 |
But today I'm celebrating the fact that Monday morning, early, I'm having combined glaucoma/cataract surgery. In a moment I'll tell you why I'm choosing that to celebrate, even though it his hardly a "small thing." But first: This Celebrate the Small Things blog hop is co-hosted by Lexa Cain at: Lexa Cain, L.G. Keltner @ Writing Off The Edge , and Tonja Drecker @ Tidbits Blog. You can go to any of these sites to add your name to the links, if you want to participate. I recommend it, because it's always fun to see positive news that others are celebrating, and to share your own as well.
Okay, why celebrate the surgery? I'm certainly not glad to have glaucoma! But I'm celebrating the fact that they know what to do about it. Fifty years ago--even less--I could have expected to slowly go blind. I have a good surgeon who inspires my confidence, and a wonderful husband who can take care of me while my eye is healing. What that means is he'll be doing major housework, cooking, and gardening. I won't be bed-ridden, but I'm not supposed to bend over, lift anything heavier than 15 pounds, drive, or do any strenuous exercise for 6 to 8 weeks. I also can't fly in planes for about 3 months. Anything that increases pressure in the eyes.
But I can work on the computer, read and write, both online and print, in just a day or two after the surgery. I can also watch television--although I don't really do a lot of that--and take walks, which I love to do.
I do, however, want to take this opportunity to give everyone a heads up about glaucoma. People over 50 are at risk. If someone in your family has it, you are at risk. African Americans and Hispanic people are at risk. AND YOU CAN LIVE IN IGNORANT BLISS, NOT KNOWING YOU HAVE IT, until it does some damage. And while treatment can halt or prevent its further progress, it cannot cure the damage already done. I have already lost some of my peripheral vision--above, not at the sides or below. (So it doesn't affect my driving.)
So, I would like to urge anyone reading this to go have your eyes checked for it. Thoroughly checked. The sooner you discover it, the easier it is to treat, and if the damage isn't done, it can mostly be treated with eyedrops and surgery avoided.
Despite the serious message, I hope you all have a great week-end. Meanwhile, please go next door to read my post on a wonderful festival in Galicia, where we spent our vacation.
24 comments:
I hear you about the cataract surgery and glaucoma. My hubs is scheduled for cataract surgery in September. I am glad, as you said that now they can do something to help these eye conditions. Good Luck with your surgery!
Hi, D. J., yes, we were all born at a good time. Now there are treatments for what used to be hopeless situations. I'll be thinking about your husband in September. Several friends of mine have had the cataract surgery and it heals up very quickly. They all talk about how bright the world has suddenly become again. :-)
Thanks so much for reminding me about this. I neglect my eyesight something awful. I'll think about you on Mon and hope the surgery goes great and your recovery is quick. Good luck with your betas!
Hi, Lexa, thanks for stopping by. I do wish I had made the discovery earlier. I put off going to have my eyes checked for prescription because I was so busy. If I'd gone earlier, that eye would be in better shape. So I hope this post inspires people to go get checked. Thanks for the good wishes on both surgery and betas. Have a great week-end.
Congrats on finishing your rewrites. Sending you healing thoughts for a successful surgery and speedy recovery!
All the best for your surgery! I'll be sending thoughts and prayers your way.
I hope your surgery goes well and wish you a speedy recovery. My optometrist makes me have an appointment yearly before he'll give me more contacts so hopefully he'll catch anything before it gets too serious...
All my best wishes for a smooth recovery, Elizabeth. And don't strain those lovely eyes by overdoing. Yes, I get my eyes thoroughly examined each year --your advice coincides closely with our optometrist's.
Sending prayers Elizabeth. I feel confident all will go well. And thank you for the wonderful advice!!!!
YAY for finishing your re-writes and hope the betas love it so you can send it out. I already said a prayer for you.
Thanks for the good thoughts, Lara. It's very encouraging.
Thanks, T. I appreciate the support.
Hi, Kate. Yearly sounds good. I was having two year check-ups, but unfortunately Iet it go to two and a half years this time, because I got so engrossed in other activities. (Not good to neglect these things!)
Every year sounds wise for sure, Geo. My ophthalmologist also advised calling all family members, because sometimes glaucoma runs in families. I didn't realize it, but two cousins have glaucoma.
Thanks, Cathrina. I believe in the power of prayer, so your support is very welcome.
Thanks! I hope they do, too. Fingers crossed, because, much as I love this book, I'd really like to move on to my next, if you know what I mean.
All good news today. Yes, reason to celebrate. I hope all goes will on Monday. I will be sending healing thoughts. Let me know if there is anything you need. I live much closer now!
Thanks, Rosi, that means a lot.
Wishing you all the best with this, Elizabeth. I appreciate you sharing with us. Your positive attitude will make all the difference. My brother recently had eye surgery.
Sending all kinds of positive energy your way.
Hugs
Thanks so much, Sandra. I appreciated the good thoughts and support.
Thank you for the heads up about glaucoma. It's been a few years since I've had my eyes checked. I guess it's time to get that done. I hope your surgery goes well tomorrow and you have a full recovery. Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way.
Hi, Lori, yes, if it has been a few years, definitely go have them checked as soon as possible. I didn't have a clue I had it until my eye exam. Thanks for the good wishes.
Praying for a good outcome for your eyes! I'm only 53 and I just underwent cataract/corneal reshaping surgery. It's amazing what they can do these days. They are monitoring me for eye pressure weekly, until my eyes heal. It's scary having to have eye surgery but again, it's amazing what they can do. Take care of yourself while you are healing. I highlighted a video that was very encouraging for me this week and I hoped it would be for others, too. Celebrating the Small Things that make people smile and add joy to the heart! http://dianeweidenbenner.com/kindness-challenge-wk4-ctst-kind/
Thanks for the prayers and good wishes, Diane. Glad your own surgery went well. Yes, we live in a good era when doctors can fix these problems. As a writer and artist, I'd feel terrible to lose my sight.
Post a Comment