An Update About My Eyes & A Poem

trE

I had my follow-ups yesterday for my eyes.

For those of you who do not know, I have keratoconus.

Not good news, but not horrible news, either from each visit …

So, my right eye is getting progressively worse; the focus will be to move forward with a non-invasive procedure called Corneal Collagen Cross-linking for it and reassess my left eye over time.

I go in for another follow-up in March and on that date, we’ll start preparing to get scheduled for the procedure.

The procedure will not cure me of my disease (it is lifelong), but it is supposed to stop my right eye from getting much worse.

I went to my optometrist afterward so she could go over what my ophthalmologist reviewed and had more testing done, and she confirms my right eye is an issue. I had another prescription done for my glasses and another set of scleral contacts ordered.

I’m tired from it all, but there’s no need for me to not do the procedure. I am terrified because of course, these are my eyes we’re talking about, but I don’t want my right eye to get much worse over time, either.

I’m not happy about having to have this procedure, but I’d rather it be this one than a cornea transplant (Yes, it is exactly what it sounds like!).

I am taking all of this in stride as best as I can and I am hopeful that next year will render better results for me. I will keep you all updated as to when the procedure date will be and how everything goes afterward (after the recovery and my eye heals up enough to do so, of course).

I still have some time before one last recheck, so I am going to bask in that fact and try not to make myself insane thinking about it all. Lol!

And now, a poem. A Tanka, to be precise:

Pictured Poetry created by Tremaine L. Loadholt

58 thoughts on “An Update About My Eyes & A Poem”

  • Oh dear. I’m a little nervous for you, but I’ll keep my thoughts to myself lol I’m glad you’ll be updating here, so I don’t have to bug the you know what out of you figuring out if you’re okay.

    Liked by 1 person

    • 🙏🏾💜 Yes, ma’am. I’ll keep this spot up-to-date as it all takes place.

      Don’t get me wrong, I’m very nervous. I’m always the oddball or the “rare case” in everything, so I’m hoping I don’t go blind in my right eye from having this procedure. I’m remaining prayerful and trying to stay optimistic about it.

      Lol. *Crosses fingers*

      Liked by 1 person

  • Sorry to hear about the eye situation, but it sounds like you’re handling it like a champ. Wishing you all the best with the procedure and hoping for a smooth and speedy recovery! Take care, and keep us posted when you can. 🌟

    Liked by 2 people

  • Oh trE, I admire you so much for your attitude about dealing with your condition. Continue to keep that spirit my friend. I think you are handling your prognosis and diagnosis so courageously. Continue to stay encouraged! 🥰💖🙏🏽

    Liked by 1 person

    • 🙏🏾💙 Thanks, Bella! I’m feeling a bit better about things today. I had some time to reflect yesterday, and although, I’m still pretty terrified, I’m glad it’s not worse than it is.

      Liked by 1 person

      • 💙💜❤️ It is. And thank you.
        My little cousin is practically going insane. She wants it done like “Neeeooowww!” Lol. She’s lived all over the world and is so used to having free healthcare and getting things done instantly and I’m over here like, “Boo, this is the norm for things like this. Some people have to wait months just for a consultation with a specialist or surgeon.” And while I told her that, I realized just how messed up that truly is.
        *Shrugs* but I’m in NO hurry. None at all.

        Liked by 1 person

      • Girl yes that is beyond messed up. The doctors worry the mess out of you because of the diagnosis and then you’re told you can’t be seen until 3 months out. HATE IT!!!!

        Liked by 1 person

  • Goodness, I hope all goes well! Do you have drops that help or anything? I’ll pray that the procedures fix what’s wrong and restore your eyes to what they used to be or close to it!
    Have a yummy Thanksgiving-are you visiting family I hope?

    Liked by 1 person

    • I use Pataday eye drops to help with my allergies and keep me from rubbing my eyes (the rubbing of eyes can make Keratoconus worse). There are no drops to help with Keratoconus, per sé, but these drops do keep me from rubbing my eyes.

      Thank you! I’m cooking mostly for myself on Thanksgiving. I tend to spend the bulk of this day by myself (I prefer it), and I will probably go over to my cousins’ house and spend a little time with them. My best friend may come and visit.

      I’m going to have a great time regardless, though. I have to work on Friday, so … I won’t be overdoing it.

      I hope you’ll have a great holiday!

      Liked by 1 person

      • Thank you. It will just be the two of us, however, I found out one of my cousins and her son live right here in Charleston, and I’m stoked about getting to see them and visit, maybe the day after! We’re having lots of rain though, and the traffic here is beyond horrible, so looking forward to a couple of days staying put. Not really looking forward, but as bad as my back hurts maybe rest would be best!

        Liked by 1 person

      • Haha. Charleston is a tourist city, so it’s always full of traffic and hustle and bustle. I’m originally from Savannah, Georgia, so I’ve had my time in Charleston.

        Hopefully, you’ll get to do what you’d like to do and enjoy it to the fullest!

        Liked by 1 person

  • I’m sorry to hear about this, trE. You’re in my prayers, my friend. I recall my mom’s diabetic retinopathy and all the struggles she had with her vision for so many years, so my heart goes out to you. You’re courageous for facing this and I know you’re going to come through it successfully. Wishing you the best and sending you peace and strength. Also, wishing you a happy Thanksgiving. Hang in there! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thank you, Mike! I appreciate it! A very Happy Thanksgiving to you as well! Enjoy this week as best as you can. 🙏🏾💙

      Liked by 1 person

  • You’re taking care of you. That counts enormously. Blessings. And Happy Thanksgiving, trE dearest. Kiss the little one for me. 🐶 Grateful for your presence in my space in time. Xoxo 💃🏼 🐕

    Liked by 1 person

    • Peace, Selma. Thank you kindly! A Happy Thanksgiving to you as well. I shall love on Jernee for you. 🙏🏾💙

      Like

      • My thoughts are with you, Tre, my youngest son was born visually impaired he has keratoconus and when younger had a habit of continually rubbing his eyes, which resulted in a worsening of this condition. It did rectify itself slightly when he stopped doing it and it did not affect what little sight he has.
        I am sending you my best wishes and sincerely hope all goes well with your procedure.
        Kyt.

        Liked by 1 person

      • Thank you, Kyt! Yes, I used to rub my eyes habitually because of my allergies. I have had to adapt to not rubbing them and using the Pataday eye drops.

        However, my right eye is the one with the major issue. Prayerfully, it won’t get any worse before the next recheck. And I am prayerful my left eye will not decline further as well.

        I appreciate your kind words here. I truly do. I’m glad your son’s vision was not permanently affected. I only know one other person with keratoconus, and now I can say, I know of one other. 🙏🏾💙

        Liked by 1 person

Comments are closed.