Roadrunner Reflections - Eye Update

Just wanted to followup with a brief note on my eye.  Over the last week or so, I've had some activity and didn't really know what was going on.  Seems like every few days things change but I had some pain and swelling which was new, so I thought it prudent to move up my two month 'check-in with a retina specialist' to as soon as I could find one.

Retina Northwest in Portland Oregon takes my insurance(Tricare Standard), and they worked with me to get me into a retina specialist.

That occurred on Friday AM the doctor did a very thorough exam and saw previous issues in addition to new problems.  I have a number of retina tears culminating in a Retina Detachment.  Yikes!  Not what we were hoping for... Up to Friday I was diagnosed with Retina Tear and Vitreous Hemorrhage.

This is a serious turn of events.  Glad we went in to see him.  I found him to be very thorough in his notetaking and assessment.  He was very professional and calm with the cold hard facts.  This has to be fixed.

He scheduled me for emergency surgery later this morning in Portland where I will be under general anesthesia where he perform:  vitrectomy with scleral buckle and intravitreal gas.

I thought this YouTube video was a pretty good (and short) explanation of my condition:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Lxu3cUguM0

I also was going to show a short YouTube video of an actual surgery but it's a bit much...

We're going to stay in Portland for as long as it takes to get back to 'normal' and take it one day at a time.  It should take a couple of weeks in recovery here at the coach.  We'll find out in our post op appointment on Tuesday if I need to like face down or on mine side or what...

I am not planning on being able to read or sit up for those two weeks.  One friend who has had a number of retina detachment surgeryies (5) said, I am likely to become a 'carpet fiber expert'!  I guess being face down for a couple of weeks will make one very familiar with the floor.

Two things people have asked:

Will you get back to 100% vision?
- The doctor said, 'Maybe, but probably not'.  Not sure what all that means but I'm still planning and working on rehab so I get as close to what it used to be.
And
How do you feel about the surgery?
- I feel great!  I am so thankful we were able to get in to see the doctor and get scheduled ASAP.  Our son's Father-In-Law in a teaching optometrist and has been giving some good insight, recommendations and encouragement.  Plus, I've been able to talk with friends who have successfully been through this.
I am good with the outcome -- however it turns out. Since I am at about 5% vision in my left eye now, anything better is a bonus.  I am hoping for the best and praying that it will happen.
So, I'm in otherwise good health, good spirits and in good shape.

With that, I will close now and take a brief hiatus (probably at least two weeks or less if cleared to do so).

Thanks so much for your interest, support and prayers!  We appreciate it!

Thats all for now - thanks for joining us on the Roadrunner Chronicles!