Ladies, I need your opinions, please...

[mamichuli]

I am not sure where to put this, but hope this is OK, I just wanted to talk to someone who will understand properly how I feel.

I have cataracts. It is rare in young people, I am forty one, normally it is in people over sixty five, but it does happen. It is not the end of the world, after all this condition is easily righted with surgery, BUT and it is a big but for me... I have been told that the doctors will not even do preop tests until i stop b/feeding Anais. I want to feed her at least until she is 6 months old (I wanted to continue further, but realise that this is as much as I am going to be able to get away with) Although my OH is supportive and has not suggested that I give up b/f, I know he is thinking this, as my eyesight is getting worse. One eye is so bad that I cannot see anything clearly (it is like looking through frosted glass) and the other one is not great, I have to have my pages at at least 150% to be able to read reasonably well, one of the reasons for not posting too much , cant read for long, as print is small, and my eyes are strained) The thing is that the condition is beginning to get in the way of working - sitting in front of computer for 8 hours, and driving What would you do? I really dont want to give up feeding my baby, I feel that it is my duty to feed her, as I appreciate how lucky i am to be able to. On the other hand I enjoy it soooooooo much, it is such a special link. do you think I am being sentimental and impractical?
Please give me your opinions, I dont know what to do, and I feel that the people around me cant really give me much in the way of an opinion...I feel you will understand me better...
Thanks in advance and sorry for the long post...


Lisa

 

[Urchin]

Awww no what a bummer.

How long would you need the drops for?
Normally I would say just make the switch cos your eyesight is way more important, but as you seem so committed to it, would you consider pumping and freezing as much as you can, switching to formula for a while, pumping and chucking the milk all time you use the drops, then trying to get her back on the breast after?

 

[mamichuli]

Apparently the problem is that this pre-operation tests on eyes cant be done either during pregnancy or while feeding, because your eyesight (everyone's) is affected during pregnancy and feeding, for instance, if you wear glasses, after you have had your baby, at your next checkup you are likely to need a change in prescription. they cant test to see how to do the operation until my eyesight has "stabilized" so to speak. I have to actually give up b/f completely
Lisa

 

[Tegala-7thMarch08]

i cant say i understand because i havent b/fed before so i dont know what it feels like. but if your health is getting bad you should think about your health aswell what if you leave it too late. there are other ways to bond with baby...if it was me i would have the op its your choice and i am just saying what i would do in your situation.

best wishes xxx

 

[Urchin]

How old is she now?

It's great you are willing to make this sacrifice but with your driving and stuff it could become dangerous, so it can't be worth the risk

Why not set yourself a target, don't stop right now, give it a bit longer, reach your target then give up, that way you may feel like you have more control of it.

What a horrible situation to be in.

 

[mamichuli]

She's just turned four months, how strange btw, i see her ticker has disappeared, or is my eyesight worse than I thought?

I am thinking of Christmas as the end of my b/feeding...

Lisa

 

[Urchin]

Then she'll be 6 months anyway though..can you wait that long?

if you give up a bit before you'll be able to have a drink too

 

[mamichuli]

Do you know Urchin, that is the first cheering thought I have been given ... I have been missing a celebratory drink...Hmmm

Lisa

 

[Urchin]

I think making it to 5 months would be a big achievement, and nothing to feel bad about at all!.

I'm gonna move this to the feeding section now as other girls will have more advice in there too

 

[Sammystar]

Respect to you mamichuli, you are a truly dedicated mummy!

It's a tough position to be in and I truly admire your will. I think as Urchin said maybe you should consider giving up just before Christmas, if you can wait that long. You will have almost made six months which is a fantastic achievement!

I do think that your eyesight is incredibly important and not something you should risk. You need to be able to see your DD growing up.


I think I would start to wean in December, have a Christmas drink and then start on that treatment and get yourself better!

Good luck hun

 

[Melanie]

I totally admire you for having such dedication!
I agree with the others id start weaning at the beginning of December and have that Christmas drink! Then your baby can be on the bottle by January and you can start the new year getting the treatment you need to save your sight which ultimately is whats best for your baby!

 

[mamichuli]

Dear all,

Thanks for listening to me, it has made me feel better and more capable of making a decision. I think i will try to continue through November and start formula Dec 14th. I feel that I need to set myself a date or i will drag my feet about it. so I have to be strict with myself!

Lisa