Wednesday, February 06, 2013

So, this is what I did yesterday...


I don't usually talk about my health. Actually, I'm usually the picture of health so it's not an issue. Like most folks my age (48) I've had a few problems over the years, but I've been incredibly lucky healthwise.
 
Since last October I’ve been having two separate problems with my left eye. A chalazion (a cyst in the eyelid that is caused by inflammation of a blocked gland) and recurrent corneal abrasion. I saw the eye specialist on January 2nd and he put me on drops for two weeks and cream for a month. Went yestereday for a follow-up appointment and he decides that the chalazion needs to be removed...TODAY!

Now, the doctor has a wonderful reputation medically, but he has the bedside manner of a goat. Without so much as an explanation of what is about to happen, he comes at me with a needle. Now, I have a problem with needles. I’m fine as long as I don’t have to watch them going in. Once they’re in, I’m fine. So, I usually just close my eyes and everything is okay.

You can see where this is going.

No way can I close my eye for this. He jabs me with the needle not once, but three times. I almost bolted after the second time. Hubby was there and let me squeeze his hand. Thankfully, I couldn’t see the procedure that took place next. (I read about it online when I got home and that was more than enough for me.) Hubby says he is scarred for life. I’m glad it’s done and I pray I never need it done again. I’m not sure I could go through it a second time.

Then the doctor announces I need laser surgery to correct the problem with the recurrent corneal abrasion. He slapped a bandage over my eye and sent us to an office across the hall to talk about getting the ball rolling for that procedure. By the time I got home my head was spinning and I admit I was feeling a little shaky.

I removed the bandage a couple hours later as instructed, ignoring the blood. Right now, I have a bit of a black eye from the procedure, but figure that will go away in a few days.
 
Honestly, I know I need the laser surgery since this problem hasn’t changed since last October and hasn’t cleared up with various medications, but I’m not looking forward to it. They say it will be five days to a week recovery. That means no writing or work for me for that length of time. But first I’ll have the appointment for the pre op stuff and to discuss the procedure. Then they’ll have to book the date for the surgery. One step at a time.

I know I’m very lucky that I can easily see a specialist and have these procedures and surgeries done. I’m very grateful for that. This stuff is annoying as heck because it’s been affecting my vision for months, but it’s not life or death. I just hope that when this is over and the dust clears I don’t have any more trouble with my eyes.
 
So that's my health update for now. Life is good and hopefully my left eye soon will be too.

 

7 comments:

Susan W. said...

Wow, what a day! It's annoying when a doctor just decides something like that and doesn't even talk with you about it first. Hopefully nothing will be sprung on you suddenly with the laser surgery.

Unknown said...

You'll be in my thoughts and prayers. Take care of yourself and let your eye heal.

N.J.Walters said...

It was certainly not what I was expecting yesterday, Susan. I'm just glad that part of it is done and behind me.

Thanks, Kat. My eye is a little swollen and black, but otherwise looking good. :)

Mannouchka said...

Dear NJ
You'll be in my thoughts and prayers Take good care of you and rest a lot
I am sure you will be well soon
Kind Regards
Mannouchka

Unknown said...

What a day N.J. sounds awful, needles *shudder*. Thank goodness you had a hand to hold - Aw! Mr N.J is so sweet. Hopefully, once you have the laser surgery you can put all this behind you.
Download audio books to keep you busy through the 'dark' days!

Take care
Donna

N.J.Walters said...

Thank you so much for your prayers and kind thoughts, Mannouchka. I'm recovering nicely.

N.J.Walters said...

Hubby is wonderful, Donna. I would have bolted if he wasn't there. Knowing me, I'll probably try to sleep as much as I can during the "dark" days after my laser surgery. Right now, I'm trying to recover from this procedure and not think too much about the next one. :)