I forgot to mention that Dad and I picked up my new glasses today! They are called WileyX glasses and they are designed for eye protection, mostly for sports and such. They have a foam insert around the lenses that seals the area around the eyes so no air, dust or debris can hurt them.
They're pretty cool! We ordered them with transition lenses, so I can wear them around the house, as well as outside as sunglasses.
They feel a little weird. I'll have to get used to them, but I can tell they're working just by having them on. I don't feel any air movement or anything on my eyes. Plus, it helps just knowing that they're protecting my eyes.
They do transition in the sunlight, though not very fast, and I had a little trouble in the car. The UV protection in the car's windshield causes the trasition lenses not to change, so the bright sunlight did bother my eyes a little. But I can wear sunglasses if needed, or Dad even suggested those little flip sunglass shields that you can put over your regular eyeglasses. I told him I could just shut my eyes in the car. Thad would really like that! Then I couldn't tell him how to drive! lol :)
Anyway, I'm wearing them right now and they're not too bad! I have the elastic band around my head, under my hair, and that helps to keep them securely sealed around my eyes. They do have tiny holes on the upper part of the frame to allow for some ventilation, but still protect from any direct airflow.
I'm going to post a picture here so you can see what they look like. I told Dad I think I might be a little uncomfortable wearing them indoors when I'm in public - like at restaurants or people's houses. But I'll definitely be wearing them around my own house (where I am 90% if the time!) and outdoors when the lenses change into sunglasses.
At this point, there is no Rx in the lenses. We're going to wait until after the cataract surgery to see if I'll need corrective lenses. If that's the case, they can replace the lenses in these glasses with the new Rx lenses and add the transition coating to them as well.
So, yes, there is a chance my vision will be getting better! Yay!!! But I will always have the limitations in my peripheral vision and my forward vision will probably never be 20/20 again. But I'm not blind! What an immense blessing!
Thank you for keeping up to date on my progress and please continue to keep me in your prayers! They are definitely working! Our God is an AWESOME God! I am so thankful that he is gracious and merciful!
I will continue to keep up my posting, though maybe not as often, so check back once in a while!
Take care of yourselves and God bless you all!
Love,
Deb :)
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Cataract surgery scheduled...
Went to my eye doctor this morning. He dilated my right eye and looked at both. I went over all the procedures the cornea specialist and eye surgeon had done, all my medications and all the new problems I am having.
He said he wants to definitely see what he can do for me with this cataract, though he said he may have some problems. He's not sure he will be able to get past all the scarring on my cornea. Some of it lies right in front of the cataract. But he said he definitely wants to try.
He said to keep using the drops as much as possible, and then sent me in to see the nurse to schedule the cataract surgery.
Since it's a secondary cataract, it's not a complicated procedure at all. They don't do any anesthesia, I can eat and drink the morning of surgery. It is a simple laser treatment that punctures a hole in the back part of the capsule where the cataract is and that clears up the cloudiness from my vision.
Right now, my vision in my left eye (my good one) is 20/50, and in my right eye is less than 20/5.
So, keep the prayers coming! And thank you for your kind thoughts and prayers thus far!
You are all appreciated more than you know!
Love and hugs to all,
Deb :)
He said he wants to definitely see what he can do for me with this cataract, though he said he may have some problems. He's not sure he will be able to get past all the scarring on my cornea. Some of it lies right in front of the cataract. But he said he definitely wants to try.
He said to keep using the drops as much as possible, and then sent me in to see the nurse to schedule the cataract surgery.
Since it's a secondary cataract, it's not a complicated procedure at all. They don't do any anesthesia, I can eat and drink the morning of surgery. It is a simple laser treatment that punctures a hole in the back part of the capsule where the cataract is and that clears up the cloudiness from my vision.
Right now, my vision in my left eye (my good one) is 20/50, and in my right eye is less than 20/5.
So, keep the prayers coming! And thank you for your kind thoughts and prayers thus far!
You are all appreciated more than you know!
Love and hugs to all,
Deb :)
Monday, November 7, 2011
Follow up with cornea doctor
Went to see my cornea doctor today. He said things aren't any worse, but they really aren't any better. He took pictures of my eye and showed me on the screen where the haziness in on my eye and the carring on the corneas.
He said he is releasing me back to my regular eye doctor and I can look into having the secondary cataract removed from my right eye.
I asked him about computer work and he said that I am definitely causing more permanent damage by working on the computer for long periods of time, or overdoing it when my eyes feel tired. He said that when my eyes start feeling tired, I should stop what I'm doing immediately, lubricate with eye drops, and rest my eyes for 10-20 minutes, or however long it takes to make them feel better.
He said I don't have to come back to see him unless my regular eye doctor says it's necessary. He said I will be coming back, he just isn't sure when.
He also said that if I don't take special care of my eyes, they would need to sew the eyes completely shut, and I really don't want that!
So, I called my eye doctor when I got home, and they have a cancellation tomorrow morning!
So, hopefully, I will be able to have the cataract surgery before the end of the year, since my insurace deductible and out-of-pocket expenses have been met!
Anyway, everything else around here seems to be about the same. Going good! Looking forward to the holidays with plenty of family and friends!
I'll write again tomorrow after my appointment!
Love to all,
Deb :)
He said he is releasing me back to my regular eye doctor and I can look into having the secondary cataract removed from my right eye.
I asked him about computer work and he said that I am definitely causing more permanent damage by working on the computer for long periods of time, or overdoing it when my eyes feel tired. He said that when my eyes start feeling tired, I should stop what I'm doing immediately, lubricate with eye drops, and rest my eyes for 10-20 minutes, or however long it takes to make them feel better.
He said I don't have to come back to see him unless my regular eye doctor says it's necessary. He said I will be coming back, he just isn't sure when.
He also said that if I don't take special care of my eyes, they would need to sew the eyes completely shut, and I really don't want that!
So, I called my eye doctor when I got home, and they have a cancellation tomorrow morning!
So, hopefully, I will be able to have the cataract surgery before the end of the year, since my insurace deductible and out-of-pocket expenses have been met!
Anyway, everything else around here seems to be about the same. Going good! Looking forward to the holidays with plenty of family and friends!
I'll write again tomorrow after my appointment!
Love to all,
Deb :)
Monday, October 10, 2011
Appointment with Cornea Specialist...
I went to see the cornea specialist this morning. Great news! There is a minimal ulcer on my left cornea, but it is much better than before the surgeries!
Dr, Johnson told me to continue using the Bacitracin/Polysporin in my left eye four times a day, along with all the other usual drops in both eyes, for one more week. He wants to see me back in one month.
He did say that the only criticism he has is that he doesn't think Dr. Martin did enough to protect my corneas. He thinks Dr. Martin should have narrowed the eye opening even more. But, he said, with special care and continued lubrication, I might not have to have any more surgery.
Dad and I told him that we were going to get the Wiley X protective glasses, and he said great!, that's an excellent idea. The more protection I get, the better.
Dad and I then went to the optical place in the same building, on the second floor. We ordered the glasses with transitional lenses, so they'll darken when I'm outside, but I can still wear them inside as well. The girl there said they should be delivered in about two weeks. She is going to ship them to the Greenwood office, so we can pick them up there. We won't have to drive all the way to the north side to get them. Dad was very relieved!
So... so far, so good! I'll keep up the TLC and see what Dr. Johnson says on November 7!
Until then, thank you for your prayers! And keep them coming!
Love and thanks to all,
Deb :)
Dr, Johnson told me to continue using the Bacitracin/Polysporin in my left eye four times a day, along with all the other usual drops in both eyes, for one more week. He wants to see me back in one month.
He did say that the only criticism he has is that he doesn't think Dr. Martin did enough to protect my corneas. He thinks Dr. Martin should have narrowed the eye opening even more. But, he said, with special care and continued lubrication, I might not have to have any more surgery.
Dad and I told him that we were going to get the Wiley X protective glasses, and he said great!, that's an excellent idea. The more protection I get, the better.
Dad and I then went to the optical place in the same building, on the second floor. We ordered the glasses with transitional lenses, so they'll darken when I'm outside, but I can still wear them inside as well. The girl there said they should be delivered in about two weeks. She is going to ship them to the Greenwood office, so we can pick them up there. We won't have to drive all the way to the north side to get them. Dad was very relieved!
So... so far, so good! I'll keep up the TLC and see what Dr. Johnson says on November 7!
Until then, thank you for your prayers! And keep them coming!
Love and thanks to all,
Deb :)
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Post op appointment 10-4-11
I went to the doctor on Tuesday for my post op on my right eye. He put a couple of dyes in my eyes to examine the corneas. The right one looks good, but the left one has an ulcer that he's not sure if it's a new one or if it's been there for a while.
He told me to substitute the gel that I'm using four times a day with the Bacitracin/Polysporin ointment four times a day and at bedtime. He also set up an appointment for me to go back to my cornea specialist to have him take a look and see what he thinks. It's a possibility that if the surgery I have already had is not doing enough to protect my cornea, they may have to sew the left eye completely shut in order for it to heal.
That would not be good, as that is my "good" eye. I am still not able to see out of my right eye due to the cataract.
So we're praying that Dr. Johnson will think that the eye drop therapy and using Bacitracin will heal the ulcer on my left cornea and we won't have to do any more surgery. Please pray that's the case!
My appointment with Dr. Johnson, the cornea specialist, is this Monday morning. So, until then, I'm giving both eyes a lot of TLC - resting them a lot, using the drops religiously, and praying constantly that they will heal and continue to be protected.
I am also having some watering/tearing from the outer corner of the left eye. Dr. Martin said that may be a reaction from the ulcer that's there. I don't have any discomfort, itching or burning - just the watering. That's probably from the neurotrophic disorder - I'm not able to feel anything on the surface of my eye.
Also this week, I removed myself from our auto insurance. That was a hard step. My peripheral vision is severely compromised and it is no longer safe for me to drive. I'll probably never drive again. Although that's a hard pill to swallow, my family and friends have been very supportive and offer to get me out when I need a break or need to go somewhere. It's an adjustment, but not anything I can't live with.
On another note, my baby turned 13 last Sunday! I can't believe it! I'm now the mother of a teenager! I have to say, although Hunter can be a challenge, he's overall a great kid! His sense of humor is definitely inherited from his father! But, thankfully, they both know how to make me laugh! And that's a good thing! :)
Thank you all again for your continued prayer, for your love, support and your friendship!
Love to you all,
Debbie :)
He told me to substitute the gel that I'm using four times a day with the Bacitracin/Polysporin ointment four times a day and at bedtime. He also set up an appointment for me to go back to my cornea specialist to have him take a look and see what he thinks. It's a possibility that if the surgery I have already had is not doing enough to protect my cornea, they may have to sew the left eye completely shut in order for it to heal.
That would not be good, as that is my "good" eye. I am still not able to see out of my right eye due to the cataract.
So we're praying that Dr. Johnson will think that the eye drop therapy and using Bacitracin will heal the ulcer on my left cornea and we won't have to do any more surgery. Please pray that's the case!
