I know I'm always pissing and moaning about my shaky hands, bad breathing (not bad breath!) and bad eyesight, but yesterday was a banner day at the castle of the Evil Overlord! Not only has my lung capacity greatly increased in the last month, but I finally had surgery on the cataract that had developed in one of my eyes!!! How does someone who is 40 years old develop this condition which is a sign of aging, you ask? Through long-time Prednisone use. Prednisone is great for keeping me alive right now, but it's messing with all sorts of things.
Which is why I get to wear THESE 25 years before most of my contemporaries! Aren't I cute in my wrap-arounds that can fit over my regular glasses? For the next 3 days I wear them inside and out. They actually do a really good job, and I feel like I am in a little club of people who have these!The procedure went great. We arrived at the surgical center at 8:45 and were leaving by 11:00. I liked being conscious for the procedure and seeing what they were doing. I like medical stuff, which is good in my case, I guess! Then I had some ginger ale and an apple-cinnamon muffin and they couldn't push me out the door fast enough!
I know I'm more used to medical poking and prodding than the average bear (re: Yogi) but I have to say that the worst part of the entire process was when the sticky things that monitored my heart rate were removed from my arms. Look what they did to my dainty self!! Needles near the eye? Nothing. Putting in an IV? Nothing. Cutting out the bad eye stuff? Nothing. Sewing in a new lense? Thought it was cool watching the needle! I had a headache about an hour after the procedure, and the eye ached a little, but I took some ibuprofen and everything has been fine. I can really see so much better, already! Colors and shapes are crisper, I don't cringe in the sunlight, it's like a miracle!
I came home with the eye taped shut, and took the tape off after 2 hours per doctor's orders to do the special eyedrops. The eye was gross and bloody to her, but I still made my mom take a picture!
Now all I have to do is go to my follow-up appointment today and then we do the whole thing over again with the left eye in July. If you have been on the fence about having this procedure, DO IT! It hasn't even been 12 hours, so things aren't perfect, but it's already an amazing improvement!What medical things bother you the most? I don't like dental stuff, because I can't see what's going on very well.
Oh my, Elizabeth. You are very brave. "Eye" things make me VERY squeamish! I'm so glad you're already experiencing such good things! ~Kari
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the great improvements. I hope things keep moving in this direction for you!!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Elizabeth /Evil Overlord
ReplyDeleteI am so glad things went well.
What a wonderful report that your eyesight is going to improve so soon too.
May you be blessed with a very speedy recovery.
Don't forget to rest !
Hugs to you sweetie.
I hope things keep moving in this direction for you!!!! thats sweet!
ReplyDeleteYou made that banner I purchased from your Etsy shop while you were suffering from a cataract? Well bless your heart! And you tied all those anklets too. You are awesome, my friend. *Hugs* Here's to a quick and speedy recovery on both eye surgeries. You rock! xxoo
ReplyDeleteHoping for a speedy recovery for you. I can't imagine being awake for eye surgery. Could you see out of the eye that was being operated on or did you watch on a monitor? I have a cataract in one eye but it's not "ripe" enough for surgery. I'm dreading the day when it is ready.
ReplyDeleteOh I cannot stand the thought of a needle near my eye. eeekk..
ReplyDeleteYou are a very strong and courageous woman Elizabeth, you have all my respect and admiration.
I cannot stand going to ANY doctor that immediately wants my clothes off. I've taken modest to a new extreme I think. I'd rather have every tooth in my pulled without meds than to undress in front of a doctor.
I'm so happy for you, it IS a miracle what they can do these days.
And you look lovely Elizabeth, even your arms :)
I'm so happy for you, Elizabeth! I know those cataracts have been difficult for you to live with. And I'm glad to hear your breathing is better. Enjoy the "new" sights.
ReplyDeleteDear Elizabeth, a woman I volunteer with just had this procedure and really didn't want to talk about it or explain what went on during surgery. YOU, my dear, have done many folks a huge service by explaining the surgery and putting many of their fears to rest.
ReplyDeleteBless you!
Wow, I thought I was looking at a movie star. Good for you, I'm glad your health is improving! Now dental stuff I can handle, but needles in the eye - not so much. I had the lasik eye surgery and by the time they got to the second eye I could start to feel it and they said "Oh yeah, that always happens". Huh? Well, then change your technique for heavens sake. I'm glad to hear that your sight has gravely improved and that makes it all worth it! ~ Robyn
ReplyDeleteWow, you did make the procedure not scary. I am amazed at how good you look for what you've gone through.. I am sitting here open mouthed in amazement.. I would have thought more bruising? I'm so thrilled with how it all went and that your eye sight is already better, you look so great!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on a wonderfully successful Procedure.
Take care of yourself
We miss ya at the Café Rocks
Rhonda
Izzycafe19
Elizabeth, I am so happy that this worked for you. You are one of the bravest persons I know. You try to be positive in every situation.
ReplyDeleteIt's going to be hard to hold you back now Elizabeth! The arm is quite the surprise huh? I'm so happy this was a big success. You've waited a long time. Yeah! I miss you at the Cafe too! Your mom did a fine job capturing images. You're looking so great! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteWendy
When I worked at the eye surgery center it always amazed me how qucikly the people healed and u will too...in the end you'll see better and that's a good thing...hope all is well Hugs French;)
ReplyDeleteWow you have been through a bit of an ordeal. So glad you are taking care of yourself. Praying you will be 100% very soon. Hugs, Bobbi Jo
ReplyDeleteSo glad today went well and good wishes that the next days are brighter and clearer each day. My least favorite -- anything where someone needs to find a vein. I've got 'disappearing' veins and it gets ugly fast. Don't mind dental stuff, which is lucky, because I've had just about every possible tooth procedure.
ReplyDeletePrednisone is a life saver, but it also causes so many different ills - hard to keep track of them all. I wish you the best, and hope the improvements come daily for you.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth!
ReplyDeletehow cool!
Keeping you in my prayers.
Jeanne
Elizabeth, I had no idea you had health problems. I won't say you poor thing because I can see you do not want pity. I say good for you for being a strong and in control person. I know this isn't easy and yet you are brave to tell your story. I admire your courage to go through the difficult process of improving your health. I know a little of what you have been through because my sister-in-law has been through just what you described. She also had to stay on Prednisone to help her breathe. She has had both eyes done for cataracts when she was in her early 50's. Her health has improved so much.
ReplyDeleteI am saying my prayers for your healing and continued improvement.
Blessings and hugs to you my friend...Jeanne