I figured that I’ve gone through enough eye surgeries that I can label them in roman numerals. In fact, if I had some time, I’d probably do this post on video, with cool graphics and theme music like a championship game post game show. Here it is, without video, cool graphics, awesome theme music, and John Fecenda doing the voiceover:
Welcome to the Hotels.com EyeOp XIV Report. We’ll take you through the entire operation from warm-ups to the very end. The patient walked in relaxed and comfortable, but lacking any fashion sense in a button down Tigger shirt, grey sweatpants, and sneakers. At check-in, he was informed of a last-second audible that there would be no transplant on this day, just the cataract extraction. Not flustered by the surprising news, he moved to the waiting area and went through the word scrambles as quickly as Eliz could read him the letters. Then, his number was called. It was time.
In the prep area, he relaxed while Lisa went over the plan and put some “face paint” above his left eye. There wasn’t a flinch when she put the IV into his left hand. After a brief meeting with the surgeon, Dr. Ayres — where additional “face paint” was added above the left eye and a reason was given for not being prepared to do the partial cornea transplant (if it wasn’t needed, the tissue would have been wasted) — Dr. Curtis came over to start the IV. She remarked that the patient already looked relaxed and sleepy before starting the IV.
At 11:06 am, the players took the field. The patient was so very comfortable, only spoke to the doctor once or twice and enjoyed “twilight” (minus the vampires.) Within 30 to 45 minutes there was a pat on the shoulder from Dr. Ayers and it was off to recovery. After a grueling victory, the patient celebrated was a cool cup of water and an apple cinnamon bar. He was given last minute instructions (keep the shield on, don’t get water — or anything else — in the eye, take 12 eye drops per day, etc,) and put his chai (jewish symbol for life, not spiced Indian tea) necklace back on. Three hours after arriving, it was time to go home.
The 1-800 Contacts Great Sight of the Day was everything outside! The grass and the trees looked greener. The buildings had depth and dimension. Some signs on buildings could be read. So far, so good.
So that’s how the Hotels.com EyeOp XIV Report would end. But the healing continues. This morning, on our way to the first post op appointment, I was able to see more signs on buildings and stores and read some advertising on buses. At my appointment, the doctor said everything looked good and I was able to read some of the 20/100 line without the pinholes. I was even able to read the A in the CAV8 (20/80) line with the pinholes! The other good news is that I only have to wear the plastic eye shield to bed. I can also resume ALL normal activities on Monday (until then, no heavy lifting, gardening, or other strenuous activities.)
I watched some of the Flyers and Phillies games tonight. Wow! I was amazed at how much I could follow the play in the Flyers game. I could see the score and time left in the period without getting up off the floor (where I lay, propped up on my left elbow to watch TV.) Even the Phillies game looked good, though it wasn’t in HD since we have Fios. I could see the rain pouring down on Halliday… I was disappointed we didn’t get to Jacob’s lax game before the rain came. We were in traffic on 202 after our delivery in Wilmington. My next chance at live sports is Jane’s softball game on Monday.
I am pleased with the results thus far. I believe I’ll be able to follow a movie on the big screen. Maybe we’ll try that next weekend. I am looking forward to trying things that I haven’t been able to do for many years.