of the kids in a unique and appealing way. My mission is to get her to see herself that way. Thanks again for your words of encouragement. I wish you and your beautiful daughter the best!bethgordon03 <bethgordon03@...> wrote: Just wanted to say thank you for sharing. Definitely having my daughter born with BPES was for me, the most painful part of having it. Same as , many of my friends and coworkers didn't know I had BPES, they thought my eyes "small" but didn't think much of it. Neither did I truthfully. I was so excited during my pregnancy, and I really thought Lily wouldn't have it. Well, I was wrong but I am glad I didn't spend my pregnancy worrying or obsessing, it simply does no good. My mom really helped me, too. She didn't just treat me like I was special, she made me believe it. I know she had to have felt hurt many times but she never let me see it. My dad has BPES and he felt very guilty about it and that hurt me a lot. His family

treated him very badly, I am amazed that he has gotten over the shame they put on him as much as he has. I never really let myself think that people treat me a certain way because of BPES, now sometimes I realize that they might have, but you just never really know. I am sure many people experience the same thing ( I mean people without BPES). I did get teased as a child but what I really disliked was questions, and I think much of the time I just told people right away, so I didn't have to wait for them to later question me about it once I started to feel comfortable with them. Maybe not the best way but much easier for me. I actually think the light sensitivity is more annoying than they way my eyes look. Yes they look different but I really hate the squinting that I always seem to do outside. My daughter, too. She is almost two. I am so hopeful things will be easier for

her. She is so far a really great kid. I am so proud of my husband and I am proud of myself, too, when I realize how far I have come since we realized Lily has BPES. I admit I am envious of other people who just seem to "pop" out healthy children so easily. They have no idea the anxiety others go through. Hi dhaskins214 > (catchy name, that), > > > > Nobody has answered so far, which is unusual, so I'll bite...

> > > > > Hi. This is my first post in this or any network. > > > > Congratulations on taking the plunge. The evil InterWeb thingy > is > > becoming so predatory these days that I can fully empathise with > your > > hitherto reticence. > > > > > I have a 12 year > > > old daughter who was born with blepharophimosis syndrome. She > > > underwent 2 surgical procedures to cosmetically correct this > problem > > > at 2 and 3 years old. Although her appearance has improved > remarkably > > > from infancy (her case was severe), she is still unhappy and > totally > > > self-conscious about her appearance and would like to have > another > > > surgery to achieve greater results. Her opthomologist >

recommends > > > waiting until she has fully grown, but I am thinking of > rushing the > > > surgery somewhat. > > > > What is it about her appearance that concerns her? There seems > to be a > > wide range of not only initial severity, but also post- surgical > results. > > For example, my initial state was severe, yet, even though my > surgery > > was done almost 40 years ago when techniques were experimental > > especially here in the far-flung colonies, I'm happy with the > results. > > And I've met folks with similar results. But I've also met folks > with > > initially milder cases whose surgical results were less > effective. > > > > > She is at the age where appearance is "everything" > > > and wants to

look like everyone else. She cries about her > looks almost > > > daily, and is obsessed with changing them. > > > > Having never been, nor had, a 12-year-old daughter, it's hard > for me to > > comment. My impression as an "outsider", though, is that such > creatures > > obsess about their appearance whether BPES-enhanced or not. > However I > > have been, and had, a 12-year-old son (close, but no cigar, > eh?), both > > with severe/mild BPES respectively, and I can tell you that for > us it > > passed. Not much of a consolation for a girly, perhaps. > > > > > I am amazed that with all > > > the improvements made in cosmetic plastic surgery, it is still > so > > > difficult to achieve normal looking results in correcting

this > > > syndrome. > > > > My experience is that it depends more on the skills of the > individual > > surgeon than on the state of the art as a whole. > > > > > Also, her ears protrude, which is a common trait of this > > > condition. > > > > Interesting. I will neither confirm nor deny that my son and I > also > > possess and cherish this particularly joyous advantage of > > BPES-enhancement. Again, more serious for girlies no doubt. > > > > > Of course, she is begging for that surgery as well. > > > > > > Do doctors/surgeons post on this site? > > > > I believe there are about 3 doctors who pop up here > occasionally, but I > > don't think they're occuloplastic surgeons or even mere

> ophthalmologists. > > > > > I would love some input and > > > recommendations regarding another surgery. > > > > Depends... (see above) > > > > > I am also curious about > > > the new "threading" procedure to lift the upper eyelid, and if > it is > > > successful in treating blepharophimosis. > > > > What procedure would that be, exactly? I had a "threading" > procedure > > nearly 40 years ago to treat ptosis, and it was quite successful > in > > treating the 'P'tosis part of BPES (but not the 'B' or 'E' parts > of > > course). Hardly what I'd call 'new', so I'm intrigued about what > you're > > referring to. > > > > > I am open to any and all input,

and thank you in advance for > sharing it. > > > > You're welcome. > > > > Rob W > > Oz (We're into the quarter finals! woot! How did THAT happen?) > > > > > > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > > Sports Fantasy Football '06 - Go with the leader. Start > your league today! > > >

Messenger with Voice. PC-to-Phone calls for ridiculously low rates.