My appointment with Dr. Johnson, the cornea specialist, is this Monday morning. So, until then, I'm giving both eyes a lot of TLC - resting them a lot, using the drops religiously, and praying constantly that they will heal and continue to be protected.
I am also having some watering/tearing from the outer corner of the left eye. Dr. Martin said that may be a reaction from the ulcer that's there. I don't have any discomfort, itching or burning - just the watering. That's probably from the neurotrophic disorder - I'm not able to feel anything on the surface of my eye.
Also this week, I removed myself from our auto insurance. That was a hard step. My peripheral vision is severely compromised and it is no longer safe for me to drive. I'll probably never drive again. Although that's a hard pill to swallow, my family and friends have been very supportive and offer to get me out when I need a break or need to go somewhere. It's an adjustment, but not anything I can't live with.
On another note, my baby turned 13 last Sunday! I can't believe it! I'm now the mother of a teenager! I have to say, although Hunter can be a challenge, he's overall a great kid! His sense of humor is definitely inherited from his father! But, thankfully, they both know how to make me laugh! And that's a good thing! :)
Thank you all again for your continued prayer, for your love, support and your friendship!
Love to you all,
Debbie :)
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Linton Hayride...
Went to the Linton Hayride yesterday. We had a lot of fun! Mom and Dad went with us. It was good to see everyone!
It was cold and it sprinkled off and on throughout the day, but that didn't stop the festivities! There was lots of scrumptious food and most of the attendees braved the weather and went out for the ride. I didn't - I'm a wimp! :)
I wore my sunglasses most of the day. I still have a little bruising and swelling around the right eye so I just thought it would be easier to keep it covered.
The kids had a pumpkin decorating contest that Mom, Dad and I judged. Ted gave out prizes for five categories - the scariest, the prettiest, the ugliest, the funniest and the most original. Everyone had fun!
I'm still using drops often throughout the day to keep my eyes moist and cold compresses to ease the swelling and bruising. Not using much pain medicine, and when I do, it's just regular Tylenol. I'm still using the Bacitracin at night. The outer corner of the right eye is still red and tender, so I'm giving it a little TLC to help it heal.
We are still waiting on the safety glasses to come in from Dr. Tavel. Dad, Mom and I went in to the office on Thursday and talked with them. There have been some delays in their deliveries, but they were very helpful in making sure everything is set to go smoothly once the frames come in. Hopefully, it'll be Tuesday or Wednesday this week. I'll keep you posted on that as well.
I have another followup appointment scheduled with Dr. Martin in about a week and half, so I'll be updating you on that too.
Until next time,
God bless,
Debbie :)
It was cold and it sprinkled off and on throughout the day, but that didn't stop the festivities! There was lots of scrumptious food and most of the attendees braved the weather and went out for the ride. I didn't - I'm a wimp! :)
I wore my sunglasses most of the day. I still have a little bruising and swelling around the right eye so I just thought it would be easier to keep it covered.
The kids had a pumpkin decorating contest that Mom, Dad and I judged. Ted gave out prizes for five categories - the scariest, the prettiest, the ugliest, the funniest and the most original. Everyone had fun!
I'm still using drops often throughout the day to keep my eyes moist and cold compresses to ease the swelling and bruising. Not using much pain medicine, and when I do, it's just regular Tylenol. I'm still using the Bacitracin at night. The outer corner of the right eye is still red and tender, so I'm giving it a little TLC to help it heal.
We are still waiting on the safety glasses to come in from Dr. Tavel. Dad, Mom and I went in to the office on Thursday and talked with them. There have been some delays in their deliveries, but they were very helpful in making sure everything is set to go smoothly once the frames come in. Hopefully, it'll be Tuesday or Wednesday this week. I'll keep you posted on that as well.
I have another followup appointment scheduled with Dr. Martin in about a week and half, so I'll be updating you on that too.
Until next time,
God bless,
Debbie :)
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Called the Doctor Today....
I called my retina specialist today and talked to his nurse. I've noticed some floaters and some white flashes in my right eye that I didn't have in my left one. I remember back when I was having retinal surgeries, those were some of the things they said I should call about.
She said that any time the eye has any kind of trauma or surgery, it's normal to have some of these symptoms, at least for a while. As long as they remain mild and I don't notice any blood in my vision, everything is fine. I told her I was glad to know that, but I thought I should call to make sure. She said that was fine and to be sure to call if things got worse.
This Saturday is the Linton hayride and I'm looking forward to it! I'm glad I'll be back to at least semi-normal by then! :)
Have a FABULOUS weekend!
Love to all,
Deb :)
She said that any time the eye has any kind of trauma or surgery, it's normal to have some of these symptoms, at least for a while. As long as they remain mild and I don't notice any blood in my vision, everything is fine. I told her I was glad to know that, but I thought I should call to make sure. She said that was fine and to be sure to call if things got worse.
This Saturday is the Linton hayride and I'm looking forward to it! I'm glad I'll be back to at least semi-normal by then! :)
Have a FABULOUS weekend!
Love to all,
Deb :)
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
The stitch is GONE!!!!...
Went to the doctor with Geri today. Had the stitch removed. Again - instant relief! Wow - I'm glad that's over! Dr. Martin said he's really pleased with the tone and tightness of both lower lids. He said to start using the drops in the right eye again and keep using the bacitracin. He said to be very careful when I put the drops in not to pull on either the upper or the lower lid. The stitches are very tiny and we don't want any of them to pull. Even the left one, he said is still very vulnerable and I should still take great care not to rub or pull on the lids.
He said I should wait to schedule my appointment with my cornea specialist until after the right eye has healed. He wants to see me again in two weeks and see how it's doing. Once he releases me to the cornea doctor's care, then I should make the appointment.
We talked again about the cataract. He said I should definitely wait a few months, after all is healed, to start considering that surgery. He said at that point, I would have to discuss those options with the cornea doctor and my regular eye doctor to weigh the risks. He said the corneas are definitely better protected now, but they still may not be healed enough for my eye doctor to see through it to get to the cataract. He really didn't sound very optimistic. But I'm not giving up hope yet! Who knows what God has in store?! I keep praying, and so far, God has surrounded me with His peace - not to mention the love and support of all my family and friends! And GREAT doctors! :)
I also asked him how often he does this type of surgery. He says he does a lot of them, but very seldom for my problem. He said the neurotrophic keratopathy is not a common problem from diabetes. He said while neuropathy is very common in diabetes, keratopathy is not. You hear more about diabetic retinopathy (which I have also had and been treated for) than keratopathy. Most of the time, the surgery is done as a result of a brain tumor damaging the trigeminal nerve, and sometimes, but not as often, from head trauma. So, that was kind of interesting, and somewhat explains why I couldn't find much information online about my condition.
Another reason for this blog! Hopefully, it can be used by someone else faced with the decisions I've had to make, to help them gain some perspective on what to expect - though each individual's experience may be different.
Geri and I had a great visit along the way. We solved the problems of the world. We now know how to raise our children perfectly and what all marriages need to survive! lol Just kidding - though we did have some opinions!!! :)
Mom and Dad ended up not going to South Carolina today. The graduation has been postponed, so Mom came by and we went to lunch at Max & Erma's. She got to see my eye and we both agree that the right one is still a little swollen, but after the swelling goes down, it will look just like the left one - which is what the doctor said too!
I am very pleased with the way it looks. There is still some mild bruising, but it's subsiding. I'm off narcotic painkillers now, and it feels so much better!
I'm posting a new picture today to let you see the difference!
Hope you are all doing well!
Love, Deb :)
He said I should wait to schedule my appointment with my cornea specialist until after the right eye has healed. He wants to see me again in two weeks and see how it's doing. Once he releases me to the cornea doctor's care, then I should make the appointment.
We talked again about the cataract. He said I should definitely wait a few months, after all is healed, to start considering that surgery. He said at that point, I would have to discuss those options with the cornea doctor and my regular eye doctor to weigh the risks. He said the corneas are definitely better protected now, but they still may not be healed enough for my eye doctor to see through it to get to the cataract. He really didn't sound very optimistic. But I'm not giving up hope yet! Who knows what God has in store?! I keep praying, and so far, God has surrounded me with His peace - not to mention the love and support of all my family and friends! And GREAT doctors! :)
I also asked him how often he does this type of surgery. He says he does a lot of them, but very seldom for my problem. He said the neurotrophic keratopathy is not a common problem from diabetes. He said while neuropathy is very common in diabetes, keratopathy is not. You hear more about diabetic retinopathy (which I have also had and been treated for) than keratopathy. Most of the time, the surgery is done as a result of a brain tumor damaging the trigeminal nerve, and sometimes, but not as often, from head trauma. So, that was kind of interesting, and somewhat explains why I couldn't find much information online about my condition.
Another reason for this blog! Hopefully, it can be used by someone else faced with the decisions I've had to make, to help them gain some perspective on what to expect - though each individual's experience may be different.
Geri and I had a great visit along the way. We solved the problems of the world. We now know how to raise our children perfectly and what all marriages need to survive! lol Just kidding - though we did have some opinions!!! :)
Mom and Dad ended up not going to South Carolina today. The graduation has been postponed, so Mom came by and we went to lunch at Max & Erma's. She got to see my eye and we both agree that the right one is still a little swollen, but after the swelling goes down, it will look just like the left one - which is what the doctor said too!
I am very pleased with the way it looks. There is still some mild bruising, but it's subsiding. I'm off narcotic painkillers now, and it feels so much better!
I'm posting a new picture today to let you see the difference!
Hope you are all doing well!
Love, Deb :)
Friday, September 16, 2011
Lunch at Applebee's...
Dad and I went out to Applebee's for lunch today. I wore my sunglasses the whole time, so I wouldn't frighten anybody. I was a little leery about going out, but it was nice to get out of the house for a while. We had a nice visit and I enjoyed his company!
Before we left, we called Dr. Tavel to see if my glasses were in yet. We have been calling almost daily to check on them and they're STILL not in! They said they've had a change of employees in their lab and that's what the delay is. They said they'd be sure to call us when they're ready. Yeah - that's what they said almost three weeks ago!
Anyway, I keep putting cold compresses on my eye. This one is more irritated than the other one, with the stitch that's holding my lower lid up. It just feels like something's stabbing me in the eye all the time. And itching! Man - Thank Goodness for Benadryl! :)
I have an appointment on Tuesday to have the stitch removed. So not much longer! Mom and Dad will be leaving early Tuesday morning to go to Teddy's graduation from boot camp in South Carolina, so Geri Sears, one of Dad's cousins, and a great friend, will be taking me up to the doctor's office. I'm looking forward to our visit. She's always so fun! :)
I'll post another picture once that stitch is gone. It's SO ugly! Ugh!
Anyway, I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!
Love,
Deb :)
Before we left, we called Dr. Tavel to see if my glasses were in yet. We have been calling almost daily to check on them and they're STILL not in! They said they've had a change of employees in their lab and that's what the delay is. They said they'd be sure to call us when they're ready. Yeah - that's what they said almost three weeks ago!
