Long-time readers will remember that I have to endure periodic injections in my left eye to treat wet macular degeneration. Today was the day for the latest one. I used to blog about each such treatment, because they put me out of action for most of the evening, and I wasn’t able to post much. However, I’ve grown accustomed to the ordeal now, and it doesn’t set me back like it used to. It’s still a ghastly experience, but it’s a kind of routine ghastliness, if you know what I mean. Nowadays I can usually come home, take it easy for a while, and then work normally for several hours before bedtime. On occasions when they don’t dilate my pupils (which is about two-thirds of the time), I get back up to speed relatively quickly. Today was a dilation day, so it took a while before I could sit here and type. But here I am, and it’s not so bad.
It’s proof that you can get used to anything.
For the last couple of years the interval between shots has been ten weeks, but the doctor was so encouraged by the stability of my condition that he decided today to extend it to twelve weeks. We’ll see how it goes.
The stability is relative, of course. My left eye is significantly damaged. Its acuity is now far less than that of my right eye. But it’s not changing much, and no new fronds of blood vessels have appeared in the last four years. My brain has adjusted to the difference between the two eyes, and I hardly notice the condition most of the time. My right eye just does all the heavy lifting.
If my right eye were as bad (or even half as bad) as my left eye, I wouldn’t be able to do this work at all. Fortunately, the doctor says that there is no sign of wet macular degeneration in my right eye (so far). I diligently follow the AREDS2 protocol for vision-related supplements. I pace myself carefully in my work, and take frequent breaks to do tasks that don’t involve focusing on anything nearby. I wear my shades when I’m outside. I do my best to avoid activities that would stress my eyes.
And I hope to continue as I am for a few more years, God willing. As Donald Trump likes to say: We’ll have to see what happens.
eye, eye, sir. May the Lord continue to be with you, strengthen you, and give you the ability to continue on as a watchman on the wall who is warning us of oncoming threats.
Good news ondeed.
Eye think it’s very good news.
Pity you’re so isolated, Baron. Nobody to appreciate how cool you look in your shades…
Sorta good news.
You are resilient. Keep on keeping on.
I have been fortunate to have no MD, but I did have a detached retina on one side. Before that, the thought of someone sticking a needle in my eye seemed unbearable. But when it meant vision or blindness, it wasn’t so bad. I was even conscious during the procedure (heavily deadened, of course). So, I can identify a little with getting used to anything. Thank you for your service, and may your mental and physical vision long continue.