Thursday, October 6, 2022

Well, the "Eyes" Have It!

 I posted that chart on Tuesday on how we think life will be, and how God's plan for our life will be!  I even mentioned that saying "the best laid plans of mice and men...".  Yep, we can plan and think what we like - not usually the way it works!!!!

I went to the eye doctor on Tuesday for an exam for new glasses.  I am wearing older glasses at the moment, as my last ones broke beyond fixing.  Just need to see clearly again!
Well, that is where the plan changed!!!

NOPE - doc says no new glasses!  It aint happening.
I have to have cataract surgery - period.

OK, I knew that I need surgery - yes I knew that.  He said that they are substantially worse than they were last visit.  Did I want that to be my only answer?  NO!
I guess giving me no other option is one way of making me do it!

I know that probably thousands of people every week have this surgery.  That doesn't help.  It scares the beejeebus out of me to have someone mess with my eyes.
Even with being terrified - it is a good thing.

I just can't imagine waking up each morning and being able to see without reaching for my glasses.  It will be wonderful to not see halos around lights and even the moon!  It will be great to not see ghost figures around things on TV.  It will be great to see distance well and to see clearly.
Yes, as scared as I am - it will be wonderful to see clearly again.

I have worn glasses since I was 7.  The prospect of maybe not wearing glasses at all is amazing to me.
It will be a 3 day process.  VERY early mornings.  They will pick me up and deliver me home.
Exam and surgery #1 on day one (longest day).  Post op and surgery #2 on day two.  Post op on day three - at which I will be released to drive if all is well. (I can drive until surgery).
This is going to happen on Oct. 17, 18, 19.

It is amazing to me to think that in less than two weeks from now - I will be able to see clearly again.  It is amazing to think I may get to start my 68th revolution around the sun - glasses free!  I never would have thought that could happen.
I guess I will see how well Medicare and supplemental insurance work as well.  I have never once used either!

Scared - yes!  Excited - yes!  
I just pray that the doctors and all involved are guided by God and do a perfect job. 
Just thought I would let you know!

Have great day everyone!!!!!

55 comments:

  1. As someone that also fears eye surgery I know how scared you are. Prayers for peace for you and guidance for the doctor.

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    1. Thank you. It terrifies me - yet excites me. Crazy. I am glad they will "relax" me!

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  2. Husband had his done 5 years ago at age 85. He still needed a slight correction and wears glasses for reading, but I understand the procedure and lenses have improved since then. I am facing the same situation in the next few years, but am trying to hold on 3 more years until I can get Medicare to pay for some of it. I've worn glasses since I was 8yo and am very near-sighted. Can't imagine being able to see clearly w/o glasses. I'm glad they will transport you for the surgeries and post-op. That is one of my biggest concerns since Husband can't drive and I don't have anyone else to rely on. Of course prayers for a successful surgery and for the Spirit to calm your fears!
    --Frances in the (blurry) Trailer Park

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    1. I may need something small for reading - but they distance will be great. I can handle that! Glad your hubs did great!
      I have waited 3 years since being told the first time - and it sure has changed.
      Transport costs a little extra - but I tell you, as early as it starts - I will pay the extra. I wouldn't want anyone else having to take me that early.
      Thank you - I need to be calmed!

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  3. I'll sure be praying Cheryl, my dad was happy with his results, and so was my father in law! : ) I'll be out of pocket off and on for the next week or so.

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    1. Thank you! I know so many that are happy. My eldest sister had it done a few years back in her 80's and is very happy.
      Take care.

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  4. Thanks! I have talked to many, and the difference is fantastic. Here's hoping!

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  5. I had this surgery almost 20 years ago. I was one of the first to have it done. I also was very apprehensive but it was sooo wonderful when it was done. I wore glasses from 3rd grade til I was 50. I still have to wear reading glasses( they hadn't perfected that yet). When I was a child I had prayed that I could wake up and see when I got out of bed. It is wonderful!

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    1. Thanks for the reassurance. I can't imagine waking up and seeing clearly - that will be wonderful. I can sure handle reading glasses - I will feel naked without glasses! LOL

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  6. This was a terrific procedure when I started in the OR more than 40 years ago. And it has improved significantly. My older sister did hers late 2020 (I flew over the 1st one to be her driver and her son there did the 2nd as he was off work). She described the process and oh my, amazing! You'll get plenty of sedation to keep you comfortable.

