Wild Horses ... and a post-op update by auntietk
Close
Hover over top left image to zoom.
Click anywhere to exit.
Members remain the original copyright holder in all their materials here at Renderosity. Use of any of their material inconsistent with the terms and conditions set forth is prohibited and is considered an infringement of the copyrights of the respective holders unless specially stated otherwise.
Description
Grandfather Cuts Loose the Ponies
... or ...
Wild Horse Monument
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Here's the story of my recent eye surgery for those of you who are following along:
In September I experienced what's known as a posterior vitreous detachment. This is NOT retinal detachment. That causes blindness if not treated immediately. Vitreous detachment is like the world's biggest floater, and mine covered nearly all the field of vision in my right eye. Since I'm already partially blind in my left eye, there was no way for my brain to compensate. My vision was blurry, as if a cloud of smoke was between me and everything I was seeing.
When it first happened, the vitreoretinal specialist I see here in Washington said we could do surgery (it's called a vitrectomy) as a last resort, but she didn't want to do it right away. It might clear up a little on its own, or I might be able to ignore it as my brain started to fill in the blanks. I had a checkup appointment with another retinal specialist in Texas this winter, and he didn't think I was a good candidate for a vitrectomy, since the surgery would be in my "good" eye.
A couple weeks ago I saw the surgeon here in Washington again, and she thought it was time to do the procedure, if I was willing. She outlined the risks, and we decided together that it was worth doing. The biggest risk was that a cataract might form right away and I would need to have cataract surgery in the next month.
So yesterday I had surgery on my right eye. She removed the cloudy, detached vitreous gel and replaced it with clear gel. I was under general anesthesia, so of course I don't remember a thing. I had some pain when I woke up, but they gave me drugs for that right away and I was relatively comfortable. After throwing up several times in the recovery room, I was ready to go home!
Today I had my follow-up appointment. They removed the giant eye patch, checked the pressure in my eyes, looked around, and pronounced me good to go. They dilated my eye, and gave me drops to continue that dilation "until the drops are gone." Oh lord, I am SO happy it's a small bottle!! They say the drops are to keep my eye "dilated and comfortable," but those are words I never associate with each other. I always experience dilation as being uncomfortable.
Although my eye feels tired and sore, I'm seeing pretty clearly at a distance. (The dilation means I'm not seeing well up close. It prevents the eye from focusing.)
BUT!! I can tell you that when I look across the street, I see my neighbor's place just as clear as clear can be!
It seems there is no cataract as of yet, which is a good sign, and the new gel is floater-free, as you would expect.
It's hard for me to sit here and type, because it makes my eye tired, since I can't focus at computer distance, so it will still be a couple weeks or so until I can come back and participate here at Renderosity, but I WILL be back!
Thanks so much to those of you who have been so caring and supportive through all this. Your comments and notes and calls have been greatly appreciated.
Special thanks to Mark (anahata.c) for the notes and letters and phone calls, for all the love and support ... and for posting for me the other day when I couldn't do it myself, to let you all know what was happening.
And of course, extra-special thanks to Bill (bmac62) ... the most wonderful husband in the world ... who has driven me everywhere I wanted to go, sat through every doctor appointment, and loves me whether I can see or not.
It's good to know I can come back to Renderosity and play again.
Wild Horses couldn't keep me away. :)
Comments (26)
Einzie1
Love you, T. So glad it has gone so well!
RodS
Oh, Tara! I am soooooo happy to read this news, my friend! I've been there, and I know it takes a while for everything to get back to normal. When I had that procedure for the detached retina back in '07, it took about 3 weeks for my eye to get back to something like normal. But that was because they had to drain all the goo (vitreous gel) to laser the retina back in place. I did have to have a cataract fixed in that eye - and will probably need the same done for my right eye soon. Take good care of that eye, hon, and take it slow. (Having my eyes dilated drives me absolutely nuts, too! :-P) Wonderful photo, by the way! :-D
Faemike55
This is great news, Tara!!!!!!! I am so happy that things are going well for you and your eye! Take your time and get healed properly. very appropriate image to express your feelings! Again, great news
Adobe_One_Kenobi
Excellent news, I am so very pleased you are ok visually now, it must have been a nightmare for a photographer to have less that good vision.