[Guest guest]

dear beth,

you just wrote directly from my heart and do not know what to say to that.

thanks for your story,

dolph heideman

the netherlands

blepharophimosis Re: another surgery?

> Just wanted to say thank you for sharing.

>

> Definitely having my daughter born with BPES was for me, the most

> painful part of having it. Same as , many of my friends and

> coworkers didn't know I had BPES, they thought my eyes " small " but

> didn't think much of it. Neither did I truthfully. I was so excited

> during my pregnancy, and I really thought Lily wouldn't have it.

> Well, I was wrong but I am glad I didn't spend my pregnancy worrying

> or obsessing, it simply does no good.

>

> My mom really helped me, too. She didn't just treat me like I was

> special, she made me believe it. I know she had to have felt hurt

> many times but she never let me see it. My dad has BPES and he felt

> very guilty about it and that hurt me a lot. His family treated him

> very badly, I am amazed that he has gotten over the shame they put

> on him as much as he has.

>

> I never really let myself think that people treat me a certain way

> because of BPES, now sometimes I realize that they might have, but

> you just never really know. I am sure many people experience the

> same thing ( I mean people without BPES). I did get teased as a

> child but what I really disliked was questions, and I think much of

> the time I just told people right away, so I didn't have to wait for

> them to later question me about it once I started to feel

> comfortable with them. Maybe not the best way but much easier for

> me.

>

> I actually think the light sensitivity is more annoying than they

> way my eyes look. Yes they look different but I really hate the

> squinting that I always seem to do outside. My daughter, too. She is

> almost two. I am so hopeful things will be easier for her. She is so

> far a really great kid. I am so proud of my husband and I am proud

> of myself, too, when I realize how far I have come since we realized

> Lily has BPES. I admit I am envious of other people who just seem

> to " pop " out healthy children so easily. They have no idea the

> anxiety others go through.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi all. I will forward emails to Shireen for posting before and after pics of my daughter Jenna (pre trans nasal wiring and post surgery!) Will send an email as soon as I do this! Love and prayers to all. ~Jen and Jenna Scopp Milford, CT - USA L. Scopp Independent Beauty Consultant Kay, Inc. Inspiring Beauty & Enriching Lives 28 Gerard Street Milford, CT 06460 (203) 878-6099-home (203) 556-2687-cell Shop On line at my web site: www.marykay.com/jscopp

[Guest guest]

Beth, Donna, and Rob

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for sharing your stories!

I can not add much to your conversation because my McKenzie is only

one but I want you to know how helpful this all is for me. I wish

every member of family would get on and read.

Holmes,

Upstate NY, USA

Hi

dhaskins214

> > (catchy name, that),

> > >

> > > Nobody has answered so far, which is unusual, so I'll

bite...

> > >

> > > > Hi. This is my first post in this or any network.

> > >

> > > Congratulations on taking the plunge. The evil InterWeb

thingy

> > is

> > > becoming so predatory these days that I can fully empathise

> with

> > your

> > > hitherto reticence.

> > >

> > > > I have a 12 year

> > > > old daughter who was born with blepharophimosis syndrome.

She

> > > > underwent 2 surgical procedures to cosmetically correct

this

> > problem

> > > > at 2 and 3 years old. Although her appearance has

improved

> > remarkably

> > > > from infancy (her case was severe), she is still unhappy

and

> > totally

> > > > self-conscious about her appearance and would like to

have

> > another

> > > > surgery to achieve greater results. Her opthomologist

> > recommends

> > > > waiting until she has fully grown, but I am thinking of

> > rushing the

> > > > surgery somewhat.

> > >

> > > What is it about her appearance that concerns her? There

seems

> > to be a

> > > wide range of not only initial severity, but also post-

> surgical

> > results.

> > > For example, my initial state was severe, yet, even though

my

> > surgery

> > > was done almost 40 years ago when techniques were

experimental

> > > especially here in the far-flung colonies, I'm happy with

the

> > results.

