My eyesight has been one hot topic around here, huh? You may remember this and this, where I outline the rather drawn out history with my eye condition. I saw two of my specialists this afternoon, and knew very well that these appointments had tremendous implications on the longterm prognosis for my vision – and I was right.
First and foremost, I can’t overstate the complication my medical history presents the specialists treating me. I’ve seen my glaucoma specialist, Dr. Ronald Fellman, since I was only four days old. My retina specialist, Dr. Bradley Jost, has seen me for the last 16 years. And, one of the important players in this next venture, Dr. Walter Beebe, has facilitated several corneal transplants over the past 15 years. It’s been one heck of a ride, and this ocular think tank has given me many miraculous years of eyesight.
The theme of today’s appointments was plain and simple – we can’t see into the eye, so we can’t imagine there’d be any way to see out of it, either. The corneal tissue, which was transplanted in August 2007, has become so cloudy that the doctors can’t peer inside of my eye. How much vision will another corneal graft restore for me? That’s the million dollar question. There are risks associated with this type of procedure, mainly being blindness, but the consensus is that, honestly, this can’t possibly hurt the minimal amount of visual perception I have now.
I’ll undergo, what must be my sixth or seventh transplant in this eye, and, keeping my fingers crossed, should have, at the very least, some increased light perception. I really don’t know what to expect. I’m not nervous, as I really have nothing to lose at this point. There isn’t a date firmed up yet, as this surgery will enlist the skills of all three specialists, but I’m fairly certain I’ll be looking at something in the next three weeks or so.
This is exactly the outcome I wanted. I’m no fool – I don’t deserve the meager amount of vision I have now. It’s nothing short of a miracle, and I mean that very seriously. That being said, I feel there’s something big in the works here. Something I can’t even imagine. These doctors possess some of the greatest knowhow in the business, and I believe I’m going to see success from this operation. We’re three months shy of the one thing I want eyesight for – and we’re talking about an opportunity that could give me that. I’m giddy.
I’d be incredibly grateful for all the prayers and encouragement as we forge ahead in this new chapter. We have no clue what to expect. Recovery should be minimal, aside from some moderate pain for a few days and some heavy lifting restrictions. Though I won’t be too hindered, it’s my hope that I can still remain physically supportive as Angela gets further into the pregnancy. You can absolutely expect details on the blog, as well as on my Twitter feed.
Whoa – excited to see what’s around the bend, guys. I’m completely optimistic and confident in our Healer, who does all things well, according to His good, pleasing and perfect Will. I’m honored to share this journey with you. Buckle up – things are about to get interesting.