Anyway, I keep putting cold compresses on my eye. This one is more irritated than the other one, with the stitch that's holding my lower lid up. It just feels like something's stabbing me in the eye all the time. And itching! Man - Thank Goodness for Benadryl! :)
I have an appointment on Tuesday to have the stitch removed. So not much longer! Mom and Dad will be leaving early Tuesday morning to go to Teddy's graduation from boot camp in South Carolina, so Geri Sears, one of Dad's cousins, and a great friend, will be taking me up to the doctor's office. I'm looking forward to our visit. She's always so fun! :)
I'll post another picture once that stitch is gone. It's SO ugly! Ugh!
Anyway, I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!
Love,
Deb :)
Thursday, September 15, 2011
2nd Surgery-3rd Day Postop...
Not much happened today. I did have a better night last night and dozed on and off most of today. Dad came by with lunch from Burger King today and said if I feel up to it, maybe we'll go out for lunch tomorrow. It'll be nice to get out of this house for a while!
Thad and Hunter have been great! Even Hunter asks, "You doin' okay, Mom? Do you need anything?" I'm so, so very blessed to have such great guys in my life - including you, Dad! What would I do without you? (Okay, I'm getting teary-eyed, so I'd better stop! lol)
I'll have a report on my first day out tomorrow!
Love, thanks and returning prayers to all,
Deb :)
Thad and Hunter have been great! Even Hunter asks, "You doin' okay, Mom? Do you need anything?" I'm so, so very blessed to have such great guys in my life - including you, Dad! What would I do without you? (Okay, I'm getting teary-eyed, so I'd better stop! lol)
I'll have a report on my first day out tomorrow!
Love, thanks and returning prayers to all,
Deb :)
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
2nd Surgery-2nd Day Postop...
Well, last night was not good. I called first thing this morning and left a message for Ann to see if I could get a Rx for Oxycodone, though I wasn't sure she could call it in, since it's a narcotic. They are in the Evansville office today, so she was going to try to get one of the other doctors to write the Rx up in the north office. Unfortunately, there was no way we could get up to the north side today.
After some calling back and forth, Tammy, one of the other doctor's assistants, called and said she lives on the south side of Indy and she could drop the Rx off at a Walgreen's down here! Oh! I was SO grateful! I called Mom and told her and she picked it up for me! I will certainly be sending a thank you card out to Tammy! What a blessing!
I just took one and am already feeling better! Hopefully, I'll sleep better tonight too!
Dad stopped by again today with lunch. He didn't stay long because he had errands to run. He said he'd come by again tomorrow.
I'm posting my picture today.
Thanks for all your prayers and support!
Love,
Deb :)
After some calling back and forth, Tammy, one of the other doctor's assistants, called and said she lives on the south side of Indy and she could drop the Rx off at a Walgreen's down here! Oh! I was SO grateful! I called Mom and told her and she picked it up for me! I will certainly be sending a thank you card out to Tammy! What a blessing!
I just took one and am already feeling better! Hopefully, I'll sleep better tonight too!
Dad stopped by again today with lunch. He didn't stay long because he had errands to run. He said he'd come by again tomorrow.
I'm posting my picture today.
Thanks for all your prayers and support!
Love,
Deb :)
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
2nd Surgery-1st Day Postop...
Well, yesterday's surgery went well, though a little differently from the last one. Though I was awake for most of the first surgery, I was sedated enough that I don't remember much of it. The anesthesiologist put me all the way out while the doctor gave me a local anesthetic to numb the eye, but brought me back into consciousness during the actual surgery.
This time, I had a different anesthesiologist. He did put me out for the doctor to numb me, but when he brought me back, there wasn't much sedation, so I was awake and aware during the whole thing. I didn't feel anything though. They had my left eye covered so the bright light wouldn't bother it. I could open and close my left eye, and I could hear the doctor talking and the music in the background. I don't remember any of that from the first surgery.
I'm having a little more pain with this one and there seems to be a lot more bruising. Dad said that the doctor told him that he did have to work a little harder to get to the lower lid muscle on this one than he did the other one. So that's probably why.
The good thing is, I can see! The vision in my left eye is good enough that at least I can function on my own this time! I can draw up my insulin, take my blood sugar, fix my meals, and even do some light cleaning on my own! I'm sleeping sitting up, no bending over, no lifting, and taking Hydrocodone every four hours! The medicine helps, but it just doesn't seem to take all the pain away. There's some throbbing and aching around the eye socket, and the lower lid area is very tender! I'm using cold compresses consistently throughout the day and taking lots of catnaps. I may see what I can do about getting some Oxycodone tomorrow if tonight's rough.
Dad brought lunch by today to check on me and we had a nice visit. He's been working on creating a DVD slide show with music using the pictures from the family reunion a few weeks ago. He's so into this new stuff! It's amazing what you can do on these computers these days! I've done some before, and I gave him the names of the websites and downloads I've used. I hope that can help him. He's having some trouble that I don't know how to help him with, so maybe he can find the answers on these sites. It's worth a try!
Anyway, I'll have a picture to post tomorrow.
"See" ya then!
Love,
Deb :)
This time, I had a different anesthesiologist. He did put me out for the doctor to numb me, but when he brought me back, there wasn't much sedation, so I was awake and aware during the whole thing. I didn't feel anything though. They had my left eye covered so the bright light wouldn't bother it. I could open and close my left eye, and I could hear the doctor talking and the music in the background. I don't remember any of that from the first surgery.
I'm having a little more pain with this one and there seems to be a lot more bruising. Dad said that the doctor told him that he did have to work a little harder to get to the lower lid muscle on this one than he did the other one. So that's probably why.
The good thing is, I can see! The vision in my left eye is good enough that at least I can function on my own this time! I can draw up my insulin, take my blood sugar, fix my meals, and even do some light cleaning on my own! I'm sleeping sitting up, no bending over, no lifting, and taking Hydrocodone every four hours! The medicine helps, but it just doesn't seem to take all the pain away. There's some throbbing and aching around the eye socket, and the lower lid area is very tender! I'm using cold compresses consistently throughout the day and taking lots of catnaps. I may see what I can do about getting some Oxycodone tomorrow if tonight's rough.
Dad brought lunch by today to check on me and we had a nice visit. He's been working on creating a DVD slide show with music using the pictures from the family reunion a few weeks ago. He's so into this new stuff! It's amazing what you can do on these computers these days! I've done some before, and I gave him the names of the websites and downloads I've used. I hope that can help him. He's having some trouble that I don't know how to help him with, so maybe he can find the answers on these sites. It's worth a try!
Anyway, I'll have a picture to post tomorrow.
"See" ya then!
Love,
Deb :)
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Our 12th Anniversary...
Well, today is Thad's and my 12th wedding anniversary! Whoo Hoo!! We went out to Outback restaurant for dinner this evening, and I wore my little black dress! (Yes, Charlene, the one I got LAST summer, when we went shopping at the thrift shop, for FIVE DOLLARS!!! I FINALLY got to wear it!)
It was the first time I went out in public without my sunglasses on. I mean, I wore them to the restaurant, but when we walked inside, it was so dark, I had to take them off to see where I was going. I was really self-conscious, but no one seemed bothered by it. No one stared or asked about it. Our waitress was a doll, and she asked if we were celebrating anything this evening. We told her it was our 12th anniversary and she told us to pick an appetizer on the house! Thad made her promise - no singing and dancing! lol
The manager came over to our table and offered his congratulations and gave us a discount coupon for our next visit!
The food was outstanding! I had the fillet with mushroom sauce with a side of garlic mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables - SCRUMPTIOUS! Thad had a sirloin with a side of green beans and mixed vegetables. Of course, we had a bloomin' onion as an appetizer! It was SOOOOOO good - even better 'cause it was free!
Overall, it was a fantastic evening, and a nice "last supper" before my date under the knife tomorrow! (Nothing to eat or drink after midnight tonight!)
Well, say some prayers tomorrow! I know I'm in good hands! Thank you all!
Love,
Deb :)
It was the first time I went out in public without my sunglasses on. I mean, I wore them to the restaurant, but when we walked inside, it was so dark, I had to take them off to see where I was going. I was really self-conscious, but no one seemed bothered by it. No one stared or asked about it. Our waitress was a doll, and she asked if we were celebrating anything this evening. We told her it was our 12th anniversary and she told us to pick an appetizer on the house! Thad made her promise - no singing and dancing! lol
The manager came over to our table and offered his congratulations and gave us a discount coupon for our next visit!
The food was outstanding! I had the fillet with mushroom sauce with a side of garlic mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables - SCRUMPTIOUS! Thad had a sirloin with a side of green beans and mixed vegetables. Of course, we had a bloomin' onion as an appetizer! It was SOOOOOO good - even better 'cause it was free!
Overall, it was a fantastic evening, and a nice "last supper" before my date under the knife tomorrow! (Nothing to eat or drink after midnight tonight!)
Well, say some prayers tomorrow! I know I'm in good hands! Thank you all!
Love,
Deb :)
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
A Trip to Dr Tavel...
Dad took me by Dr. Tavel's today to look into some "WileyX" glasses. They are protective safety glasses, usually sunglasses, mostly used for sports or outdoor activities. They look like regular sunglasses, but they have removable foam inserts that kind of hug the outer eye area, to protect the eye from wind and debris. We originally heard about them when we went in for the second opinion. That doctor had suggested them and I had tried them on in his office. While they are a fantastic idea, they are expensive, so we decided not to purchase them at that time, and to wait until after surgery.
So Dad and looked at several pairs, and I decided on one I liked best. We found out we can get them with transition lenses, so I can wear them inside and outside. They ordered them for me today and said they should be delivered in 5-7 days. With the holiday coming up, they should be here by Wednesday next week! WOW! That's great! I'll have them before my next surgery! Dad's kind of excited about them. I think he thinks their cool! :) They are! And they'll be that much more protection for my corneas! I want to do all I can to save them!
Love to all,
Deb :)
So Dad and looked at several pairs, and I decided on one I liked best. We found out we can get them with transition lenses, so I can wear them inside and outside. They ordered them for me today and said they should be delivered in 5-7 days. With the holiday coming up, they should be here by Wednesday next week! WOW! That's great! I'll have them before my next surgery! Dad's kind of excited about them. I think he thinks their cool! :) They are! And they'll be that much more protection for my corneas! I want to do all I can to save them!
Love to all,
Deb :)
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Follow up appointment...
Dad took me to see Dr. Martin today. He found an eyelash that was growing "askew" and a stitch that was rubbing my eye. He removed the stitch and pulled the eyelash. WOW!! Immediate relief! THAT'S what was irritating my eye so badly! Whew! I'm glad that's over!
He said everything looks really good, and that the next step is to try to make the other one (the right one) look as similar to the left one.
