Seeing

[Joella]

I've been having killer headaches and trouble reading. Trouble staying on topic when I do read. Trouble seeing. It crossed my mind that I needed to have an eye exam, but I kept putting it off. I don't know why exactly. Maybe because I didn't want anymore changes in my life; there have been so many this year. I just didn't want one more thing to deal with. Head in the sand was my own Rx for me. Stick with these lousy reading glasses that only work a little. My Rx failed.

I finally took the plunge, went for the eye exam. I've lost much of my vision in my left eye and the right one isn't so good either. I knew my far vision was getting bad joining with my poor near vision for the cacophony of bad seeing, and the doc verified this with all those fabulous gizmos they have now. Oh, and I have cataracts too. He said I have some time before those have to be addressed. I took this as good news.

All in all I'm happy with the outcome. In just 9 more days I will have my specially made trifocals, and can then start getting used to them. The doc said it is like learning to drive on the other side of the road. Gulp. I would say I hate this, but in the near future I will be able to read again. Reading is over 75% of my life. Some days more. Participating here is reading and writing. Keeping in touch with friends and family is mostly by reading text messages, and typing on the tiny keypad on my phone.

In one of my trains of thought about all of this, I kicked myself black and blue for getting old. I wore myself out with that bit of BS and moved on into gratitude that I will be able to see again. And not only see, but see better than I have in at least two years. A big "oh yeah" on that. Plus, not so much pain. Maybe the pain that's been hounding me will disappear completely. A dream come true.

I will be able to see you again. Clearly. I will be able to form a solid construct of what I have read. And keep on top of what our grandkids have to say in their lengthy texts full of shortened words like ur for your.

Next up, hearing aids. Life continues.

[Joella]

I see I am in good company Quinn and Baia. Things can go so wrong, but mostly there is help. And when there isn't help, there are other ways to cope. I feel for your Mom of my Heart Baia, but she is an inspiration. No more taking my senses for granted. It's just wrong.

[Baia]

I'm grateful too that you can see again, Joella.

I've worn glasses since 5th grade and have tried bifocals, trifocals, separate glasses for distance and close up and tinted glasses for outdoors.  Was never a good candidate for contacts even when I was told that I could have Lasix surgery and be completely cool with contacts only.  I love having the protection of a safety lense in front of my eyes.

I had a retinal tear once that was repaired with laser surgery, but I am grateful that that was the worst thing that has happened to my eyes.  

My Mom of my Heart has macular degeneration, glaucoma and detached retina problems still after 4 surgeries around the first of the year.   She can't do quilting any more or read or drive but she still takes care of herself in her own home and appreciates the colors of the quilts that her friends are making. She swims, watches television on the big screen my dad bought her before he died, and listens to audio books. She continues to inspire me as she always has but now for different reasons.

[Quinn]

Join the vision impaired club, Joella :)
I got my first single vision glasses/contact lenses at age 19.
Bi-focals at 45...