She dreaded the eye appointment so very much. For weeks the ongoing cold weather, being inside to much, an unusual amount of sickness and deaths among many she knows - was doing a number on her.
She is aware she has been diagnosed with Sjogrens- an auto immune disorder. She has some arthritis, no tears and extremely dry mouth. She uses products to help and it has not phased her for she has the outlook that there are much worse things that could affect her health.
The continual dryness in her eyes began to be so irritating that she went to local optometrist.
Oh, a grim report. Possible retina damage and he suggested plugs in her tear ducts and said a plastic surgeon would have to do it. Also was told that cataracts were evident and she needed surgery. No wonder she was dismayed.
So a trip to the big city to the one of the best ophthamologist. She was so nervous as she waited for her appointment. She sent healing thoughts to every part of her body as she sat waiting. This doctor is so kind and has such a calm nature. Probably 10 years older then her and said he would never retire. Asked her how old she was and when she shared the 70 plus mark - he smiled and said you are a youngster. Also, when Tabor commented yesterday she compared her to a young sapling. She does not know about either of these statements - but with her somewhat childish nature - she smiled because she does not feel like either of these descriptions. But then most of the time she feels like either a young or old spirit in an aging body.
As the examination continued she looked like Frankenstein with the yellow and red medication still surrounding her eyes. Conclusion, her retina is just irritated "good." Next - no cataracts. Next - She may stay the same and that is good. But if it progresses she can have the tear ducts closed - no plugs, which he does not recommend. A 5-minute procedure which is usually very helpful.
A new eye drop was introduced. She has used every kind and find them irritation. This was soothing!!
So - she has shared that she is feeling like herself this morning - whatever that is. All of this sharing makes her very aware that you sometimes need second opinions.
Mama, Grandma and One Woman is going to enjoy a day home in the woods!!!
10 comments:
I think as we age we avoid doctors and medicines and forget that there are breakthroughs and changes every year and we should try new approaches rather than ignore our symtpoms. I am glad that your doctor is conservative in his diagnosis, but do not be afraid if eventually you need surgery.
Tabor, you know me well - yes, I avoid doctors and medications until it is "a must do". I know so many who gobble pills and do not even know what they are taking and are at the doctor every week.
Not - this woman.
Thank you for the encouragement.
Sun, you are not shining and looks like some rain.
Wow, a much better report from the 2nd specialist. Glad for the less severe diagnosis and treatment route. Life is good eh? And you already planted lettuce? Wow, we are excited that it has not snowed here for 1 week!
With one eye on the DSL ( it is going through a rebellious stage) I want to jump in to say how glad I am you have learned to seek that second opinion. Since I have diabetes I do visit doctors to manage the disease, but not nearly as often as one of them would like.
I do well and so he doesn't push it. Isn't the warm preview of spring wonderful. I haven't started planting yet, but leatuce and soon peas sounds like my first effort should happen soon. Is it traditional to put in peas at St. Patricks Day here in Tn.?
Ok since we are telling our medical truths - and we are all a bit alike, I will share that this year I went to a foot doctor after thinking for years that there really wasn't anything anyone could do - and within two appointments things were much much better. I "kicked" myself with my newly healthy feet for not going in a long, long time ago. Tabor is right again. Glad you went.
Sally, Barbra and LR - thanks for your comments. We can all learn and encourage one another on this
journey. Have a great day!!!
if you don't mind sharing the name of the drops that are soothing i would love to mention them to my own doc in hopes they might help me. i have dry eye syndrome which is very uncomfortable as you know. mine constantly need moisture. i don't like the drops i have used either - so many different ones. mine don't burn especially (except one which has a small amount of steroid in it), but they just don't feel soothing. the moisture never seems to last more than a few moments.
i have resisted the plugs myself. may end up having to do it at some point.
glad you got a more positive opinion. one day we will all probably have to have cataract surgery, but it is good news that we are not there yet!
Sky, will email you about the drops. I drink a lot of water, have a special moisture I put in my mouth - at times. The eye drops 4 times in 24 hours and I am fine. I am believing this problem will not escalate.
Ernestine,
I so appreciated your story. My grandmother had this dis-order and I am likely on my way. Dry eyes and mouth and only one eye sheds tears! And I am 56. I am not sure what lies ahead of me but no matter what, you have given me a dose of courage today. I do not love doctors and avoid them at all costs. No meds, go natural
I appreciate your strength today and I am going to borrow a bit of it. :-) And I loved how you used meditation while in the waiting room. You are an amazing woman!
So happy for you!
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