Was waiting but...here it is.

[February]

My friend in LA made it very clear that if I saw either flashes of light or darkening in one of four quadrants that I needed to be seen now. Luckily, that didn't happen.

The doc didn't give me the specific term. He did say as the eye ages the gel inside hardens and shrinks. Normally the shrinking happens without any issues but in this case the gel stuck to the retina and took a little material with it.

The only weird visual effect I see is the caterpillar (floater) crawling across my eye. I've still got lots of itty bitty dots too but they seem to be diminishing.

Thank you for your good wishes!

Yeah, hobie, that gel (the vitreous) eventually turns to liquid and detaches from the retina- can be a side effect of surgeries like I had or happens as people get older. As our doc said many people don't have issues, it's when it catches the retina that problems like ours happen. Mine was called a 'horseshoe tear' (due to the shape obviously) and the top guy at the U of M retina clinic (who also did my last surgery to remove the vitreous later) said if you heal up from the first tear that it's unlikely to repeat, so take care with yourself and don't stress your eye (they told me bending over was forbidden for awhile, I'd imagine lifting isn't great for it either but your mileage may vary)

Sending lots more healing thoughts your way and hopes the caterpillar disappears soon! Been there, done that, it will go away! It's maddening in the meantime though!!! Since my vitreous detached entirely I had what I called the floating blob of vaseline effect- no matter what I did or where I looked, it was like trying to see through sludge. I had additional issues too though so those are things that you shouldn't have to worry about and hopefully all of your distortion there is totally temporary. Crossing everything crossable.

hugs
bru

[hobie16]

I have been trying to block this post out of my mind since I read it, because supposedly I'm at risk for this. Although the one guy who thought it imminent said so when I had no kids -- eldest is now 18. Still, every time I go in they warn me of the signs. However, I was not aware that the operation was supposed to be that painful. Is it really that bad?

In the grand scheme of things, no. On a scale of one to ten, the worst was about a five and most of the laser shots were painless. And, the pain didn't last that long. My eye was sore for the rest of the day but Advil seemed to help.

That said, if you've got a tear don't screw around. If it turns into a separated retina you're close to permanent blindness.

[hobie16]

... don't stress your eye (they told me bending over was forbidden for awhile, I'd imagine lifting isn't great for it either but your mileage may vary)...

Now you tell me! :D: I've been moving junior sailing boats up and down stairs all week. I guess I'm okay as the vision continues to slowly improve.

[shilohmm]

That said, if you've got a tear don't screw around. If it turns into a separated retina you're close to permanent blindness.

Thanks for the info. :) So far as I know I don't have a tear (I did go to a specialist after the one guy flaked out), but apparently I'm high risk for some reason so they keep reminding me to come in immediately if there are flashies or floaties or other changes and warning me it's a possibility.

[DisneyMom]

Oh no, HOBIE!!! *hugs*!!! You're not ever allowed to have anything bad happen to you! Besides, when retinas tear around here, they're usually mine, so what the heck?

I had exactly the spot weld thing done and man, it does sting a bit a few days after. Felt like my eye was sunburned. But I am so glad that it's not a detachment you've got and they caught the tear in time. If you get any new floaters or anything please see the doc again IMMEDIATELY. I am so glad you went with your gut and didn't wait. Time is of the utmost importance when you're dealing with the retina.

Just curious- was it caused by vitreous detachment, did they say? That's what caused mine though they say you shouldn't have to deal with that until you're much older than either of us are!!! I promise the floaters will be reabsorbed, it just takes time and it's pretty maddening. If the vitreous detached though that could cause other weird visual effects and that's why I asked. If you have anything to say about the whole thing (or questions you think I might be able to answer) please don't hesitate to email me (will PM you my new email addy.)

HUGE hugs to you and lots of healing good wishes.

Thanks to Shilohmm for the kind words. Been a really, really rough couple of weeks (my mother did NOT react well to the news...she wailed like women you see on TV at the funerals of their children. It was unbelievable.) and lots of other crud going on that basically put me in a deep funk for a little while there. But I'm still trying to listen to the little blue fish and just keep swimming...

DisneyMom, I hope FIL is okay and he isn't having anything major done, sending him big hugs and healing wishes.

xoxo
bru

Don't Worry,FIL will only have Surgery on Knee if he gets thru a month of PT
first-if he can get thru that,he will be ok'd to go ahead. He is a resilient guy,either way. Will send him your best wishes! Will send you a note soon! :)

[Main Streeter]

Don't Worry,FIL will only have Surgery on Knee if he gets thru a month of PT
first-if he can get thru that,he will be ok'd to go ahead. He is a resilient guy

Oh geeeez DM, I forgot the card to your FIL. My apologies. Will see it is sent out this week by Ernie. :usflag:

[DisneyMom]

Oh geeeez DM, I forgot the card to your FIL. My apologies. Will see it is sent out this week by Ernie. :usflag:

He will be thrilled for a card- I got to see all the wonderful cards and gifts he got for 80th on our vacation-all kept in a special box. Each and every one was so beautiful and filled with such nice thoughts :)

[Main Streeter]

He will be thrilled for a card- I got to see all the wonderful cards and gifts he got for 80th on our vacation-all kept in a special box. Each and every one was so beautiful and filled with such nice thoughts :)

Oh, am glad you saw the goodies chosen for him. Ashley breezed through Emporium with her sweet personality & all begged to sign the cards. I did have to explain the Korean War & Frozen Chosin abt 10 times, yet all were extremely interested. Your veteran FIL added to everyone's education & life.