As some may know, I suffered a detached retina while on a cruise to Rome from Ft Lauderdale. As we returned to the ship from a land tour of the Azores I noticed a black band at the top of the right eye. It was a bit scary and I pretty much knew what was happening. We had two more ports before Rome and I probably should have had the ship’s doctor make an appointment in Rome. Detached retina surgery should be done within a week. But one doesn’t always do what’s right so I didn’t see a doc for eight days. The Wilmington triage nurse recognized the symptoms and made room for me at 1pm. After a thorough (“this won’t hurt but will feel odd”) exam Doctor Leon said I’m sorry but you have a detached retina. Sorry? An appointment was made for the following Wednesday. On Monday, however, I had small ping balls flying abound my eye. Again, the triage nurse made room for me. A partner of Dr Leon’s examined me then made a call. Dr Leon was just finishing his long day of surgeries, I was next. We drove three blocks to the Surgery Center. We were home at 7:30pm. Fortunately, I suspected something was amiss and only had had half a cup of water all day.
Now, three weeks+ after the operation, I know what “sorry” meant. Post-op time has been filled by looking down, only, for a week, sleeping on my right side, only, applying three sets of drops and then…headaches. Awful migraines. Ten days into recovery Dr Leon mentioned that eye operations cause migraines. Really? I’ve survived with Percocet, Tylenol and Tramadol.
Here’s an interesting fun fact: after sutures tie up the retina and a rubber band is applied to the eyeball (still with me?) to hold everything together then a bubble (balloon) is stitched on to eye. The balloon is filled with nitrous oxide. This pressure keeps everything in place while healing takes place. I can see the bubble, if I shake my head (gently!) the bubble moves. Last Thursday one of the sutures snapped while attending a wedding in Texas. The pain, which only lasted a moment, was intense. Immediately I noticed the bubble had move down, now I could make out objects above the bubble. Scared, I texted Leon who said I was in no danger and to get some artificial tears. BTW, the balloon disintegrates after two months, or so.
Meanwhile I can’t fly. I even have a wristband warning EMT personnel not to airlift me in case of an accident. Above 2,000 feet the nitrous oxide explodes. Pleasant eh?
Ramifications. My balance has taken a hit. And I haven’t been to the gym in a month.
As to the cause of the detachment; the best and most relevant explanation in my case is age. Seventy-eight on June 1st. But the procedure is a miracle and while I don’t like the headaches and lack of sight Dr Leon has probably saved my eye.
