Vision Challenges
Today I went to my ophthalmologist so he could dilate my eyes and take a look at my retinas to make sure all was well. While I was nervous, I was hopeful that he would tell me all was well and that my recent vision abnormalities could be easily explained due to stress, not enough sleep, or some other simple reason.
Unfortunately, he said “hmm, there is definitely something going on with the retina” (this is the retina that detached in 2004). He did a special test while I was there (I believe he called it retina mapping), and while he saw abnormalities, it was not clear enough for him to be able to determine what the exact problem is (as he said, my retina is atypical and pretty ugly from all the scarring, lasering, and the buckle from the 2004 detachment). So he is sending me to a surgical retinal specialist in lower Michigan. My appointment is this Friday. Not sure where all of this will lead or what it may mean for my vision.
OneMom
I’m glad you can be seen by the specialist soon. I’ll be praying.
Thanks. Friday seems like a long time from now.
I’m sure it’s hard to wait. I guess “soon” is a relative term.
Yes, perspective has a lot to do with how fast or slow time seems to pass.
Oh, that has to be scary. Good Luck with your appointment and know we will be waiting for our next update….Love you…Cat, Chaps and Emma ATB
Thanks Cat. I wish the doc today had been able to tell me more than “well, something is going on with the retina”. Four hour drive (one way) on Friday to get to the specialist.
Best of luck. You will be in our prayers.
Thanks Vince … right now I am really missing my retinal surgeon from South Carolina … he was truly amazing and so reassuring (confident without being arrogant): Dr. Lloyd Clark – if anyone in SC needs a retinal surgeon, you should go to him.
Hello from Chicago – I have been traveling for over 2 weeks. Sorry to read this; adding my prayers to the others.
Hi Susan – good to see you. In relative terms, you’re in my neighborhood!
Thanks for praying. I’ll update Friday when I return from the appointment.
Just wondering how your appointment went, and hoping the doctor was able to give you an encouraging report…..
Hi all … unfortunately the appointment on Friday left me with no answer and with a physician I would not trust my vision to. I am pursuing another doc … farther from home, but for my vision, necessary. I will keep you all posted.
Thanks for the update. Is there any way you can get down to Dr. Clark in S.C.? Wish I knew of a way to fly you down there….like a pilot friend, or frequent flyer miles or something. A trustworthy doctor is worth the effort. Still praying for you.
It would be great to see Dr. Clark, but I know also very impractical. Thanks for praying … God directed my path 8 years ago when the retina detached, and I am certain He will now as well.
I’m just now catching up. I do hope that you heard some good news.
Hoping the doctor had some answers for you & it was good news.
I was just wondering if you have been able to get in somewhere else?? Hope you are doing ok.
Hi Sandy – I went to Grand Rapids yesterday and saw the retinal specialists I had seen when I lived downstate (I was referred to him by the surgeon in SC). He was thorough, kind, and instead of jumping to conclusions he had no data to support, he ran a myriad of tests and has ordered several more which I am on my way to have done this morning. He also talked to me about all of the possible outcomes and the prognosis for each. I will write more in detail later.
Hello – it’s the wee hours of the morning – and I am awake thanks to the old Lucky boy
You’ve been on my mind, and I’ve been meaning to drop a note since returning over a week ago. I hope that you’ll update us all again soon.
Praying for guidance and strength for you.
Hi Susan – Lucky must have missed you and needed some extra attention. I will update hopefully later this week when I have more information from the doctor. I was so grateful to be able to go to Grand Rapids and see the doc I trust and to be treated with grace and respect.
Hello, I’ve been side-tracked with some guests visiting who are, in fact, from Michigan! Ann Arbor way, but still — small world, yes? We were all friends together when our families were living in Anchorage in the 90′s. Anyway, I’m pleased to see this little note from you – and hopeful that you will have news and progress to post on the blog soon. Rejoicing about the doc in GR. Take care -
Hope you are doing good & getting some answers you need. It is hard going to drs & not getting the answers soon. Years ago I was sent to see a neuro othomologist. He couldn’t diagnose it either. I went for all kinds of tests. So I know it can be frustrating. Sometimes it takes time. Praying for you.