blinded by the light

 I had my eye specialist visit today

    Rehashing an old story.  Years ago my eye doctor, during a routine exam, dropped the bombshell that I had macular degeneration developing.

    Through tears, I repeated the diagnosis to Emily, who recommended seeing a specialist.  I did, and it was diagnosed as macular dystrophy.  The symptoms are almost identical, but the dystrophy is not progressive.

    I go to the specialist every 6 or 12 months and today was my visit day.

    I like him, and trust him.

    Today he looks at the tests and says, "Your macular degeneration seems to be stable."

    I look at him and said, "What!!  That's not what you said I had!"  He scrolls back up and says, "Sorry..dystrophy, not degeneration," he replies.

    I said, "You just scared the hell out of me!"

    He told me they were very close to some stem cell treatments that would stop and reverse what I have.     He said in 3 to 5 years I could be looking at that option.

    I said, "I'm  77......that might not be an option for me."

    He asked me why.  He then told me his father was 83 and very active, and there was no reason that I wouldn't be that way.

    Looking around the waiting room, there were a bunch of old people!  I know some were my age, but they looked old.  And they acted old.  Nobody was toe dancing to the music on the intercom

    Good news is nothing has changed in the past 2 years.  I have a little "hole" in my field of vision.  When asked to read the 5 letters on the eye chart, I can see 4 but then have to move my head to find the missing letter.

    Happens when I read, and write, but it is more of a nuisance than anything.

    I went to schedule my next appointment and opted for the 1 year mark.  The lady asked:  "How does August 24 sound to you?"

    I told her I could not even plan for next week, but go ahead.  If I find I am busy that day, I will reschedule.

    Thanks to Julia for taking me and thanks to neighbor Jackie who went over to pick up Jackie's phone and afternoon meds, which dropped on the floor.

    Sometimes it takes a village.

    And my eyes are still slightly dilated, so please pardon any mistakes.  

    I will find a different excuse tomorrow.

Peace and Love