You may have noticed my vision is not what it used to be.
You may remember my long ago posts about eye health and the lovely treatments I have received at the hands of an expert ophthalmologist, a pioneer in treating exactly the condition I have suffered: macular edema (ME).
Well, in the words of his assistant, who saw me last Friday, “I have exceptional news for you!”
I did not need a treatment.
I am so excited.
The situation was a bit humorous at first. In my daze of happiness, I automatically exited the exam room and headed for the back hallway where those who need further treatment wait while trying to encourage each other. It is hard, even after two years, to allow someone to give us a shot in the eyeball. For some it is really hard. We have to psyche ourselves up and, some of us being old, we don’t always do a very good job of it.
Sometimes, as the day for an appointment approaches, my husband will catch me sighing or shivering and ask me what is wrong.
I usually tell him, “Oh, just trying not to think about it.”
I don’t have to tell him “what” I’m (not) thinking about anymore.
Anyway, as I headed for the “back row”, the doctor and nurses laughed and reminded me I did NOT need a shot and could leave.
Weird.
I got used to it very quickly, though.
Usually, after the shot, I would drive (I could still see, see?) to the nearest posh restaurant and treat myself to one of their marvelous salads, for being a good girl. Sometimes, if I’d done poorly and felt sorry for myself, I’d add one of their marvelous cheesecakes or a cloud of a tiramisu.
NO CHANGES, THERE, LAST FRIDAY!
The big change—and what seemed oddest—was not needing a Kleenex for my poor eyes, which would usually be irritated by the antiseptics used to prepare the area for this invasive procedure.
But hey! It has worked!
If, at the next monthly checkup, I still can read 20/50 and the ultrasound still looks great, I’ll be switched to every 3 months for my checkups. What a relief!
I am very, very thankful.
But I think I’ll miss my friends on the back row . . .
Home's Cool! 
Great news!
How horrible it must be for you, otherwise. Sometimes, it’s like the cure is worse than the condition.
I know what you mean. Actually there is no real pain, only some discomfort during the procedure, and the pain the next day is mild, an aftermath so to speak.
However, I think the good Doctor knew it, too, and was always so very upbeat. His overly enthusiastic attitude toward every micron of my progress, and his constant apologies for every twinge of pain or discomfort were a perfect balance and totally disarmed any thoughts of escape. I think they learn in med school that they will have to be cheery about everything, since it is so against human nature to allow them to do what they do.
When the nurses take the eye pressure reading, they have to numb the eye so they can touch the eyeball with the machine they use. One of them said, “I never could make myself do this to a patient until they numbed me and showed me you really cannot feel it.”
That part, I really cannot feel. 🙂
Thanks for your sympathy!
You are welcome 🙂
Thanks for the explanation.
What a blessing! How exciting to be anticipating a shot in the eyeball, and to be told you don’t need it… 😀
You betcha! Once it soaked in! I kept going through my once-a-month shot routine, then stopping and asking myself, “What’s wrong with this picture?” 😀
I am praying I will continute not needing it. Have to check my vision every day, and call them if it begins sliding back downhill . . .
So very glad for you and this good report. Youshould have rewarded yourself with something with coffee. Big Smile
The coffee goes without mention. I have a scant cupful before the appointment, to better my blood pressure reading, so I’m really ready for a big cup and Julie’s has really good coffee! 😉
Good for you Katharine, and congratulations on the improvement in vision. Having recently experienced cataract surgery (nothing to compare to your treatment) I know the relief when it is all done. God bless you and I hope and pray for your full recovery.
Thanks so much for these kind words! I hope I can stay “not needing” another shot. Apparently, it’s not a given, but we shall see, eh? 🙂