He told me to continue using the drops and gel as before, but to stop using the bacitracin at night. We scheduled the right surgery for Monday, September 12 at 11:30am. Ann, his assistant, told me to stop taking my daily aspirin as of today and to do the same procedure with my insulin pump as before.
So - 13 days to go!
The second countdown begins.....
Love,
Deb :)
He said everything looks really good, and that the next step is to try to make the other one (the right one) look as similar to the left one.
He told me to continue using the drops and gel as before, but to stop using the bacitracin at night. We scheduled the right surgery for Monday, September 12 at 11:30am. Ann, his assistant, told me to stop taking my daily aspirin as of today and to do the same procedure with my insulin pump as before.
So - 13 days to go!
The second countdown begins.....
Love,
Deb :)
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Eacret Reunion...
Well, the reunion was this afternoon. Charlene came and picked me up. Rick had to work, and Thad and Hunter really didn't want to go, so Char and I went together. We had a lot of fun, mixing and mingling. I got to see Susie. She's my dad's cousin who also has Type I diabetes and trouble with her vision. I should really talk to her more and get to know her better. I told her I think about her often, wonder how she's doing, and that she is my inspiration! She never seems to let her limitations keep her from enjoying family and friends, and she always has a smile!
I also talked with Uncle Sonny, Aunt Julie, Aunt Lou, Geri Sears, Kathy Barton, Jody (sorry, Jody - I can't remember your last name! :)), and Jerry (my brother) and Kelsey came too! Everyone said my eye looks really good! It wasn't nearly as bad as what they all expected! Nor I - I have to say! I'm really pleased with the way it's healing and how it feels. (Just getting impatient for the other one to be done! :))
Anyway, we had a great time and the weather was beautiful! I think Mom may have posted some of the pictures on Facebook.
Tuesday's right around the corner, and I'll let you know how that goes!
Love,
Deb
I also talked with Uncle Sonny, Aunt Julie, Aunt Lou, Geri Sears, Kathy Barton, Jody (sorry, Jody - I can't remember your last name! :)), and Jerry (my brother) and Kelsey came too! Everyone said my eye looks really good! It wasn't nearly as bad as what they all expected! Nor I - I have to say! I'm really pleased with the way it's healing and how it feels. (Just getting impatient for the other one to be done! :))
Anyway, we had a great time and the weather was beautiful! I think Mom may have posted some of the pictures on Facebook.
Tuesday's right around the corner, and I'll let you know how that goes!
Love,
Deb
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Irritation Update...
Well, this morning, there's still a little irritation, though I think I can deal with it. Yesterday, it was just so frustrating, I was getting kind of emotional and irritable. Today, I think if I just rest it frequently and keep putting compresses on it, I'll do okay. The redness and swelling are better, so maybe there was something in it yesterday and it worked itself out. Who knows?!
Anyway, I'm not going to call the doctor, and I told Mom to go ahead with their travel plans today.
The Eacret family reunion is this Saturday, and I am planning on going. The eye doesn't really look that bad, and other than the fact that I'm still "lopsided", I'm really not that bothered by it. I do plan to wear my sunglasses though.
And I'm looking forward to seeing Dr. Martin on the 30th, so we can schedule the next surgery.
Until next time -
Love to everyone,
Deb :)
Anyway, I'm not going to call the doctor, and I told Mom to go ahead with their travel plans today.
The Eacret family reunion is this Saturday, and I am planning on going. The eye doesn't really look that bad, and other than the fact that I'm still "lopsided", I'm really not that bothered by it. I do plan to wear my sunglasses though.
And I'm looking forward to seeing Dr. Martin on the 30th, so we can schedule the next surgery.
Until next time -
Love to everyone,
Deb :)
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
A Little Glitch...
This morning, when I woke up, I noticed the lower lid of my left eye was red and it seemed more swollen than yesterday. It was very irritated and felt like there was an eyelash in it, or a piece of fuzz or something. Not sure if I should call the doctor, I had Mom come over and look at it to see what she thought.
Without pulling on the eyelids, and being very gentle, she had me look up, then down, then side to side. She said she didn't see anything there. She suggested I just sit and relax with my eyes closed for a while. I put a cold compress on it, took a couple of Tylenol, and leaned back in the recliner. I ended up falling asleep and woke up about an hour and a half later. The eye felt more soothed, but was still red. I thought it still looked a little swollen, though Mom and Thad didn't think so.
Mom and Dad are going down to Fort Ritner to spend the day with Ted and RJ tomorrow to celebrate Ted's birthday, so Mom said that if it still feels irritated tomorrow, I should call the doctor first thing in the morning to see if I could get in to see him. If so, she and Dad would postpone their trip South and she would take me to the doctor.
We'll see how it feels in the AM.
Otherwise, I'm still using the eye drops frequently and still using bacitracin at night in the outer corner. Cold compresses still help. They just feel so soothing!
I'll write more tomorrow with an update.
Until then, have a wonderful evening and thanks as always for your prayers and thoughts!
Love to all,
Deb :)
Without pulling on the eyelids, and being very gentle, she had me look up, then down, then side to side. She said she didn't see anything there. She suggested I just sit and relax with my eyes closed for a while. I put a cold compress on it, took a couple of Tylenol, and leaned back in the recliner. I ended up falling asleep and woke up about an hour and a half later. The eye felt more soothed, but was still red. I thought it still looked a little swollen, though Mom and Thad didn't think so.
Mom and Dad are going down to Fort Ritner to spend the day with Ted and RJ tomorrow to celebrate Ted's birthday, so Mom said that if it still feels irritated tomorrow, I should call the doctor first thing in the morning to see if I could get in to see him. If so, she and Dad would postpone their trip South and she would take me to the doctor.
We'll see how it feels in the AM.
Otherwise, I'm still using the eye drops frequently and still using bacitracin at night in the outer corner. Cold compresses still help. They just feel so soothing!
I'll write more tomorrow with an update.
Until then, have a wonderful evening and thanks as always for your prayers and thoughts!
Love to all,
Deb :)
Friday, August 19, 2011
One week later...
Well, it's been a week since my last entry and, aside from Hunter starting 7th grade, it's been pretty uneventful.
I've posted a current picture so you can see how much I've healed. I'm beginning to feel better about everything, except that I'm still lopsided. !) The swelling has gone down quite a bit, and the redness and bruising is gone. I've looked in the mirror and squinted with my right eye, and it really doesn't look too bad. I think it'll still look "normal" - just different - once the other eye is done and healed.
Last Saturday, we took Hunter to see "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" at the movie theater to celebrate the end of summer. We all enjoyed it! I didn't have any problems watching the movie. I kept my alarms on my insulin pump and had my eye drops with me, so I kept to my schedule, and quietly and discreetly added my eye drops during the movie. I did have to make a conscious effort to blink often to avoid dryness, but other than that, I didn't have any difficulty - no dryness, no redness, no pain.
I am still using all my drops, though today I stopped using the serum drops. My last vial expired yesterday and I have not renewed my prescription. They're very expensive, and with these surgeries, I'm getting the impression from my doctors that I won't need them any longer once my corneas are protected. I will be sure to ask when I see the surgeon on August 30 just to be safe. It's less than two weeks away and I don't think it'll cause any damage in that time, if I should still be using them.
I am completely off any pain medicine, though I still use a cold compress occasionally to ease the itching. I am waking with a crusty film on my eyelids in the morning (probably from the gel I use at bedtime), but I use a cold washcloth to loosen and remove it when I get up. I would use a warm one, but the cold feels better on my eye.
I am still not driving. My vision seems to be better - I'm seeing a lot "crisper", but I reluctantly agree with Thad and the doctors that it's probably not the best idea for me to be driving. My peripheral vision is greatly compromised, though I don't realize it until I bump into something, or until I actually "test" my field of vision. It's kind of hard to describe. My side vision is not dark, or black. It's very light, which gives the illusion that I'm seeing the environment to my left and to my right, but I'm not. When I actually take my hand and move it from the outside inward toward my center vision, I don't see my hand until it's almost right in front of my face. It's hard to understand, I know. It's hard for me to understand. I would think those areas would be dark, or black, but they're not.
Anyway, the doctors say I probably won't ever regain my ability to drive. That's a hard pill to swallow. So much of my independence has been taken away. I think I could deal with it a little better if I didn't feel so bad telling Hunter no when he asks if we can go somewhere. We either have to wait for Thad to get home, or I have to bother someone for a ride. It's just inconvenient.
Luckily, though, we don't live far from the mall or several other stores. Hunter and I have walked several times to the pet store to get crickets for his tarantula and bearded dragon, and we even walked to Burger King one day to have lunch. It's good for both of us to get out and walk - enjoy the weather and get some exercise. I've walked up to the dollar store a couple of times to pick up a few grocery items we needed.
Well, that's about all for now. I'll continue to keep you posted as my healing progresses, and, of course, into the next surgery.
God bless you all and keep praying! It's working!
Love,
Deb :)
I've posted a current picture so you can see how much I've healed. I'm beginning to feel better about everything, except that I'm still lopsided. !) The swelling has gone down quite a bit, and the redness and bruising is gone. I've looked in the mirror and squinted with my right eye, and it really doesn't look too bad. I think it'll still look "normal" - just different - once the other eye is done and healed.
Last Saturday, we took Hunter to see "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" at the movie theater to celebrate the end of summer. We all enjoyed it! I didn't have any problems watching the movie. I kept my alarms on my insulin pump and had my eye drops with me, so I kept to my schedule, and quietly and discreetly added my eye drops during the movie. I did have to make a conscious effort to blink often to avoid dryness, but other than that, I didn't have any difficulty - no dryness, no redness, no pain.
I am still using all my drops, though today I stopped using the serum drops. My last vial expired yesterday and I have not renewed my prescription. They're very expensive, and with these surgeries, I'm getting the impression from my doctors that I won't need them any longer once my corneas are protected. I will be sure to ask when I see the surgeon on August 30 just to be safe. It's less than two weeks away and I don't think it'll cause any damage in that time, if I should still be using them.
I am completely off any pain medicine, though I still use a cold compress occasionally to ease the itching. I am waking with a crusty film on my eyelids in the morning (probably from the gel I use at bedtime), but I use a cold washcloth to loosen and remove it when I get up. I would use a warm one, but the cold feels better on my eye.
I am still not driving. My vision seems to be better - I'm seeing a lot "crisper", but I reluctantly agree with Thad and the doctors that it's probably not the best idea for me to be driving. My peripheral vision is greatly compromised, though I don't realize it until I bump into something, or until I actually "test" my field of vision. It's kind of hard to describe. My side vision is not dark, or black. It's very light, which gives the illusion that I'm seeing the environment to my left and to my right, but I'm not. When I actually take my hand and move it from the outside inward toward my center vision, I don't see my hand until it's almost right in front of my face. It's hard to understand, I know. It's hard for me to understand. I would think those areas would be dark, or black, but they're not.
Anyway, the doctors say I probably won't ever regain my ability to drive. That's a hard pill to swallow. So much of my independence has been taken away. I think I could deal with it a little better if I didn't feel so bad telling Hunter no when he asks if we can go somewhere. We either have to wait for Thad to get home, or I have to bother someone for a ride. It's just inconvenient.
