Several weeks ago I printed off a shipping label and noticed the UPC bar code had wavy lines. At first I thought my printer was misaligned, but looking at the lines again they were straight, then wavy. Finally, I had to take it in to my husband and ask him if the bar code had wavy or straight lines. He said they were straight. After a trip to my optometrist and then onto a specialist it was determined I had a macular hole, something I’d never even heard of before. Evidently it is not uncommon in “women my age,” who are nearsighted. I was told it would require two surgeries to fix…hopefully.
I’ve had the first surgery to fix cataracts I don’t have, but will develop with the second surgery. Surprisingly it wasn’t that unpleasant. In fact, after the anesthesiologist served me my “two martinis” I was in pretty good shape for the rest of the operation. A round of antibiotics and in a couple of weeks I should be ready for the next surgery which is for the purpose of actually fixing the hole in my eye. After the surgery I will be required to keep my face down for several days if not weeks. I can honestly say I’m not much looking forward to this task even with the consolation prize of getting off work for a couple of weeks. I’d rather work! But the universe didn’t ask my opinion as to whether or not I wanted this inconvenience and I feel I have very little room to complain. I am glad that there is a fix, even though there are risks and nothing is guaranteed.
Through the years I have been in good health, so facing this mini crisis seems inconsequential to the real hardships faced by so many. As for my jewelry making it has slowed me down a little. Everything takes a little more time and effort. Having lost "only" a quarter of my vision it stills leaves me with 3/4ths and that would seem sufficient until I try to replace the needle size pin on the glue bottle and I can’t seem to quite measure the depth or the distance. Sometimes I want to cry and feel sorry for myself, but then I think of others in my family who face real hardships. I have a cousin in a wheelchair, a brother learning to drive with one hand, a sister-in-law who recently lost her nephew in a motorcycle accident, students whose parents have cancer, families members without jobs, and the tears stop. I can’t seem to feel sorry for myself because I have to endure some pain and uncertainty. Like Scarlet O’hara, if at all possible, “I’ll think about that tomorrow.” Today I’ll just busy myself with making a necklace.
OMG--I was wondering where you were but had assumed you were off on an adventure. I hope you get along well. I'm back at school until they find someone to take Lisa's place (except that I'm taking off tomorrow if they find someone to take my place)but, even if I'm not at school, if you need anything, or get bored and just want someone to talk with, just call.
ReplyDeleteThanks Debbie, yes, it was some adventure, but I'm back to work on Tuesday. Try to catch up with ya at lunch.
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