Wednesday 09.02.2015

Another great day!

Frank came over to take me to the retina specialist.

I waited in line to register, through the "new patient" processes, and finally get called to the back.

Ashley #1 entered more information into the computer and said she would put the drops in to dilate the eyes. We talked about the migraine concern, and she stepped out to ask about the medications and dosages.  When she came back, the plan was to instill the first medication (tropicamide) and see if the pupils dilate enough. They did! And I didn't need the second medication (phenylephrine), and I didn't get a migraine!!!  Woo Hoo!!!

She did a preliminary vision test, then took me over to Ashley #2, who did the optical images. Digital images, captured into the computer. Those looked really neat. Don't know what I was looking at, but they looked pretty cool.  She sent me on to another waiting room.

And after 10 minutes or so, another girl comes for me to go to yet another exam room.

Another smaller woman with a white coat comes in, extends her hand, and introduces herself as Dr. Gorman. I was struck by her "fine bones" in her hand. I have fairly small hands, but hers were longer than mine, and very narrow. And the phrase that came to my mind was, "she has really fine hands." My own hand felt large with hers in it.

Anyway, she talked, almost too fast. I asked her to repeat several times, and I almost got the feeling that it annoyed her that I was trying to understand what she was saying while she was examining the eyes. And she looked at her watch a few times, too. I heard her say something was a 1+ and asked her what was 1+.  That's when she turned to me and said it was their abbreviations for what she was seeing. (yes, I get that. what is it...???)  She finally said the right eye has a 1+ cataract.  What!?!?!  I've not heard that before... And the other eye has one, too, 1+.     Hmm.

OK, so what does 1+ mean?  She looked at her watch. She explained that there are 5 stages to cataracts. Removal is based on patient complaints. (halo lights, blurred vision, wanting more light to read, preferring larger print, etc.)  I'll see you back in one month. Do you have more questions?
The posterior vitreous detachment is a normal process of aging, and the smudge is like jello drying out in the pan. It pulls away from the edges. What I'm seeing is the vitreous "jelly" becoming more dense. The smudge, and the floaties, will settle to lower in the visual field eventually. May take a year or so. And the other eye will probably develop the same thing. No treatment for this type of detachment. If I see flashes of light, or streaks of color, I am to let them know right away, as those are symptoms of retinal detachment, which IS serious, and treatable.

OK, then. I'm happy I don't have a headache, just a little queasy, and a little woozy in the head. I wait in line to check out and make an appointment for October 6. Of course I have to wear sunglasses until the medication wears off.

Frank walks me out to the car and sees that I get in ok. We visit back at the house before he leaves to get ready for work.  Thanks, Frank, for taking me to the doctor!

After a while, I go out for a couple of errands. I do ok, but  the sun is sure bright, even with the glasses!

Supper, and I sat outdoors to eat. It's mid-80's and humid; I go back inside to cool off after a bit.

A quiet night.

Tomorrow is mandatory hours. I won't know if I will need to go in until after 0500.

So relieved about the eyes. Yes, something is happening. But it sounds like it's "just" the aging process.

I'm thankful to be aging.

Hugs.