Richardphotos
really happy for you that it was a success. I would be in a blind world almost without my right eye. I would need a cane to avoid obstacles your photograph is among the very best pictures I recall seeing anywhere of wild horses
Wolfenshire
This is great news, you've been given a second chance. Now stop reading this and go rest your eyes until they are healed.
giulband
I do not knew of your problem. I am happy you can solve It. Your photos are always interesting and well done and I am curious to see the nests !!
blondeblurr
Well hello again Tara, - so happy and glad for you, to read that the worst is over ... thank heavens, I almost feel as elated as you are ;)) I remember the moral support - you and Bill gave me, when you both spoke from former experiences yourselves to me, in regards to eye procedures, so here is mine now - I do wish you a GOOD recovery - no, not a speedy one as they say - take your time and all will be well ! I also like your version and interpretation of the 'Marianne Faithful' song - fine 'stuff' ! and looking forward of more to come, in the not too distant future ;)) You do have a very loyal and honest friend in Mark (anahata.c) indeed ! BB
bakapo
this is a cool shot! I'm glad you are doing well!
myrrhluz
I'm so glad everything went so well! Give your eye plenty of rest. I hate having my eyes dilated too. It's very disorientating. Take care and take all the time needed. Beautiful monument and capture!
durleybeachbum
Wonderful news! An enthralling read too, what a clever procedure!
beachzz
I'm so happy it all went well. It's wonderful to read your note and know you're on the road to healing. Marks's been great with news and updates. Looking forward to seeing your fotos and work back here; missed you terribly!!
SunriseGirl
Thanks for sharing your experience, Tara. I am so very glad to hear the procedure went well. And of course, I hope for your recovery to proceed forward toward completion as is best for your health. I hope your hubby is reading the comments to you so you can rest your eyes until your are fully healed. I love this photo you posted of the wild horses monument. I look forward to your return in good time. All the best, SRG (Katherine)
anmes
First...to the photo. exciting...what happened when the leading horse reaches he cliff..... do hope the procedures on your eye proves succesful. will look fprward to more postings,
kgb224
God bless to both you and Bill and I am glad the operation went well and that you can see again. Take rest till you have fully recuperated Tara. It is a blessing to have caring and helpful husbands as our Lord Jesus Christ expect us husbands to be caring and helpful. God bless.
CavalierLady
Anyone having eye problems would be worried, but for you and Bill, who love traveling and photography, it must be especially difficult. So very glad, Tara, that things are looking up now!! Best of luck as you recuperate! Take care.
helanker
Dear Tara! I am very happy, the surgery went well, so we soon can see you in RR with full power again. :) All the best, take care and have a good rest for recovery. :-D H :)
helanker
OH, and I do love that beautiful horse photograph :)
photosynthesis
Tara - I'm so glad to hear that the surgery went well. I wish you a speedy & complete recovery that will restore your eyesight to it's maximum potential.
Sea_Dog
Nice shot and really great news.
anaber
I am so Happy Tara that all went well with your surgery:)! and i know well that has not been a 'candy' all this...thanks for your updating, when you need so much to rest and it is so difficult for you to write! Looking forward to see you back, but just when you are healed. Take all the time needed. Your photo of the monument is splendid and exciting too. I love the song of ' wild horses' a lot!! Please take care! Healing thoughts in your way.
weesel
Glad the surgery went well. Now you can keep dazzling us with photos like this. This looks familiar. I-90 in WA? Not too far from George?
auntietk
Yes, indeed! That's exactly where it is. :)
dortygene
Great news about your surgery.My youngest son had surgery for a detached retina and it is amazing what doctors can do these days. He has had a long period of adjutment but each day shows improvement. He is blessed and it sounds as though you are also. Good wishes for continued improbement.
Mulltipass
Wonderful News!!! Beautiful Capture!!!!
MrsRatbag
Good news, and I'm happy that they seem to be able to help your vision. Losing your sight is the worst sentence for an artist, and you don't deserve that fate. Take it easy and don't push yourself, let it heal and we'll see your wonderful shots again soon.
irisinthespring
Marvelous capture and glad to hear your surgery was such a success and you rest up and take it easy....:)))
anahata.c
In coming here today, I forgot you posted this the day after your surgery! It was one day---I still don't know how you wrote all this, the day after your operation. And I saw, then, that people were thrilled to hear from you (from the "horse's mouth," no pun intended). I also told you it brought me to tears, because it was a culminating moment of so many months of walking and living with that ailment, and all it brought with it. And because you came through the surgery brilliantly (despite rough patches that night). I love how you wound your text down to the last line, it's just wonderful. (And thank you for mentioning me, I was very flattered, believe me. I only related from miles away, whereas Bill was there the whole time, along with your doctors, and whoever else was with you through those months.) I read up on the monument, it's a wonderful idea for a sculpture, and your long shot of it emphasizes the linear flow---from the crowded groupings on the left to the thinning-out on the right, ending in that lone horse looking like it's about to leap over. Kind of like the leap you made with the surgery. A long beautiful image for your journey and recovery, a very lucid explanation of your condition, and a triumphal ending promising your return. It really touched me when it went up, and it still touches me now. And, to the comment or so that said to "take your time, don't push yourself," I wanted to say, "yeah, yeah, get your ass in gear and get the hell back!" ('Cause it's great to have you back!) But yes, do it in the proper time! The proper pace...Terrific upload all around.