    I think the hardest thing for people to choose is seeing near or seeing far and wearing glasses "for the other". A friend of mine did one eye for each and she does great with that-but not everyone can adjust to that.

    Praying for the perfect outcome!

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    1. Thanks. seeing far would be wonderful. I don't care about glasses for something - I have always wore them.
      I have heard lots of people say it is pretty easy.
      Thank you! I am anxious!

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  7. Good luck with your surgery! I had no idea it could mean not wearing glasses any longer. My optician mentioned I have cataracts starting in one eye but hasn't recommended surgery as yet.

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  8. Cheryl, you will do great! My mom had it done and was amazed at the difference. The only thing that she remarked about was the number of eye drops and frequency! I made a chart and set timers. I think that over the following week or so, I gave her over 200 drops! That was 10 years ago. I have heard that number has decreased significantly. Maybe someone here can attest to that.

    I would be afraid, too, but focus on the end result! You have lots of cheerleaders rooting for you!🎉🎉🥳🎉🎉

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    1. Yes, the end result with be worth my worry I am sure. I don't care about drops - I use eye drops a lot any way.
      Thank you - I need cheerleaders!

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  9. Will be praying for you, and yes I am excited for you as well. God does ALL things well. Linda

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  10. I would be terrified too, but you will sail through it I am sure and being able to see clearly will be fantastic.
    I remember reading Mary Barton by Elizabeth Gaskell and being amazed that in the mid nineteenth century one of the characters has successful cataract surgery.
    All the best.

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    1. It is scary for sure. Hopefully it is as easy as they make it sound!
      WOW - that would have been something back then!
      Thanks!

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  11. Yes, Cheryl, it's scary, but everyone I've known who has had the surgery, even years ago (before advancements) has said it wasn't as bad as they thought and well worth it. I'm joining all the others in prayers for you. Just trust. You've GOT this, sweet lady!
    --Elise

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    1. Thanks - I love the encouragement. Yep, I got this!

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  12. Thank you. I know it will be fine - just scary. I will probably see a lot of dust I have missed!!!!! LOL

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  13. Hi Cheryl, I had both eyes done two years ago, my husband had his done last year. The actual operation part took ten minutes, maximum, no pain, no feeling at all really. They give you a bit of juice to reduce anxiety and it works ;). I thought I was going to stroke out I was so worried but once I heard there was no pain or feeling, I calmed down a bit ;). I do use reading glasses afterwards as does my husband but they are $10 cheapies :). For me, not seeing haloes and only seeing one moon at night was the wonderful part! Hilogene in Az

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    1. Hilogene - thank you for the encouragement. My neighbor said something about the calm juice and NO pain - which I could go for. I would have no problem with readers at all.
      YES, one moon or street light or stop light - would be fantastic.Thanks.

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  14. I will put the dats on my calendar but will start praying now!!! I believe you will have a wonderful outcome and it will be amazing afterwards! I’ve never heard a less than optimal outcome with cataract surgery….everyone I know has been pleased with the outcome. Carol

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    1. Thanks Carol. I have not really heard anything bad either - just a couple who had a little difficulty but nothing major.
      I sure appreciate prayers.

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  15. I had mine done about 20 years ago. There was no pain in the surgery and over so quick. First one eye then a month later the other eye. Eye drops for a week after and then the doctor said if I needed any glasses, like for the smallest print, to buy 175 to 200 lenses glasses at the Dollar Store. Last months doctors eye exam was still excellent AND "no glasses at all needed to pass the DMV drivers test ". I do still drive and I am 91 years old. My late husband had his done at age 85 and not a single problem on this either. No glasses needed for him in his last 5 years of life. I sure do miss that guy.

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    1. Thank you for your testimonial. These mean a lot. I know lots of people who wear the dollar store glasses!
      You are doing fantastic - love that you are 91 and going strong. You sound like my sis. I am so sorry for the loss of your husband. Hugs!

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    1. Technology and knowledge can be beneficial to so many. I love we have skilled people on this earth thanks to God.