Luckily, though, we don't live far from the mall or several other stores. Hunter and I have walked several times to the pet store to get crickets for his tarantula and bearded dragon, and we even walked to Burger King one day to have lunch. It's good for both of us to get out and walk - enjoy the weather and get some exercise. I've walked up to the dollar store a couple of times to pick up a few grocery items we needed.
Well, that's about all for now. I'll continue to keep you posted as my healing progresses, and, of course, into the next surgery.
God bless you all and keep praying! It's working!
Love,
Deb :)
Friday, August 12, 2011
The swelling is going down...
Good morning!
I just launched my wonderful husband off to his work day. Those of you who know him can appreciate his sense of humor. After reading my blog entry last night, he assured me that he only married me for my nose! lol :) This morning, as he kissed me goodbye, he told me again, "Remember, I married you for your nose - who else would have told you about the booger hanging out of it on our first date?!" (Okay, it wasn't our FIRST date, but it DID happen! :))
Anyway, I love him so much for his ability to make me laugh! He is truly my sunshine! Even though our marriage seemed rocky in the beginning - many thought we wouldn't last - God knew what he was doing when He brought us together! He has molded us and shaped both of us so that He is now the Center of our relationship! I praise Him every day for that! What a blessing He has given me! And let's never forget to mention the miracle of our baby boy, Hunter! He has held me together, motivated me to push on, and often, he has been the inspiration for Thad and me to work together! All along, God was working our hearts so that when these storms approached, we would be able to weather them together! How AMAZING is our God!!!
Well, I just wanted to share that little bit of inspiration this morning, before I went on to mention a few things that I omitted from my entry yesterday.
After the stitch was removed, I resumed the strict eye drop schedule in my left eye, as well as my right. I had been using the Refresh, GenTeal and Serum drops in my right eye through the recovery of my left, but now I have started using them in my right one again too, per the doctor's instructions. I am also still using the post-surgery Bacitracin in the outer corner of my left eye at bedtime. I have reduced my pain meds to regular extra-strength Tylenol, and only have to take it once a day now. I am still using the cold compresses two-three times a day to relieve the swelling, some discomfort and occasional itching. Last night, I took a Benadryl to help relieve some itching and to relax a little to help me sleep.
My vision is a little better this morning, and my field of vision seems to be a little greater since the swelling has reduced a bit. It's still a little red around the edges of the lids, but overall, it's looking better - although, I still think it's ugly! I'm adjusting to the whole situation though. With God's help, life will get back to normal in the next few months, and hopefully, when all is said and done, I'll have regained some of the vision I've lost. I continue to pray and hope that these surgeries accomplish what the goal is - to prevent any further damage to my corneas! If we can prevent the ulcers, we can retain my vision! That's my prayer!
Thank you again for your prayers, your emails and your words of encouragement! Love to all,
Debbie :)
I just launched my wonderful husband off to his work day. Those of you who know him can appreciate his sense of humor. After reading my blog entry last night, he assured me that he only married me for my nose! lol :) This morning, as he kissed me goodbye, he told me again, "Remember, I married you for your nose - who else would have told you about the booger hanging out of it on our first date?!" (Okay, it wasn't our FIRST date, but it DID happen! :))
Anyway, I love him so much for his ability to make me laugh! He is truly my sunshine! Even though our marriage seemed rocky in the beginning - many thought we wouldn't last - God knew what he was doing when He brought us together! He has molded us and shaped both of us so that He is now the Center of our relationship! I praise Him every day for that! What a blessing He has given me! And let's never forget to mention the miracle of our baby boy, Hunter! He has held me together, motivated me to push on, and often, he has been the inspiration for Thad and me to work together! All along, God was working our hearts so that when these storms approached, we would be able to weather them together! How AMAZING is our God!!!
Well, I just wanted to share that little bit of inspiration this morning, before I went on to mention a few things that I omitted from my entry yesterday.
After the stitch was removed, I resumed the strict eye drop schedule in my left eye, as well as my right. I had been using the Refresh, GenTeal and Serum drops in my right eye through the recovery of my left, but now I have started using them in my right one again too, per the doctor's instructions. I am also still using the post-surgery Bacitracin in the outer corner of my left eye at bedtime. I have reduced my pain meds to regular extra-strength Tylenol, and only have to take it once a day now. I am still using the cold compresses two-three times a day to relieve the swelling, some discomfort and occasional itching. Last night, I took a Benadryl to help relieve some itching and to relax a little to help me sleep.
My vision is a little better this morning, and my field of vision seems to be a little greater since the swelling has reduced a bit. It's still a little red around the edges of the lids, but overall, it's looking better - although, I still think it's ugly! I'm adjusting to the whole situation though. With God's help, life will get back to normal in the next few months, and hopefully, when all is said and done, I'll have regained some of the vision I've lost. I continue to pray and hope that these surgeries accomplish what the goal is - to prevent any further damage to my corneas! If we can prevent the ulcers, we can retain my vision! That's my prayer!
Thank you again for your prayers, your emails and your words of encouragement! Love to all,
Debbie :)
Thursday, August 11, 2011
The stitch has been removed...
Good morning! Sorry I haven't written in a couple of days. Yesterday was a little emotional. Mom took me to have the stitch removed that held the upper and lower eyelids together. When I opened my eyes, my vision was still quite blurry, yet much better than looking through the right eye only, with the cataract.
After the doctor left, but before we left the exam room, I looked in the mirror to see what the result looked like. I have to say, it was a shock. I knew it would look bad, but I guess I really didn't know what to expect. I cried. It's just so ugly, to me. I don't want people to see me differently. I don't want people to stare. Most of all, I don't want to have to answer questions. "What happened to your eye?!" "Did you have an accident?!" "Did somebody hit you?!" I just want to look normal!
I was angry, afraid, embarrassed, discouraged - all rolled up into one. It was hard to hold the tears back.
All my life, people have told me I have such beautiful eyes. Ever since I was a little girl, whenever I've looked in the mirror, I've tried to find the things that made me "pretty". When I've looked at pictures of myself, it's always been my eyes that I thought made me the most attractive, especially when I wore eye makeup.
I've always felt self-conscious when I didn't wear eye makeup. I didn't feel as "pretty". I wasn't as self-confident, and I always prayed I wouldn't run into anyone I knew if I went out without makeup on.
When the doctors first told me I had to stop wearing eye makeup, that was an adjustment in itself. Now, it's even worse! Not only do my eyes appear "naked", or "not pretty", but now, at least the left one, is just down-right ugly!
Okay, this was my initial reaction. I had to go to the middle school last night to register Hunter. I wore my sunglasses the entire time. There were so many people, some I knew, some I didn't. Some knew about the surgery, some didn't. Again, I just didn't want to answer any questions. And, truthfully, I was hoping I wouldn't see anyone I knew. Luckily, I didn't.
The eye was still very puffy, both upper and lower lids, red and irritated, and looked very small. I rested my eyes most of the evening last night, and used a couple of cold compresses to ease the discomfort and swelling. I'm having some sharp, stabbing pains in the lids every now and then, but other than that, it doesn't feel too bad. The compresses soothe a lot.
This morning, it's not quite as swollen, and I can see a little better, though still not quite as good as before surgery. I've been praying a lot, and Mom and I talked a lot yesterday about the many blessings there are in this journey. At least they CAN do something to save my corneas! I AM still able to see! The most wonderful blessing of all is that I have the people in my life that God has given me! So many prayers, so much love! I've said it many times before, but I can never express fully how grateful I am for all of you! I would not be able to face any of this without you! God is SO Good!
I woke up this morning with a Psalm Response in my head that we used to sing at Mass when I was a little girl. "The Lord is my rock and my salvation. I trust in Him and have no fear. I sing of the joy which His love gives to me, and I draw deeply on the springs of His great kindness." Oh, how true those words ring in my heart today!
This has not changed who I am - only my appearance - and I know my family and friends still love me! None of that has changed!
I thank you all again for your love and your support! Especially my wonderful husband, Thad - thank you for being here, for helping me, for your patience, your love, your strength and your faith! Hunter - for your wonderful sense of humor, for your compassion, for your help, for being twelve! Mom and Dad - for sharing my story with your families and friends, for your transportation, for your time, for your love, for your faith, and mostly for the foundations you laid when I was young. To ALL my family and friends who have prayed for me, who have picked me up, sometimes at the last minute, to run me somewhere I needed to go, for the coffee breaks, for the play dates, for the laughter and the memories, for being who you are!
It's not over yet. I have a follow up appointment on August 30, and depending on how my left eye has healed, we will discuss scheduling the surgery on the right eye. So, now I have to go a little over two, almost three weeks, with lopsided eyes! - Another reason for my self-consciousness. At least if both eyes looked alike, it wouldn't look as abnormal. But I know that will come. I just have to be patient. (Not an easy task for an Eacret! :))
Anyway, I am doing better today - back to my regular routines and dealing with daily life at the Linton Household - which, living with Thad and Hunter, is ALWAYS an adventure, NEVER boring!
I will continue to keep you updated and let you know when the next surgery is to happen.
Thanks so much and love to all,
Debbie :)
After the doctor left, but before we left the exam room, I looked in the mirror to see what the result looked like. I have to say, it was a shock. I knew it would look bad, but I guess I really didn't know what to expect. I cried. It's just so ugly, to me. I don't want people to see me differently. I don't want people to stare. Most of all, I don't want to have to answer questions. "What happened to your eye?!" "Did you have an accident?!" "Did somebody hit you?!" I just want to look normal!
I was angry, afraid, embarrassed, discouraged - all rolled up into one. It was hard to hold the tears back.
All my life, people have told me I have such beautiful eyes. Ever since I was a little girl, whenever I've looked in the mirror, I've tried to find the things that made me "pretty". When I've looked at pictures of myself, it's always been my eyes that I thought made me the most attractive, especially when I wore eye makeup.
I've always felt self-conscious when I didn't wear eye makeup. I didn't feel as "pretty". I wasn't as self-confident, and I always prayed I wouldn't run into anyone I knew if I went out without makeup on.
When the doctors first told me I had to stop wearing eye makeup, that was an adjustment in itself. Now, it's even worse! Not only do my eyes appear "naked", or "not pretty", but now, at least the left one, is just down-right ugly!
Okay, this was my initial reaction. I had to go to the middle school last night to register Hunter. I wore my sunglasses the entire time. There were so many people, some I knew, some I didn't. Some knew about the surgery, some didn't. Again, I just didn't want to answer any questions. And, truthfully, I was hoping I wouldn't see anyone I knew. Luckily, I didn't.
The eye was still very puffy, both upper and lower lids, red and irritated, and looked very small. I rested my eyes most of the evening last night, and used a couple of cold compresses to ease the discomfort and swelling. I'm having some sharp, stabbing pains in the lids every now and then, but other than that, it doesn't feel too bad. The compresses soothe a lot.
