I will have the first cornea transplant on my left eye, on Feb. 15th. Recovery can take from just a few weeks to a year, but I'm going to plan on mine taking a few weeks! I learned a lot about the cornea this morning, that it consists of several layers. A total transplant is the cornea in all its thicknesses, but in my case, they will take out the bottom-most layer, the endothelium, and replace it with a donor layer. No sutures are required, and it will take a day or two for it to adhere firmly - it is initially held in place by an air bubble that gets absorbed. I saw a brief video about the entire operation, and wanted to cry as it left me with such hope. If it works I will have a whole new outlook and be able to see so much more than I have in the past year or two.
They took photos of both corneas, and it's a wonder I can see anything at all just looking at the condition of them. So if I've whined or complained about my eyesight in the past year, it's not without reason. But this is the end of whining and complaining about it. What happens is how it will be, and I'm willing to go into this operation with utmost hope and positive attitude. I can't do any more than that.
The scheduling is going to shoot the hell out of making travel plans. From the literature I've received, they will want to do a follow up check in one week, 6, 12 and 24 months. I should be able to drive shortly after surgery, so if all goes well I may be able to slip a trip in to the east sometime in April, but I would have to be back in the fall for a check-up. I had hoped to set up a workamping arrangement, but that should be the least of my worries until I see how things go.
If my apartment is back in livable condition I will plan to stay there and maybe request a two month extension on my lease. It would take more energy than I have presently to look for another place to live for a couple of months, and staying with any of my kids for that long is out of the question. I'm confident things will work out the way they are meant to, and I really don't have to make a decision until after my surgery in Feb.
Now I just have to schedule an EKG and a potassium test, which is all they require for this surgery.
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I am glad you finally have a date. I hope all will go well without complications. Your attitude is excellent and should see you through. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your eye surgery. I am sure all will work out well.
ReplyDeleteWhat is the reason they can't do both eyes together? How long would you have to wait for the second eye if all goes well? I sure hope everything turns well. You are due for some good luck. :)
ReplyDeleteThat's great news! It may be a while though before you can do any lifting (like cataract surgery).
ReplyDeleteWell Gypsy, your attitude is correctly in place, your outlook is positive & your determination is ingrained to back you up. Now, line up all your ducks & go knock em all down.....one by one:))
ReplyDeleteI am glad the waiting is over and a date set. I know everything will be fine, since you are scheduled the day after my birthday, it will have to have a perfect outcome.
ReplyDeleteSounds very positive..you have such a wonderful outlook, I'm sure you will be in the category of recovering quickly! BEst wishes, Jeannie and Eldy
ReplyDeleteSure good to hear of your upcoming operation and the positive results from the education you got! Isn't it amazing what they can do?
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Karen and Steve
(Our Blog) RVing: Small House... BIG Backyard
http://kareninthewoods-kareninthewoods.blogspot.com/
I am really excited for you. I want you to be able to get on the road for awhile and be able to see everything around you.
ReplyDeleteWishing you the best of luck Gypsy.. It does sound like great news for you!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad things are finally looking up for you. You know we will all be praying for you. Your attitude is great so things will work out for you.
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