Paying it forward.
I was apprehensive about having cataract surgery so I put it off for several years longer than I should have. But dozens of readers of Feathered Photography reassured me, from their own experience, that their surgery was “easy”, without complications, and that the results were spectacular.
Without question it was that feedback from my readers that gave me the confidence to proceed with my own cataract surgery and I’m very glad I did. So, figuring that there are many others out there that are in the same boat I was just a few weeks ago, this morning I decided to provide my own encouragement for them to go through with it.
Human Cataract – Creative Commons
Yesterday morning I had my second and final post-surgical appointment with my surgeon, Dr. Stagg. He told me that before surgery I had 20/100 vision in my right eye. 20/200 vision is considered “legally blind”, so before surgery I was halfway there. I believe it, because all I could see out of that eye was fuzzy, dim blurriness.
He said my vision in that eye is now 20/20! I believe that too, because everything is now bright, crisp and clear – including through my viewfinder.
So if you have a cataract that qualifies for surgery, my advice would be to not put it off. At some point, you’ll wish you hadn’t. I can almost guarantee it.
Now, I’m girding my loins for tomorrow morning’s root canal. I can hardly wait…
Ron
Yay for the results of your cataract surgery! Bummer a little bit south, though. Hope your RC is as easy (relatively speaking) and successful as your cataract surgery.
Just showed your post to Hubby for encouragement. His cataract isn’t quite ripe yet.
Marty, if you have any influence, don’t let Hubby put it off when it’s ready. They only get worse so he’ll be sorry if he does.
Great results, Ron, glad to hear it. 20/20 is a great blessing for a birder/photographer. My wife just completed her second eye and also says how great it is to see so well again.
Root canal – never fun, but my experience has been that the worst part of it is the shot they give you for numbing. After that, just noise and vibration. Best of luck!
Quentin, I don’t mind the shot but I hate the noise and vibration.
Good for you. I had mine a dozen yeas ago. I developed a lot of floaters recently and had a different surgery. It turned out well. All the floaters are gone now.
Linda, I briefly noticed a floater or two a couple of weeks after the surgery but haven’t seen them since. I hope they don’t return.
Great news!
Thanks, Tony.
WONDERFUL news.
A big sigh and empathy on the root canal though. I class dentists and dentistry as a necessary evil.
Thanks, EC. So do I.
Well said. Like many of your readers I am in the ‘disassembly’ phase of life and can use all the positive reinforcement that I can get. Thanks for the update.
Dennis, the “disassembly phase of life” says it so well. Cruel but accurate, at least in my case.
Congrats on the much-improved eyesight, best of luck with the dentistry today … may it be the last of your medical issues to be dealt with this year!
“may it be the last of your medical issues to be dealt with this year”
If only!
Cataract surgery is indeed an easy thing. But I’ll take burnt at the stake, stretched on the rack or broken on the wheel any day over a root canal. My best wishes are with you.
Jim, your second sentence made me LOL. Painfully…
20/20? Fantastic! And just think… 48 hours from now, the root canal will be totally behind you, Ron. So are we.
Ellen, I enjoyed the way you worded your comment.
I am happy for you. Good luck at the dentist.
Take Care,
Kaye
Thanks on both counts, Kaye.
Good news Ron. You will survive the root canal of course, but
those things are never fun. Good luck with it.
Thank you, Everett.
Congratulations! You have perfect eyes now. Our current medical abilities are really amazing, if you have the right doctors and insurance, that is.
Catherine, the “right doctors and insurance” are key. It’s tragic and scandalous that our medical system is so messed up that many folks who need ‘procedures’ very badly can’t get them.
Not “stupid”– fearful. And understandable–if I hadn’t had a trusted
friend encouraging me, I’m not sure I would have made the leap.
Great that now you can pass along the courage!
“Not “stupid”– fearful.”
Probably both, Kris. I hate having anyone mess with my eyes – including me. But this surgery was incredibly easy.
Excellent news!! Enjoy your new, crisp, color-filled vision, Ron!!
I plan on it, Melanie. Thanks.
And Ron, you will be just fine for your root canal. I use only endodontists and am always amazed at how I am pain and infection free immediately afterwards.
Melanie, I’ve had several root canals in the past, but this is a tricky one because the problem is up high at the “crotch” of the root. My dentist says that makes it less likely to be successful. But still worth trying.
Glad it’s turned out well for you – having ones eyes “messed with” does tend to give one pause! Good luck on the root canal – no fun.
Thanks, Judy. I took that “pause” part too seriously. I shouldn’t have put it off.
I’m looking forward to my cataract surgery. I qualify, but providers have long wait lists. I’m so happy for you and for all who have needed & gotten it!
Good luck with yours, Cheryl. I had to wait for mine too.
I’m something like five years down the road from mine, and the new lenses that were implanted are still doing their thing with no problems. It’s one of the most amazing surgeries we have; I’m glad you finally are benefiting from it.
“It’s one of the most amazing surgeries we have.”
My thoughts exactly, Shoreacres.
Excellent news! Hope your root canal (ouch!) goes as well.
I hope so too, Carolyn. It’s a tricky one so there are no guarantees.
Fantastic Ron. Good to know.
Root canal. Got one of those on my calendar as well.
Good luck to us both!
That is wonderful! I also had cataract surgery a few years ago and it was amazing to see so clearly again! I am happy for you!
Thanks, Jeri. It was nothing short of stupid of me to put it off for as long as I did.