This morning, it's not quite as swollen, and I can see a little better, though still not quite as good as before surgery. I've been praying a lot, and Mom and I talked a lot yesterday about the many blessings there are in this journey. At least they CAN do something to save my corneas! I AM still able to see! The most wonderful blessing of all is that I have the people in my life that God has given me! So many prayers, so much love! I've said it many times before, but I can never express fully how grateful I am for all of you! I would not be able to face any of this without you! God is SO Good!
I woke up this morning with a Psalm Response in my head that we used to sing at Mass when I was a little girl. "The Lord is my rock and my salvation. I trust in Him and have no fear. I sing of the joy which His love gives to me, and I draw deeply on the springs of His great kindness." Oh, how true those words ring in my heart today!
This has not changed who I am - only my appearance - and I know my family and friends still love me! None of that has changed!
I thank you all again for your love and your support! Especially my wonderful husband, Thad - thank you for being here, for helping me, for your patience, your love, your strength and your faith! Hunter - for your wonderful sense of humor, for your compassion, for your help, for being twelve! Mom and Dad - for sharing my story with your families and friends, for your transportation, for your time, for your love, for your faith, and mostly for the foundations you laid when I was young. To ALL my family and friends who have prayed for me, who have picked me up, sometimes at the last minute, to run me somewhere I needed to go, for the coffee breaks, for the play dates, for the laughter and the memories, for being who you are!
It's not over yet. I have a follow up appointment on August 30, and depending on how my left eye has healed, we will discuss scheduling the surgery on the right eye. So, now I have to go a little over two, almost three weeks, with lopsided eyes! - Another reason for my self-consciousness. At least if both eyes looked alike, it wouldn't look as abnormal. But I know that will come. I just have to be patient. (Not an easy task for an Eacret! :))
Anyway, I am doing better today - back to my regular routines and dealing with daily life at the Linton Household - which, living with Thad and Hunter, is ALWAYS an adventure, NEVER boring!
I will continue to keep you updated and let you know when the next surgery is to happen.
Thanks so much and love to all,
Debbie :)
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Post Op Day 5
Well today Mom and Hunter and I took the 2 dogs, Angel and Penny, to the park. It was nice to get out of the house and enjoy the summer air. We were gone about an hour and had a good time. The nurse from Dr. Martin's office called when we got home, and my follow up appointment is scheduled for tomorrow @ 10:45 A.M. I will have to see one of Dr. Martin's associates because he is in another town this week seeing patients. The nurse said that the stitch holding my eyelids together will be removed tomorrow, and I anticipate that I will be able to see out of my left eye. It will be nice to be able to see again after 6 days with very poor vision, to be able to function once again on my own. We as humans value our independence, but it is good to know that we have people who care about us when we need assistance. My blood sugars are stable. I continue to use drops and pain medication per routine. I also am still using Benadryl caplets to relieve the terrible itching in my left eye. It does help, and so do the cold compresses to the surgical site. We'll be posting a new picture after the stitch is removed. I will be able to look in the mirror for the first time since surgery to see the effect it has had on my appearance. I continue to Blog, as it is good therapy for me. I welcome your comments. They encourage me. After tomorrow, I'll be half way through. I'll be back tomorrow to let you know how things went.
(transcribed by Anne, Debbie's Mom.)
(transcribed by Anne, Debbie's Mom.)
Monday, August 8, 2011
Post Op Day 4
Last evening my two sisters-in-law stopped in to see me and brought me some beautiful flowers, although I couldn't see them very well. I had Mom take a picture so I can see them after my eye heals. Today the swelling has gone down a bit. I'm still using cold compresses for comfort plus they help reduce the itching. I'm taking a little less pain medicine today, still using Benadryl and using the drops in my right eye. Each night I am applying a Neosporin ointment to the outer corner of my left eye where the stitches are, as directed by my surgeon. There has also been clear drainage from the inner corner of the left eye, causing a crusty layer to form, but the doctor said that would be expected, and I should not try to remove it or it could cause bleeding. A friend of Mom's from work brought dinner over tonight. It was sooo good. Mom and Dad joined me for lasagna, salad, bread and sugar-free strawberry pie for dessert. Mmmm Mmmmm. It was scrumptious. (Thank you, Julie ). I am able to shower and wash my hair as long as I don't get the left eye wet. I showered today, and had no trouble. As far as my emotional and mental perspective, I am having trouble accepting help from others. I feel like I should be doing more, but the limited vision in my right eye prevents me from being independent. It's been hard for me to swallow my pride and accept that I cannot do this alone. I have sometimes been irritable toward the ones I love most, but only out of frustration due to my limits. I'm still waiting for the nurse to schedule my follow up visit when they will remove the stitch holding my left eye closed. Hopefully she will call tomorrow. Until then, I continue to watch my blood sugars closely and take care of myself. I know that when this is over, I need to be at my best for my family. Having their love makes this a lot easier. That's all for now. Good-night and God Bless.
(transcribed by Anne, Debbie's Mom )
(transcribed by Anne, Debbie's Mom )
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Post op day 3
Yesterday, the pain was a little worse, so I took two pain pills every four hours rather than one, and that seemed to help.
I spent most of the day resting in my recliner.
Thad and Hunter were great helps to me; with my blood sugars, and meals. I had a special craving for a tomato and cheese sandwich. Thad made a special trip to the garden we planted late, due to the Spring flooding, and found a tomato for me. The sandwiches were VERY good!
Thad also helped me with my cold-compresses which are SO soothing. Especially now, because the surgery site is becoming very itchy. I took Benadryl to fight the itching and it worked very well [Keep Benadryl handy as your eye starts healing!].
Ann, my mother-in-law, came by to see me last night and said that she, and her sisters are still praying for healing.
The nurse is supposed to call tomorrow to schedule my follow-up appointment, which will probably be on Wednesday, to have the stitch removed. I should then be able to see out of my left eye. Then we'll talk about scheduling the surgery on my right eye.
Over all, I'm doing well.
Keep the prayers coming, and I will continue to keep you updated on my progress.
Thanks and LOVE to all!
Debbie :^) [transcribed by Thad]
I spent most of the day resting in my recliner.
Thad and Hunter were great helps to me; with my blood sugars, and meals. I had a special craving for a tomato and cheese sandwich. Thad made a special trip to the garden we planted late, due to the Spring flooding, and found a tomato for me. The sandwiches were VERY good!
Thad also helped me with my cold-compresses which are SO soothing. Especially now, because the surgery site is becoming very itchy. I took Benadryl to fight the itching and it worked very well [Keep Benadryl handy as your eye starts healing!].
Ann, my mother-in-law, came by to see me last night and said that she, and her sisters are still praying for healing.
The nurse is supposed to call tomorrow to schedule my follow-up appointment, which will probably be on Wednesday, to have the stitch removed. I should then be able to see out of my left eye. Then we'll talk about scheduling the surgery on my right eye.
Over all, I'm doing well.
Keep the prayers coming, and I will continue to keep you updated on my progress.
Thanks and LOVE to all!
Debbie :^) [transcribed by Thad]
Friday, August 5, 2011
Post op day 1
After an uneventful night, Deb awoke with a swollen left eye with some discoloration. She said that she slept okay in her recliner, keeping her head elevated above her chest. She took prescription pain medicine every four hours as directed to keep her pain from getting out of control. She is experiencing some tearing from the left eye. The doctor said that was to be expected. She received a call from the nurse today checking on her progress. She has also been keeping cold compresses on the surgical site to relieve swelling and pain. She reports that these are very soothing. I spent the day with Debbie and Hunter while Thad was at work. She is able to get around with some assistance, and continues to use eye drops in her Right eye. Her blood sugars are stable. Her fasting this A.M. was 95. She is careful to watch them closely. She will continue to recuperate at home this weekend with Thad and Hunter. We're really happy that everything is going according to plan. Thad will continue to help Debbie update her Blog this weekend.
Debbie's Mom.
Debbie's Mom.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Day of Surgery
This is Anne, Debbie's Mom. Today was the date of surgery. Debbie's Dad ,Jerry, and I accompanied Debbie to the Surgery Center at 10:30 A.M. where we met with Dr. Martin. He was very thorough in explaining once again what he planned to do. The procedure took 45 minutes, and Deb was in Recovery for another 45 minutes. Jerry and I met with the doctor afterward and he told us that everything went well.
We were able to see Debbie then, and she was resting comfortably. She told us that she was able to feel some pain in her eye during the procedure , and was given an additional anesthetic. The nurse in Recovery gave her a pain pill to ease her pain and some nausea medicine and morphine in her IV to speed up the pain relief. We left the surgery center at 2 P.M. and Debbie spent the afternoon resting at our house until her husband and son got home. We are attaching a picture of her after the surgery. We are grateful everything went well and she will recover soon. Thanks to everyone for your many prayers. We will continue to update Debbie's progress.
We were able to see Debbie then, and she was resting comfortably. She told us that she was able to feel some pain in her eye during the procedure , and was given an additional anesthetic. The nurse in Recovery gave her a pain pill to ease her pain and some nausea medicine and morphine in her IV to speed up the pain relief. We left the surgery center at 2 P.M. and Debbie spent the afternoon resting at our house until her husband and son got home. We are attaching a picture of her after the surgery. We are grateful everything went well and she will recover soon. Thanks to everyone for your many prayers. We will continue to update Debbie's progress.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Tomorrow's the day....
Well, it's kinda cloudy out this morning, but still very hot! So we're off to the pool today! I'm looking forward to pretending to be a kid today! I may even attempt the slide! :) I just want to have one really fun day with Hunter before life changes! School's just around the corner and summer's almost over, so this'll be our last fling of the season! Look out Perry Park!!! :)
Still kinda nervous, but I know that God is hearing all our prayers! He sent me a special message this morning!
Thad will be posting a "Before" picture this evening, and I'll have him and Mom take over after that. So, please keep me in your thoughts and prayers tomorrow. It will be a long journey.
Love and thanks to all,
Debbie :)
Still kinda nervous, but I know that God is hearing all our prayers! He sent me a special message this morning!
Thad will be posting a "Before" picture this evening, and I'll have him and Mom take over after that. So, please keep me in your thoughts and prayers tomorrow. It will be a long journey.
Love and thanks to all,
Debbie :)
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Two days....
Finishing up chores today. The doctor called this morning with my adjustments to my insulin pump for the night before and day of surgery. It's starting to hit me a little harder today. A little more emotion, a LOT more prayer! I am confident everything will turn out as He plans, but what about what I plan?!
Sometimes it's harder to understand that God has a plan even if it's not the same as ours! When things don't turn out the way we want, we assume that God has abandoned us. But in reality, God has a purpose for the outcomes we don't anticipate. He has the bigger picture in His hands! He holds the Master Plan!
He has given me what I need to get through this - loving family, amazing friends and the gift of faith in Him!
Thank you, God, for your Power and your Will! I praise you and love you with all my heart!
