This week I went to see my eye doctor for a long overdue “annual” checkup. I have seen the same woman for almost a decade and always enjoy my visits, other than during the eye pressure exam for glaucoma, which makes me nauseous.
After our usual chit chat and exam, I was feeling relieved
and pretty darn pleased with myself, thinking I was going to get out of there
without anything to obsess about, or even write about in my blog post.
Just as I was getting ready to go, she said the C-word. Now
when I say THAT, I so fortunately do not mean cancer. And I don’t mean the 4-letter
word that is my least favorite in the entire English language.
So NO to cancer and NO to a word that rhymes with Hunt.
But YES to…Cataracts!
“Nothing to worry about yet,” the doctor said. “It’s in the
early stage. We can talk about it more next time,” she said. That’ll be in the
summer of 2026. Perfect! Should I have this appointment before or after my
colonoscopy?
Add this to other age-related nuisances, such as my current
bout with Arthritis, regular use of a stool softener, all sorts of creams –
firming cream for the sagging on my neck, two face creams – one for the morning
to and one at night, with a pair of readers nearby so I don’t mix them up,
which I’ve done a few times, and so on.
I am aware that many peeps need surgery to get these little
cataract buggers removed, so I know I’m not unique; I’m not going to make the
history books with this issue. But – you know me by now – I’ll likely write
about it along with more of the whole aging thing.
Obviously the longer we live, the more that will go wrong
that we will have to deal with, and hopefully we will manage OK with whatever
comes along.
As David’s former boss who always had catchy phrases for
important situations used to say, “the alternative is worse.”
I am counting on that to be true.
Aging certainly has its trials, and I’ve had my “c” cataracts, and I definitely see more clearly now! I’m glad I did it. I chose distance lenses so that if I forget my glasses for some reason, I can still drive. Transition lenses give me built-in sunglasses, a definite plus! You’ll know you need the lenses when stop-lights at night are blurry. Don’t fret this one, and I’m not even sure there is that much difference between day or night cream, except for sunblock. Lol !
ReplyDeleteGreat advice Carol! I'm glad you see better having your cataracts removed. I didn't realize there were choices to make as far as distance, sun, etc. As for the face creams, I bet you are right! I really do like that sunblock can be a part of day cream but my dermatologist told me even if I wear that, to also apply sunscreen if I'm going to be out in the sun for a prolonged period. Take care Carol xo
DeleteI had almost the identical Conversation with my eye doctor last time I was there. She just made a slight mention that there’s a start of cataracts. Of course, after that, I started wondering about it and how quickly they grow and then worrying about the procedure because I don’t know that I could do something with my eyes while I’m awake. Luckily, however, my sister recently had both done and she’s worse than me. She said it wasn’t so bad.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree about the part about the procedure happening with our eyes open. I wish they'd just knock me out and do whatever needs to be done! xo
DeleteYears ago my friends 83 year old grandmother had her cataract removed from one eye. When I asked her how it went, she told me she would never go back to this Dr. again. When I asked why, she replied vehemently, because he gave me wrinkles! She was serious and never had the other eye taken care of. I don’t think there were such good skin creams then.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, the older I’ve gotten the more cleansers, toners creams, serums and oils get added to my regime. But I don’t mind because every time I look in that 10x magnifying mirror, I see the crypt keeper staring back.
Aging is not for the faint of heart!!
LOL...aging is certainly NOT for the faint of heart. You are brave, looking at the 10x magnifying mirror. Why do that? xo
DeleteI had cataracts removed from both eyes a few years ago and it was wonderful - a whole new CLEAR world of color! Rather that feeling older, the surgery brought a great new chapter into my life.
ReplyDelete.... Judy, would love to talk to you about it, if you have questions!
DeleteGet a grip girl. You’re not 21 anymore. You’re better, just with some squeaky parts. A little oil and you’re good as new. Cataracts are no big deal. Had em both done. Vision got better, colors improved, and less need for glasses. And you’re drugged during the procedure. Bing bang. The next day the doc checks your eyes and finito. This is nothing. Love xxxooo
ReplyDeleteLOL - great report here! Unfortuntaely your name came up as Anyonymous but I'd love to ask you more about this. I'm so glad all went well for you xo
Delete