Support Needed -- Not Weight Related

I don't know whether it is appropriate to post this here, but ...

The last couple of weeks have been extremely difficult due to sudden health problems that, frankly, frighten me. It started, out of nowhere, with a flash of light in my left eye, and quickly developed into cloudy vision. I went to a local eye hospital and was told that I have a tear in the retina.

I've had surgery on this eye previously -- twice -- and there is a lot of scar tissue, so the delicate procedure they usually perform to repair these things becomes more difficult, intricate and risky.

But if I do nothing, I will likely permanently lose vision in that eye altogether, and it will probably happen very quickly. The doctors who diagnosed the problem warned me not to delay in seeking treatment, but Hurricane Sandy interfered with their recommendations.

Today I'm heading out of town to a retina specialist for lots of tests. Next week, I'll visit another retina specialist for a second opinion. Both doctors are among the best in their fields.

I'm an amateur photographer, an artist and crafter, and the thought of possibly losing vision is terrifying. But making it worse is that this the first time I've faced a major problem without being able to turn to my mom and aunts for support and advice; the wise matriarchs of our family all died within the past 12 months and right now, I miss them more than I can say.

It isn't that I've given up on paying attention to eating well or exercising, but I'm too distracted and worried to focus on it right now. At the moment, I'm just a ball of anxiety.

I could use some support today.

Wish me luck, folks. Please.

Replies

  • zyxst
    zyxst Posts: 9,149 Member
    :flowerforyou:
  • trixiemou
    trixiemou Posts: 554 Member
    Have a hug.

    As you say these guys are the best in their field and know what they are doing.
    You may not feel much like eating but you could take a few snack bars or pieces of fruit with you for munching on as the days goes on and maybe a bottle of water which may help you stay away from sweet treats.

    Hope everything goes OK:flowerforyou:
    x
  • ruperthumphrey
    ruperthumphrey Posts: 195 Member
    oh my heart and prayers go out to you....so frightening....like the other poster said, you are going to see the top Dr.s in the field.
    put your trust in them...

    I know how you feel about know one to talk with....my Mom and I were like best, best friends, I lost her a long time ago
  • annie_banannie
    annie_banannie Posts: 65 Member
    Thanks, guys. I appreciate the support.
  • :heart If they are the best...
    you are taking advantage of what God has given you. Anxiety won't help. (i know that its like a pink elephant in the room) but, if you figure you have done everything humanly possible and can't do anything but pmore energy in it is just fueling your worry fire.

    Just keep taking of yourself,and we are all here albeit not the best substitution for your loved ones, but we are here.


    love

    Jane
  • LJCannon
    LJCannon Posts: 3,636 Member
    :heart: Know that we are all Praying for you. Please continue to take care of your Health to the best of your ability. Being healthy and strong will help you weather this health storm. I am sure that you will have more "MFP Moms" than you can handle if you want us. We will be here when you need to Cry, Whine, Vent, or Whatever. We may not have any Real Answers, and we can't tell you what to do, but we can sure Listen and Pray 24/7
  • DeborahBatewell
    DeborahBatewell Posts: 147 Member
    Hope all goes well. Keeping you in my prayers. :heart: :smile:
  • As an artist (I'm a Graphic Designer), I feel for you & understand that our work requires a great visual detail to it and the possibility of losing vision is indeed heartbreaking.

    I know easier said than done but try to remain positive & like the other posters said, you're going to the best doctors in the field.

    My prayers are with you.
  • JanaCanada
    JanaCanada Posts: 917 Member
    It would seem to me that you have two choices: Do nothing and lose the vision in your left eye...or...have faith and trust the doctors and the chance, however small, that you could save your vision. To me, this is a no-brainer.

    I am sorry you feel so alone in this. I have no female support in my family, either. I know you're scared, but just know that God is with you, and I will lift you up in prayer. :flowerforyou:
  • ParkerH47
    ParkerH47 Posts: 463 Member
    That is pretty scary, I'm sorry to hear about the tremendous stress you are under. I can't imagine how you are feeling or what you are going through. I'm sure your Mom and Aunt have given you a wealth of strength and love that you may not even realize you have. People surprise themselves all the time with inner strength that comes from so deep that you don't even know where it comes from. You can and will get through this! It seems like you have been proactive thus far, just keep on truckin', and put faith in those specialists and doctors. I truly hope that everything works out for you and you can keep your vision.

    Thank-you for reminding us not to take advantage of the small things in life.

    Good luck, my thoughts are with you!