> > > And I've met folks with similar results. But I've also met

> folks

> > with

> > > initially milder cases whose surgical results were less

> > effective.

> > >

> > > > She is at the age where appearance is " everything "

> > > > and wants to look like everyone else. She cries about her

> > looks almost

> > > > daily, and is obsessed with changing them.

> > >

> > > Having never been, nor had, a 12-year-old daughter, it's

hard

> > for me to

> > > comment. My impression as an " outsider " , though, is that

such

> > creatures

> > > obsess about their appearance whether BPES-enhanced or not.

> > However I

> > > have been, and had, a 12-year-old son (close, but no

cigar,

> > eh?), both

> > > with severe/mild BPES respectively, and I can tell you that

> for

> > us it

> > > passed. Not much of a consolation for a girly, perhaps.

> > >

> > > > I am amazed that with all

> > > > the improvements made in cosmetic plastic surgery, it is

> still

> > so

> > > > difficult to achieve normal looking results in correcting

> this

> > > > syndrome.

> > >

> > > My experience is that it depends more on the skills of the

> > individual

> > > surgeon than on the state of the art as a whole.

> > >

> > > > Also, her ears protrude, which is a common trait of this

> > > > condition.

> > >

> > > Interesting. I will neither confirm nor deny that my son

and I

> > also

> > > possess and cherish this particularly joyous advantage of

> > > BPES-enhancement. Again, more serious for girlies no doubt.

> > >

> > > > Of course, she is begging for that surgery as well.

> > > >

> > > > Do doctors/surgeons post on this site?

> > >

> > > I believe there are about 3 doctors who pop up here

> > occasionally, but I

> > > don't think they're occuloplastic surgeons or even mere

> > ophthalmologists.

> > >

> > > > I would love some input and

> > > > recommendations regarding another surgery.

> > >

> > > Depends... (see above)

> > >

> > > > I am also curious about

> > > > the new " threading " procedure to lift the upper eyelid,

and

> if

> > it is

> > > > successful in treating blepharophimosis.

> > >

> > > What procedure would that be, exactly? I had a " threading "

> > procedure

> > > nearly 40 years ago to treat ptosis, and it was quite

> successful

> > in

> > > treating the 'P'tosis part of BPES (but not the 'B' or 'E'

> parts

> > of

> > > course). Hardly what I'd call 'new', so I'm intrigued about

> what

> > you're

> > > referring to.

> > >

> > > > I am open to any and all input, and thank you in advance

for

> > sharing it.

> > >

> > > You're welcome.

> > >

> > > Rob W

> > > Oz (We're into the quarter finals! woot! How did THAT

happen?)

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > ---------------------------------

> > > Sports Fantasy Football '06 - Go with the leader.

Start

> > your league today!

> > >

> >

>

>

>

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

> Messenger with Voice. PC-to-Phone calls for ridiculously low

rates.

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks for your message. It's really hard being a kid and when you

have a " problem " that you cannot do anything about, which no one

else understands, well, it's just that much harder.

I am a teacher and at least where I work, teachers and parents are

very intolerant of teasing, bullying etc.,. There is much more

openness about talking about issues and differences than there ever

was when I was a child. I think quite simply at my school when I was

little, everyone knew me and they just got used to it. Now my

students see my little girl and say things like your baby looks like

you, or her eyes are shaped like yours, and it sometimes hurts me

but I just say yes, we both have small eyes, sometimes I tell them

the doctor is going to help her open her eyes more. These are young

children.

The weird thing is, you would think that I would have spend my whole

life comparing others eyes but I never really looked until my

daughter was born, and I look at other babies and I see how

different we are. I look at my husband and I can't believe how large

his lids are, etc., I guess some would say I was in denial.

Best wishes

Hi

dhaskins214

> > (catchy name, that),

> > >

> > > Nobody has answered so far, which is unusual, so I'll

bite...

> > >

> > > > Hi. This is my first post in this or any network.

> > >

> > > Congratulations on taking the plunge. The evil InterWeb

thingy

> > is

> > > becoming so predatory these days that I can fully

empathise

> with

> > your

> > > hitherto reticence.

> > >

> > > > I have a 12 year

> > > > old daughter who was born with blepharophimosis

syndrome. She

> > > > underwent 2 surgical procedures to cosmetically correct

this

> > problem

> > > > at 2 and 3 years old. Although her appearance has

improved

> > remarkably

> > > > from infancy (her case was severe), she is still unhappy

and

> > totally

> > > > self-conscious about her appearance and would like to

have

> > another

> > > > surgery to achieve greater results. Her opthomologist

> > recommends

> > > > waiting until she has fully grown, but I am thinking of

> > rushing the

> > > > surgery somewhat.

