Strabismus Service, Adult

Dear Boston Children's Hospital,

I am writing to express my gratitude towards one of your talented and compassionate surgeons, Dr. Linda Dagi.

In September 2005, after a radio-frequency lesion surgery performed at another hospital for the condition tic deleroux, I was left with severe nerve damage related to the muscles controlling my right eye. When I came out of anesthesia, I was severely cross-eyed, had double-vision, and was relegated to wearing an eye patch. Numerous visits to ophthalmology specialists gave little hope for a good prognosis. I had been told that the damage done was severe and that the odds against recovery, or any significant improvement were poor. I was faced with losing my independence and dealing with a greatly reduced quality of life.

As a last resort, I was given Dr. Dagi's name and an appointment was set early in the New Year. I was terrified and dreaded going to this meeting. I was certain, as I had been assured and convinced nothing could be done, that she would only confirm the previous physician's findings and how wrong I was! Dr. Dagi, within the first 10 minutes of my exam, said, "I can definitely help you." My daughter and I couldn't believe her words. When we realized what she'd said, we started crying with relief and joy! Dr. Dagi went on to explain the procedure in which she would correct my double-vision (caused by strabismus). By relocating the muscles to the eye, she could straighten the eye and with minimal risk, I would be able to see a single image again!

While I was excited at the prospect of this development, I was also extremely nervous about going through another operation ... with the previous surgery leaving me in the predicament I was in, who could blame me? Dr. Dagi was so compassionate, kind and utterly enthusiastic about being able to improve my strabismus. I was compelled and agreed to move forward.

In mid-June, after numerous visits to Dr. Dagi's office and her team, I had the eye-muscle surgery and awoke to my old life once again! No more patch! No more dropping things! I could drive again; sew again, live normally again! Thank God! This surgery, surgeon and hospital have renewed my inner spirit and independence and I can't thank everyone enough for this miracle!

Sincerely,

Lorraine Pike, 71 years young!