Saturday, July 18, 2009

Wednesday I went for my eye check

Thought I needed new glasses
It was time for my yearly eye check up. I was sure I needed a new prescription for stronger glasses. But my doctor said he didn't think stronger glasses would help. He thought it was time to go see a doctor that specializes in cataracts.

So we set up the appointment for this past Friday the 17th. I was told about ten years ago, I was starting to get cataracts, but they didn't seem to be growing fast, and each time I had my check up, my eye doctor would say, they look about the same. But this check up he thought it was time to see the doctor that is also a surgeon.

We arrived at the office at 10:10am, filled out paper work, gave them a copy of the medicines I take that I carry in my purse. Then waited. Was taken back to a little room, and the young lady did a quick eye check, very much like I had done on Wednesday. Then we went to another little waiting room to wait. Again, she came and got us, and took me to a little room, where they check for glaucoma. Then she put some drops into my eyes to numb them and did some kind of measurement, by sticking this little thing that almost looked like a pen light up against my eye. Apparently it took the measurements. Daughter and Granddaughter said it looked like she stuck it right in my eye. I have no idea. Then back to the little waiting room while I watched a video on a small lap top computer about cataracts. Again back into the examining room where they put drops to dilate the eyes ( also had this done on Wednesday). Then the doctor finally came in, looked and said, yes, it's time to have them taken care of and since they seem to be worse in the left eye, we would do that one first. He also said other than the cataracts, my eyes look healthy. We got out of the doctor's office at 12:10. The nine year old Granddaughter was very patient.

So I am scheduled to have them removed from that eye on Aug. 27th. For a week after the surgery, you have to be careful about lifting and straining. I will have to use two different prescription eye drops for several days before the surgery. Not sure what they are for and I didn't ask.

Now for the doctor doing the surgery, my goodness, he looks like he's about 15. Very nice young man, clean cut, wore a white coat. So many doctors don't seem to do that. I personally think a doctor looks nice wearing a white jacket or coat and I also like to see the nurses in the white uniforms, especially wearing their caps they got when they graduated from nursing school. Even if they wear white slacks instead of a dress or skirt. So often you can't tell the nurses from the aids, I guess they aren't called that any longer. I can't remember for sure just what they call them now. I'm probably old fashion, but I still think it's nice to see the registered nurses dressed in white, along with white shoes.

After we got out of the doctor's office, we swung by the Chinese place and picked up lunch to go, then drove to my Mother's and ate with her. Had a nice visit. Got home around 6pm.

Monday and Tuesday of this coming week, Abe has an appointment on each morning, for either a 3 month or six month check up. So we will have more running around to do. One is the lung doctor the other his arthritis doctor.

Hope everyone has a terrific Saturday evening and a wonderful Sunday.

P.S. This is what I found on the internet about my new doctor. He graduated from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in 1995, where he was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. He completed his ophthalmology residency at the University of Cincinnati in 1999 prior to completing advanced training in cataract surgery. He has contributed to research in the fields of wound healing after eye surgery.

11 comments:

Gigi Ann said...

Sounds like you had a very busy Wednesday. And also a thorough eye examination. I too am developing cataracts. I think mine started about 7 or 8 years ago, but aren't far enough along to have the surgery yet. I hope things go well for you when you have the surgery and look forward to hearing about it in August. It also sounds like you will be having a busy week next week. Take care and have a nice Sunday.

Brenda said...

Well, even if the Dr. looks young his qualifications sound good. I think your surgery will go fine and you be able to see better than ever. I have heard good things about eye surgeries for the most part. I need to have it done in about 8 years and I am kind of looking forward to it. Sounds like you will have a busy week.

Anonymous said...

Before God Doctors are The Best faithful person.
- Health/peace

Marian Dean said...

Hi Patty, I had both eyes done beginning of this year, six week apart. It is wonderful to be able to see clearly again, I hadn't realised how poor my sight was till then. Now I only need glasses for reading the small print, so I am free of the vari-focals I always wore.
I was very impressed with the day surgery, and the surgeon explained every move he was doing, so I felt very involved. The first eye was a bit gritty for a couple of days, but the second one was no problem.
I heartily recommend this op to anyone who is considering having it.
Love Granny...
ps, wish I could have enjoyed the Chinese take-out with you!

Jinksy said...

Sounds like he knows a thing or two, then! How encouraging - young or not...

Merle said...

Dear Patty ~~ I am so sorry you have to have the cataract removed from your eye next month. Goodness what a long time the tests took, but guess they have to be very sure what they are doing. Sounds like a good surgeon. Take great care until then and don't work too hard, my friend.
Love, Merle.

Winifred said...

At least you found out and are getting it done quickly. Also thankfully it is something that can be cured nowadays.

I dread going to the opticians for my check up, just in case!

Here they say when you get older the policement start looking younger. I think it's the same about doctors too.

I agree about the uniforms. I'm sure doctors in hospital here always wear white coats, the ones I've seen do. Unless they are consultants. They're a law unto themselves! Maybe someone can correct me if I'm wrong. Nurses here tend to wear blue with white aprons. However I can't speak for private medicine, never experienced that, only the good old NHS!

Take care Patty and keep us posted.

Renie Burghardt said...

I am glad your eye exam went well, and your surgery is scheduled and will take care of the cataracts in August. Your doctor may look young, but he certainly sounds like he is well qualified to do the job. Just think how much more clearly you will be able to see Abe, once you get it done! Tee Hee. Just a little jest. You'll be singing "I can see clearly now, the rain is gone..." Remember that song?

I hope Abe's checkups will go well this week, too.

Take good care, Patty.

Renie

Pat - Arkansas said...

Wishing you well with your upcoming cataract surgery. I have one cataract "waiting in the wings" as it were; there, but not troublesome... yet! My day is also coming.

CINDY BUCKLEY said...

My mom just had this done recently. In fact, her last day of eye drops was Monday! It's interesting- they did her better eye first! Anyway, she's very glad she did it, and said it was fairly smooth procedure, but she didn't like the eye drops afterwards. She came home and said she wanted to paint the living room because now that she can see the color clearly she hates it :) And it was wild for me to see wearing no glasses- she's had them since I was 12!

If you want to chat with her over email let me know, I'm sure she'll love to talk about it :)

I hope everything goes well with Abe's appointments and for your sister in law.

Tomate Farcie said...

Yes, it's always a little scary to see very young doctors, but I'm sure he's NOT 15 years old and if he's well qualitified, that's what matters.

I know a lady who had cataract surgery about month ago. She's back at work now, as if nothing happened and she feels great.

Good luck, will keep good thoughts for you and Abe's doctors visits.