> > >

> > > What is it about her appearance that concerns her? There

seems

> > to be a

> > > wide range of not only initial severity, but also post-

> surgical

> > results.

> > > For example, my initial state was severe, yet, even though

my

> > surgery

> > > was done almost 40 years ago when techniques were

experimental

> > > especially here in the far-flung colonies, I'm happy with

the

> > results.

> > > And I've met folks with similar results. But I've also met

> folks

> > with

> > > initially milder cases whose surgical results were less

> > effective.

> > >

> > > > She is at the age where appearance is " everything "

> > > > and wants to look like everyone else. She cries about

her

> > looks almost

> > > > daily, and is obsessed with changing them.

> > >

> > > Having never been, nor had, a 12-year-old daughter, it's

hard

> > for me to

> > > comment. My impression as an " outsider " , though, is that

such

> > creatures

> > > obsess about their appearance whether BPES-enhanced or

not.

> > However I

> > > have been, and had, a 12-year-old son (close, but no

cigar,

> > eh?), both

> > > with severe/mild BPES respectively, and I can tell you

that

> for

> > us it

> > > passed. Not much of a consolation for a girly, perhaps.

> > >

> > > > I am amazed that with all

> > > > the improvements made in cosmetic plastic surgery, it is

> still

> > so

> > > > difficult to achieve normal looking results in

correcting

> this

> > > > syndrome.

> > >

> > > My experience is that it depends more on the skills of the

> > individual

> > > surgeon than on the state of the art as a whole.

> > >

> > > > Also, her ears protrude, which is a common trait of this

> > > > condition.

> > >

> > > Interesting. I will neither confirm nor deny that my son

and I

> > also

> > > possess and cherish this particularly joyous advantage of

> > > BPES-enhancement. Again, more serious for girlies no doubt.

> > >

> > > > Of course, she is begging for that surgery as well.

> > > >

> > > > Do doctors/surgeons post on this site?

> > >

> > > I believe there are about 3 doctors who pop up here

> > occasionally, but I

> > > don't think they're occuloplastic surgeons or even mere

> > ophthalmologists.

> > >

> > > > I would love some input and

> > > > recommendations regarding another surgery.

> > >

> > > Depends... (see above)

> > >

> > > > I am also curious about

> > > > the new " threading " procedure to lift the upper eyelid,

and

> if

> > it is

> > > > successful in treating blepharophimosis.

> > >

> > > What procedure would that be, exactly? I had a " threading "

> > procedure

> > > nearly 40 years ago to treat ptosis, and it was quite

> successful

> > in

> > > treating the 'P'tosis part of BPES (but not the 'B' or 'E'

> parts

> > of

> > > course). Hardly what I'd call 'new', so I'm intrigued

about

> what

> > you're

> > > referring to.

> > >

> > > > I am open to any and all input, and thank you in advance

for

> > sharing it.

> > >

> > > You're welcome.

> > >

> > > Rob W

> > > Oz (We're into the quarter finals! woot! How did THAT

happen?)

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > ---------------------------------

> > > Sports Fantasy Football '06 - Go with the leader.

Start

> > your league today!

> > >

> >

>

>

>

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

> Messenger with Voice. PC-to-Phone calls for ridiculously

low rates.

>

[Guest guest]

Beth,

Your email made me laugh out loud because I can completely relate!

I too never paid attention to other's eyes, especially babies' eyes

until Paige was born too. I am so used to looking at myself in the

mirror and not " in action " or from another person's viewpoint that

I truly never realized how different our eyes are and how different

they work. I must also be in denial! Ha!

Hi

> dhaskins214

> > > (catchy name, that),

> > > >

> > > > Nobody has answered so far, which is unusual, so I'll

> bite...

> > > >

> > > > > Hi. This is my first post in this or any network.

> > > >

> > > > Congratulations on taking the plunge. The evil InterWeb

> thingy

> > > is

> > > > becoming so predatory these days that I can fully

> empathise

> > with

> > > your

> > > > hitherto reticence.

> > > >

> > > > > I have a 12 year

> > > > > old daughter who was born with blepharophimosis

> syndrome. She

> > > > > underwent 2 surgical procedures to cosmetically

correct

> this

> > > problem

> > > > > at 2 and 3 years old. Although her appearance has

> improved

> > > remarkably

> > > > > from infancy (her case was severe), she is still

unhappy

> and

> > > totally

> > > > > self-conscious about her appearance and would like to

> have

> > > another

> > > > > surgery to achieve greater results. Her opthomologist

> > > recommends

> > > > > waiting until she has fully grown, but I am thinking

of

> > > rushing the

> > > > > surgery somewhat.