Sometimes it's harder to understand that God has a plan even if it's not the same as ours! When things don't turn out the way we want, we assume that God has abandoned us. But in reality, God has a purpose for the outcomes we don't anticipate. He has the bigger picture in His hands! He holds the Master Plan!
He has given me what I need to get through this - loving family, amazing friends and the gift of faith in Him!
Thank you, God, for your Power and your Will! I praise you and love you with all my heart!
Monday, August 1, 2011
Three more days....
Today I am putting together a binder filled with instructions for everyone so they can help me get through at least the first week or so, while my left eye is bandaged.
Hunter had his friends spend another night last night and they stayed out til 10:30p.m. swimming! They really had a good time!
Mom says she's getting a lot of emails from friends and family offering their prayers and loving thoughts for my upcoming day! Thank you to all for your comfort and support! It means far more than you can imagine!
Be sure to keep checking in after surgery to keep tabs on my recovery!
Thanks again, and God bless you all! :)
Hunter had his friends spend another night last night and they stayed out til 10:30p.m. swimming! They really had a good time!
Mom says she's getting a lot of emails from friends and family offering their prayers and loving thoughts for my upcoming day! Thank you to all for your comfort and support! It means far more than you can imagine!
Be sure to keep checking in after surgery to keep tabs on my recovery!
Thanks again, and God bless you all! :)
Sunday, July 31, 2011
4 Days....
4 more days!
Mom is coming over tonight and I am going to have a "class" with her, Thad and Hunter to show them how to change my pump site, so they'll be prepared.
Michele and I made plans to take the boys to Perry Park pool this Wednesday, since it's the last day before my big transition! I hope the weather's great so we can really enjoy it!
Just trying to get some last-minute things caught up before Wednesday - laundry, vacuuming, you know, the chores!
Talk to you all soon! :)
Mom is coming over tonight and I am going to have a "class" with her, Thad and Hunter to show them how to change my pump site, so they'll be prepared.
Michele and I made plans to take the boys to Perry Park pool this Wednesday, since it's the last day before my big transition! I hope the weather's great so we can really enjoy it!
Just trying to get some last-minute things caught up before Wednesday - laundry, vacuuming, you know, the chores!
Talk to you all soon! :)
Saturday, July 30, 2011
5 More Days....
Good afternoon!
My cousin and good friend, Charlene, came by last night to visit a little bit. I showed her the doctor's diagram and she was also very encouraging and optimistic!
We talked about our boys and church and the latest happenings in our lives. It was very enjoyable - something we hadn't done in a while.
Today, I went to lunch and grocery shopping with Mom. Two of Hunter's buddies are spending the night tonight and have enjoyed much of the afternoon in our pop-up pool out back. Hunter's school shopping is done, except for his shoes and his haircut (but we're not talking about that yet! lol)
Still doing the eye drop thing every hour. It's getting kinda old, but I know it's helping my corneas stay healthy, or "happy", as my doctor puts it! :) He says my main goal through all of this is to keep my corneas happy! :)
Well, more tomorrow...
My cousin and good friend, Charlene, came by last night to visit a little bit. I showed her the doctor's diagram and she was also very encouraging and optimistic!
We talked about our boys and church and the latest happenings in our lives. It was very enjoyable - something we hadn't done in a while.
Today, I went to lunch and grocery shopping with Mom. Two of Hunter's buddies are spending the night tonight and have enjoyed much of the afternoon in our pop-up pool out back. Hunter's school shopping is done, except for his shoes and his haircut (but we're not talking about that yet! lol)
Still doing the eye drop thing every hour. It's getting kinda old, but I know it's helping my corneas stay healthy, or "happy", as my doctor puts it! :) He says my main goal through all of this is to keep my corneas happy! :)
Well, more tomorrow...
Friday, July 29, 2011
6 Days Til Surgery...
Well, I've figured out how to post pictures now, so I'm going for a test run today. To the right of this entry, you should see a diagram given to me by my plastic surgeon with sketches to indicate the changes he will be making.
I'm going to try to explain the diagram as well as I can.
First, I'll explain the drawings on the left side of the diagram.
He described the lower lid as having a tendon like a hammock. When a hammock is strung between two trees, you can raise it by pulling on either end. That's what he'll be doing with the tendon in my lower lids.
Also, tucked under and inside the lower lid is a muscle that has a tendency to pull the lower lid down. The goal here is to raise my lower lid, so he will be removing this muscle.
Finally, he will be stitching the outer and inner corners of each eye so that the cornea has less exposure to elements such as wind, dust, air, etc. He will only close the lids as much as he feels is necessary to protect my eyes. He will NOT be interfering with my tear ducts.
The right side of the diagram shows what he'll be doing to promote the healing process.
After surgery, he will make a stitch in my lower lid and pull it up to my brow line and connect it with a stitch there. This will help my lids to heal with the tendency of remaining up/raised. After 7-10 days, he will remove this stitch and the healing will continue.
My peripheral vision will be extremely compromised, but other than that, the vision should return to normal, provided that I do not get any more ulcers on the corneas, which is the whole point to this surgery - it's supposed to aid in preventing that.
After the surgery is done on both eyes, hopefully, the right cornea will heal and clear up enough for my regular eye doctor to remove the cataract, so vision can be restored in that eye. But we'll have to wait and see how the cornea does first.
Overall, it will be a long process, but, as I have been saying, I am SO VERY BLESSED to have the friends and family God has given me! I would not be able to face this without their loving support and encouragement!
Thank you all again for you prayers!
Love to all of you,
Debbie :)
I'm going to try to explain the diagram as well as I can.
First, I'll explain the drawings on the left side of the diagram.
He described the lower lid as having a tendon like a hammock. When a hammock is strung between two trees, you can raise it by pulling on either end. That's what he'll be doing with the tendon in my lower lids.
Also, tucked under and inside the lower lid is a muscle that has a tendency to pull the lower lid down. The goal here is to raise my lower lid, so he will be removing this muscle.
Finally, he will be stitching the outer and inner corners of each eye so that the cornea has less exposure to elements such as wind, dust, air, etc. He will only close the lids as much as he feels is necessary to protect my eyes. He will NOT be interfering with my tear ducts.
The right side of the diagram shows what he'll be doing to promote the healing process.
After surgery, he will make a stitch in my lower lid and pull it up to my brow line and connect it with a stitch there. This will help my lids to heal with the tendency of remaining up/raised. After 7-10 days, he will remove this stitch and the healing will continue.
My peripheral vision will be extremely compromised, but other than that, the vision should return to normal, provided that I do not get any more ulcers on the corneas, which is the whole point to this surgery - it's supposed to aid in preventing that.
After the surgery is done on both eyes, hopefully, the right cornea will heal and clear up enough for my regular eye doctor to remove the cataract, so vision can be restored in that eye. But we'll have to wait and see how the cornea does first.
Overall, it will be a long process, but, as I have been saying, I am SO VERY BLESSED to have the friends and family God has given me! I would not be able to face this without their loving support and encouragement!
Thank you all again for you prayers!
Love to all of you,
Debbie :)
Thursday, July 28, 2011
One week and counting...
Well, the plan today is to write out all my instructions for changing my pump site, and taking my blood sugar and blood pressure. It'll help Mom, Thad and Hunter with my care after surgery. It won't be as bad when I have the right eye surgery. When they do the left eye, I'll have a stitch in my eyelids, keeping them closed for 7-10 days while the healing begins. The vision in my right eye is so poor due to the cataract that I won't be able to do much for myself. I can see blurs of color, but no detail whatsoever. For example, closing my left eye at this moment, the only thing I see on this computer screen is a big white square, even sitting right in front of it. So any tasks involving detail will have to be done by loved ones. Praise God I HAVE loved ones!
More tomorrow.
More tomorrow.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
T minus 8 days....
Good morning!
My good friend Michele came to visit yesterday. It was so good to spend time with her! I've missed her! We've both been so busy, it's been difficult to get together. I showed her the diagrams the doctor made of his plans for surgery. She agreed that, although it looks extensive, it doesn't look like it's going to be so bad.
I'm so very blessed to have such good friends and such a loving family - extended family as well!
Spending the day with Mom today. Going to Bible Study, shopping with Hunter for jeans and shoes for school and getting a much-needed hair cut! (Me, not Hunter! Sorry-didn't mean to get anyone's hopes up! Yes, Hunter NEEDS a haircut, but he really believes his long hair is a chic magnet! lol We'll be seriously discussing this before school starts!)
Love to all,
Deb :)
My good friend Michele came to visit yesterday. It was so good to spend time with her! I've missed her! We've both been so busy, it's been difficult to get together. I showed her the diagrams the doctor made of his plans for surgery. She agreed that, although it looks extensive, it doesn't look like it's going to be so bad.
I'm so very blessed to have such good friends and such a loving family - extended family as well!
Spending the day with Mom today. Going to Bible Study, shopping with Hunter for jeans and shoes for school and getting a much-needed hair cut! (Me, not Hunter! Sorry-didn't mean to get anyone's hopes up! Yes, Hunter NEEDS a haircut, but he really believes his long hair is a chic magnet! lol We'll be seriously discussing this before school starts!)
Love to all,
Deb :)
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
The countdown begins!
Good morning All!
Nine days til surgery. I have to say, when I first got the news, I was a little down in the dumps, worried, and wondering how this is all going to change my life, not to mention the people I love!
I've been praying daily, and everyone I've talked to has been so encouraging and optimistic that I'm beginning to feel better about the whole thing. It's not going to change who I am, just the way I look. And ya know what? It really doesn't matter because when I finally get where I'm going, I'll be beautiful in God's Presence!
I'll continue to make daily posts myself until after surgery. Then Mom and/or Thad will make them for me to let you all know how I'm doing.
I'm going to try to figure out how to post pictures on here today, so those will be available. There aren't many pictures on the Internet, so it's hard to tell what to expect. At least this way, anyone who might have to go through this type of thing or know someone who will, can get an idea of what they're up against. WARNING - they WON'T be pretty! :)
Thanks to ALL for your prayers! Keep 'em comin'!! :)
Nine days til surgery. I have to say, when I first got the news, I was a little down in the dumps, worried, and wondering how this is all going to change my life, not to mention the people I love!
I've been praying daily, and everyone I've talked to has been so encouraging and optimistic that I'm beginning to feel better about the whole thing. It's not going to change who I am, just the way I look. And ya know what? It really doesn't matter because when I finally get where I'm going, I'll be beautiful in God's Presence!
I'll continue to make daily posts myself until after surgery. Then Mom and/or Thad will make them for me to let you all know how I'm doing.