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  17. My mother, sister and brother all had the surgery and all were very happy with it. Though my mother did say there was one down side, she could mow see how dirty the floor was!

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    1. Yep, that is my concern!!! Dust! LOL - I am sure I will see stuff I haven't seen in ages.
      I almost wish it was this coming Monday now - to get it over with and to have a new out LOOK!

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  18. Are there different styles of cataract surgeries? I took my grandma about seven years ago, and her's was a single procedure, only took about two hours. Just wondering.

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    1. I have to have both eyes done and they won't do both on the same day - thank goodness.
      The first day is a full evaluation on both - then surgery on one. The surgery they said only takes a few minutes.
      Day 2 they will post op on eye done - then do the second. That visit will be way shorter
      I will get new lenses put in both eyes in place of cataracts.
      Day 3 - with post op eval. on both and hopefully release. Maybe a half hour that day.
      That is why. Plus they are picking me up and bringing me home - so makes for a longer day with them.
      Hopefully that makes sense.

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  19. Dad's lady friend has just had eye number one done and everything went accordingly ☺ in the meantime just letting you know had my hair cut and colour done for the first time in months today and have ordered a pendant to be made with Ady's ashes. Feel a little fresher after not having time to do anything like that for the past 4 month's. Still a pang of guilt there even though I know Ady would tell me not to be daft ( northern English term ) ☺ clayre

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    1. So happy you took a little time for YOU! That is needed and deserved. Please do not feel guilty (I know). Yes, he would be happy for you. I understand, I still feel guilt about things - but it is getting better. We have to go forward and live life to the fullest. I think we would be disrespectful if we didn't. We have been given this gift and need to make it the best. Proud of you!

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  20. So far the small cataract that I have in one eye has not gotten worse. My eyes are slightly weaker though, but not enough to change my prescription.

    I have heard wonderous things about cataract surgery, so I am sure yours will go well and you will be surprised at how much better your sight is.

    God bless.

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    1. I hope yours stay as current for a long while.
      I have heard great things as well. I am anxious and scared - but getting a little excited. It will be wonderful to see clearly. Thank you

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  21. What a huge difference this will make for you! I’m excited for you, even if you are a little apprehensive. Totally understandable. Will definitely keep you in prayer.

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    1. I am looking forward to seeing clearly again! It has really been a long while since I have. Thank you!

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  22. Cheryl,
    They always have to replace the cloudy lens they remove. Tommy drove about 60 miles up from Birmingham to take me to the doctor. He said it was seven minutes from the time they took me in until I came out. So, very fast. The guy who did mine does nothing else all day long all week. My only problem was I was allergic to two of the drops. That was agony.
    I did not need glasses until I was 45 and then only for reading. I do need reading glasses but have to have prescription because I have astigmatism.
    I, too, was terrified! But, it did turn out okay in the end.

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    1. Thank you for reassurance. The surgery has to be the fastest surgery ever. I am thankful this office is close at hand and I will have a driver.

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  23. Good luck with your eye operation x Hope all goes well, sure lots of your readers will be thinking about you. Best wishes. Heather from the UK.

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    1. Thanks Heather. I sure appreciate good thoughts and prayers.
      A little over a week and things will be looking different and bright!

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  24. Bless your heart, Cheryl. I’ll be praying for you. It is exciting afterwards to be able to see so much better afterwards. 😊

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  25. I worked at a Come & Go surgery facility ~ we did TONS of eyes! My favorite eye surgeon always told his patients "Itchy, scatchy, blurry; no worries!" for the first couple of days after surgery. So don't panic if that happens to you ~ it is NORMAL! And yes, you will get something to help you relax through your IV. Good luck, m'dear!

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    1. Thank you for your calming words. I got my packet of instructions today and there is a lot of useful things in it. I know it will all be fine - just a little anxious!

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  26. Sorry ~ meant to sign that "bobbie R.N."

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    1. Thank you Bobbie - it is nice to hear from those who have been on the 'fixing' end!

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  27. I think you will be pleased with your cataract surgery, once everything heals. I went to Eye Specialists of Indiana and they did one eye one day and then I went back the next day for the other one. Actually one of the easier procedures I have ever had done. Will pray that your mind is calm and you have no apprehensions.

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