> > > >

> > > > What is it about her appearance that concerns her? There

> seems

> > > to be a

> > > > wide range of not only initial severity, but also post-

> > surgical

> > > results.

> > > > For example, my initial state was severe, yet, even

though

> my

> > > surgery

> > > > was done almost 40 years ago when techniques were

> experimental

> > > > especially here in the far-flung colonies, I'm happy

with

> the

> > > results.

> > > > And I've met folks with similar results. But I've also

met

> > folks

> > > with

> > > > initially milder cases whose surgical results were less

> > > effective.

> > > >

> > > > > She is at the age where appearance is " everything "

> > > > > and wants to look like everyone else. She cries about

> her

> > > looks almost

> > > > > daily, and is obsessed with changing them.

> > > >

> > > > Having never been, nor had, a 12-year-old daughter, it's

> hard

> > > for me to

> > > > comment. My impression as an " outsider " , though, is that

> such

> > > creatures

> > > > obsess about their appearance whether BPES-enhanced or

> not.

> > > However I

> > > > have been, and had, a 12-year-old son (close, but no

> cigar,

> > > eh?), both

> > > > with severe/mild BPES respectively, and I can tell you

> that

> > for

> > > us it

> > > > passed. Not much of a consolation for a girly, perhaps.

> > > >

> > > > > I am amazed that with all

> > > > > the improvements made in cosmetic plastic surgery, it

is

> > still

> > > so

> > > > > difficult to achieve normal looking results in

> correcting

> > this

> > > > > syndrome.

> > > >

> > > > My experience is that it depends more on the skills of

the

> > > individual

> > > > surgeon than on the state of the art as a whole.

> > > >

> > > > > Also, her ears protrude, which is a common trait of

this

> > > > > condition.

> > > >

> > > > Interesting. I will neither confirm nor deny that my son

> and I

> > > also

> > > > possess and cherish this particularly joyous advantage

of

> > > > BPES-enhancement. Again, more serious for girlies no

doubt.

> > > >

> > > > > Of course, she is begging for that surgery as well.

> > > > >

> > > > > Do doctors/surgeons post on this site?

> > > >

> > > > I believe there are about 3 doctors who pop up here

> > > occasionally, but I

> > > > don't think they're occuloplastic surgeons or even mere

> > > ophthalmologists.

> > > >

> > > > > I would love some input and

> > > > > recommendations regarding another surgery.

> > > >

> > > > Depends... (see above)

> > > >

> > > > > I am also curious about

> > > > > the new " threading " procedure to lift the upper

eyelid,

> and

> > if

> > > it is

> > > > > successful in treating blepharophimosis.

> > > >

> > > > What procedure would that be, exactly? I had

a " threading "

> > > procedure

> > > > nearly 40 years ago to treat ptosis, and it was quite

> > successful

> > > in

> > > > treating the 'P'tosis part of BPES (but not the 'B'

or 'E'

> > parts

> > > of

> > > > course). Hardly what I'd call 'new', so I'm intrigued

> about

> > what

> > > you're

> > > > referring to.

> > > >

> > > > > I am open to any and all input, and thank you in

advance

> for

> > > sharing it.

> > > >

> > > > You're welcome.

> > > >

> > > > Rob W

> > > > Oz (We're into the quarter finals! woot! How did THAT

> happen?)

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > ---------------------------------

> > > > Sports Fantasy Football '06 - Go with the leader.

> Start

> > > your league today!

> > > >

> > >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > ---------------------------------

> > Messenger with Voice. PC-to-Phone calls for ridiculously

> low rates.

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Reminds me of a story a BPES-enhanced pal (are you out there somewhere,

? We miss you) once told. She was at a restaurant with her family,

and the waitress pointed to her and asked her sister " What will SHE

have? " .

Sometimes I'm sure it's no coincidence that necks are just the right

size for grabbing with two hands...

Rob W

On Wed, 2006-06-28 at 05:11 -0700, donna haskins wrote:

> Just wanted to share an interesting encounter that occurred when my

> daughter was 2 years old, before her first surgery. Although this was

> quite hurtful at the time, I can sort of snicker about it now. We

> were at an outing, and a stranger (grown woman, no less) came over to

> us, pointed at my daughter (from two feet away) and asked, " Can she

> SEE? " My response (after staring at her with furrowed brows for a

> moment) was, " YES, and if you don't mind, she can HEAR too! "

>