I'm going to try to figure out how to post pictures on here today, so those will be available. There aren't many pictures on the Internet, so it's hard to tell what to expect. At least this way, anyone who might have to go through this type of thing or know someone who will, can get an idea of what they're up against. WARNING - they WON'T be pretty! :)
Thanks to ALL for your prayers! Keep 'em comin'!! :)
Monday, July 25, 2011
Brief History (continued)
Okay, well, I went to see the cornea specialist in March. He said I have ulcers (open sores) on both my corneas and the nerves that supply nourishment and sensation to my eyes are damaged. He said a person without diabetes would be in extreme pain with the ulcers I have. He told me no makeup, and to limit my reading, computer work and watching TV. He told me to close and rest my eyes as often as possible and he put me on a very strict eye drop schedule to keep my eyes moist. One of the major contributors to these ulcers is extremely dry eyes. I was to take "tears" WITHOUT preservatives 8 times a day, an eye gel 4 times a day and a prescription Bacitracin ointment for eyes twice a day.
I went back after two weeks of following this regimen religiously. He said the ulcers were healing but not to the extent that he had hoped. He recommended adding serum drops to the regimen 6 times a day, in addition to the drops I was already using. The serum drops are still considered "experimental" and are not covered by insurance. They are made by taking several vials of my own blood, spinning it down and then an apothecary (specialized pharmacy) makes eye drops out of that serum. It contains the growth hormone that is not being sent to my corneas due to the nerve damage.
So - after three weeks of this therapy, along with the other drops as well, I returned to his office once more. He said the corneas look better, but still have linear ulcers and scarring, making my vision cloudy. He recommended a surgery called a tarsorrhaphy and referred me to a special optical plastic surgeon who works out of the same office building. At this point, all I knew was that the surgery involved sewing my eyes together partially, allowing the corneas to stay moist, limiting exposure to air, wind, dust, etc. In most cases, this surgery is done temporarily to allow corneas to heal after an injury or similar reason. But, in my case, it would be a permanent transition. It would be a preventive measure to keep more ulcers from forming by limiting the exposure the corneas have to outside elements.
Needless to say, I was not happy about this news! I was very upset and did a lot of praying and sharing with my family. Ultimately, I had decided not to have the surgery - that there must be other options! But I decided to go ahead and go to the consultation with the plastic surgeon to see what his plan was.
He showed me a diagram and added his own sketches to show me how my eyes would change. The plan was very extensive - more than just sewing the corners of the eyes. He plans to do some maneuvering of the tendons and muscles in the lower lids, as well as pinch the inner corners and the outer corners of the eyes. He spent two hours with us (Mom and me) and could tell that we were very concerned about the results and how this would change my appearance. He was very thorough in his explanation and answered all of our questions.
After leaving his office, I actually felt a little better about the surgery, but still wanted to explore other options, so I didn't schedule it at that time.
A friend of Mom and Dad's told her about a friend of his who is a world-known cornea specialist who has done miraculous things with cornea transplants and other treatments. Mom was able to schedule an appointment with him for just a week later!
Wow! Maybe there IS another option! I started getting my hopes up that I might not have to have this surgery after all!
I saw this doctor for a second opinion last Thursday. After a very thorough eye exam, seeing several different doctors in the office - 3 1/2 hours later - this doctor informed me that he agrees with my specialist - that there really is no other way to remedy the problem. A cornea transplant would not work because, due to the nerve damage, the same thing would happen to the new corneas, maybe even worse. There are special "contact" lenses that cover the entire eye, but again, due to the loss of sensation, the risk of infection is far too great. The only way to ensure prevention of more ulcers is to do the surgery. And even then, there's no guarantee. But the surgery would increase my defenses greatly.
So - Friday morning, I called my plastic surgeon and scheduled the surgery on my left eye.It is set for Thursday, August 4, 2011 at noon.
He will do one eye at a time. We decided to do the "good" eye first - the left one. The right one still has the cataract, so the vision isn't good at all in that eye. After seven to ten days, he'll remove the stitch that keeps my eyelids closed, and approximately 4 or 5 days after that, we'll schedule the right eye to be done.
Everyone I've talked to has been super supportive, especially my husband Thad, my son Hunter and my parents! Of course, Thad's family is also very helpful. They are always there when I need them and I know I've been in their prayers.
Well, I'll leave it at that for now. Thad and Mom are going to help me keep the blog updated after surgery. I plan to add pictures also. I thought others might like to see my progress, but the main reason for all this is to help others who might be facing the same or similar decisions. I had tried to research this subject online before making my decision, and truthfully, there's not much out there - at least not with all these factors - diabetes, neurotrophic keratitis, active ulcers, and cataracts. My hope is that maybe someone else might be able to benefit from the knowledge of my experience and that my entries here might offer some encouragement and support in their decision-making.
God bless you all!
I went back after two weeks of following this regimen religiously. He said the ulcers were healing but not to the extent that he had hoped. He recommended adding serum drops to the regimen 6 times a day, in addition to the drops I was already using. The serum drops are still considered "experimental" and are not covered by insurance. They are made by taking several vials of my own blood, spinning it down and then an apothecary (specialized pharmacy) makes eye drops out of that serum. It contains the growth hormone that is not being sent to my corneas due to the nerve damage.
So - after three weeks of this therapy, along with the other drops as well, I returned to his office once more. He said the corneas look better, but still have linear ulcers and scarring, making my vision cloudy. He recommended a surgery called a tarsorrhaphy and referred me to a special optical plastic surgeon who works out of the same office building. At this point, all I knew was that the surgery involved sewing my eyes together partially, allowing the corneas to stay moist, limiting exposure to air, wind, dust, etc. In most cases, this surgery is done temporarily to allow corneas to heal after an injury or similar reason. But, in my case, it would be a permanent transition. It would be a preventive measure to keep more ulcers from forming by limiting the exposure the corneas have to outside elements.
Needless to say, I was not happy about this news! I was very upset and did a lot of praying and sharing with my family. Ultimately, I had decided not to have the surgery - that there must be other options! But I decided to go ahead and go to the consultation with the plastic surgeon to see what his plan was.
He showed me a diagram and added his own sketches to show me how my eyes would change. The plan was very extensive - more than just sewing the corners of the eyes. He plans to do some maneuvering of the tendons and muscles in the lower lids, as well as pinch the inner corners and the outer corners of the eyes. He spent two hours with us (Mom and me) and could tell that we were very concerned about the results and how this would change my appearance. He was very thorough in his explanation and answered all of our questions.
After leaving his office, I actually felt a little better about the surgery, but still wanted to explore other options, so I didn't schedule it at that time.
A friend of Mom and Dad's told her about a friend of his who is a world-known cornea specialist who has done miraculous things with cornea transplants and other treatments. Mom was able to schedule an appointment with him for just a week later!
Wow! Maybe there IS another option! I started getting my hopes up that I might not have to have this surgery after all!
I saw this doctor for a second opinion last Thursday. After a very thorough eye exam, seeing several different doctors in the office - 3 1/2 hours later - this doctor informed me that he agrees with my specialist - that there really is no other way to remedy the problem. A cornea transplant would not work because, due to the nerve damage, the same thing would happen to the new corneas, maybe even worse. There are special "contact" lenses that cover the entire eye, but again, due to the loss of sensation, the risk of infection is far too great. The only way to ensure prevention of more ulcers is to do the surgery. And even then, there's no guarantee. But the surgery would increase my defenses greatly.
So - Friday morning, I called my plastic surgeon and scheduled the surgery on my left eye.It is set for Thursday, August 4, 2011 at noon.
He will do one eye at a time. We decided to do the "good" eye first - the left one. The right one still has the cataract, so the vision isn't good at all in that eye. After seven to ten days, he'll remove the stitch that keeps my eyelids closed, and approximately 4 or 5 days after that, we'll schedule the right eye to be done.
Everyone I've talked to has been super supportive, especially my husband Thad, my son Hunter and my parents! Of course, Thad's family is also very helpful. They are always there when I need them and I know I've been in their prayers.
Well, I'll leave it at that for now. Thad and Mom are going to help me keep the blog updated after surgery. I plan to add pictures also. I thought others might like to see my progress, but the main reason for all this is to help others who might be facing the same or similar decisions. I had tried to research this subject online before making my decision, and truthfully, there's not much out there - at least not with all these factors - diabetes, neurotrophic keratitis, active ulcers, and cataracts. My hope is that maybe someone else might be able to benefit from the knowledge of my experience and that my entries here might offer some encouragement and support in their decision-making.
God bless you all!
Saturday, July 23, 2011
A Brief History
I am a type I diabetic and have been for 32 years. I was 11 years old when I was diagnosed and started developing eye complications when I was 26. I first developed diabetic retinopathy then and was referred to a retinal specialist. After performing several laser surgeries on both eyes, he decided that the best route to take would be to perform a vitrectomy in both eyes, one at a time. Since those surgeries, I have had sensitivity to light and loss of most of my peripheral vision, but the only real consequence has been night driving restrictions. Otherwise, my vision has been pretty good since then.
After the birth of my son in 1998, I developed cataracts on both of my eyes. I had cataract surgery on both eyes, one at a time, and have only had to use glasses while reading. I had a secondary cataract develop on my left eye in 2006, but it was taken care of with a simple laser procedure, and again, my vision has been fairly good since then.
Well, things seemed to be going along fine until about a year ago, I noticed that my eyes seemed to be red all the time and I had a lot of burning and discomfort. My mother has trouble with eye redness, so I really didn't think much of it, and simply treated it with over=the-counter eye drops for redness and tried to rest them a lot.
Then in January, I noticed my vision was becoming more and more blurry, especially in my right eye, so I went back to my eye doctor, thinking I must have a secondary cataract on my right eye and that it would be a simple matter of another simple laser procedure to take care of it.
When I went in for the exam, I found out that I do indeed have a secondary cataract, but there were other complications. My corneas were both very cloudy and he couldn't see past the cornea to get to the cataract to take care of it. He referred me to a cornea specialist for further evaluation and treatment.
I saw the cornea specialist for the first time in Match.
Sorry - my vision is getting really blurry - probably straining too much trying to read on the computer. I'm gonna sign off for now and make a new entry tomorrow. I'll continue the story then.
After the birth of my son in 1998, I developed cataracts on both of my eyes. I had cataract surgery on both eyes, one at a time, and have only had to use glasses while reading. I had a secondary cataract develop on my left eye in 2006, but it was taken care of with a simple laser procedure, and again, my vision has been fairly good since then.
Well, things seemed to be going along fine until about a year ago, I noticed that my eyes seemed to be red all the time and I had a lot of burning and discomfort. My mother has trouble with eye redness, so I really didn't think much of it, and simply treated it with over=the-counter eye drops for redness and tried to rest them a lot.
Then in January, I noticed my vision was becoming more and more blurry, especially in my right eye, so I went back to my eye doctor, thinking I must have a secondary cataract on my right eye and that it would be a simple matter of another simple laser procedure to take care of it.
When I went in for the exam, I found out that I do indeed have a secondary cataract, but there were other complications. My corneas were both very cloudy and he couldn't see past the cornea to get to the cataract to take care of it. He referred me to a cornea specialist for further evaluation and treatment.
I saw the cornea specialist for the first time in Match.
Sorry - my vision is getting really blurry - probably straining too much trying to read on the computer. I'm gonna sign off for now and make a new entry tomorrow. I'll continue the story then.
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