Thursday, April 10, 2008

When it rains, it pours

And I'm in a downpour at the moment.

Yesterday I made a follow-up to my hospitialization doctor appointment, a full physical appointment, two dentists appointments, one for Thomas and one for me, and an eye doctor appointment. Imagine my surprise when my eye appointment was TODAY.

Well, there's good news and bad news. The good news is I have been diagnosed with rosacea, if that can be good news. Now I always suspected I had rosacea because my cheeks are always red, but I never thought much of it. WRONG. It is in my eyes. This is the reason that I have not been able to read a book for a couple years now. So the good news is that I have artificial tears and I am to practice blinking A LOT when reading, and I should be a reader again. That makes my year. I never knew rosacea could harm the eyes, but it really can. Scary stuff!

This got discovered today because I did NOT wear makeup. So I think from now on, I won't wear makeup to any doctor appointment.

I probably do have glaucoma. I go back for some weird test as soon as they get me scheduled. It doesn't appear I have any optic nerve damage, which is good. Not good news, but caught early and treated, not the worst news. Hopefully.

The really bad news: I was referred to a neurologist for special evaluation and testing. I go blurry eyed in one eye when I recline, such as laying down to watch TV. When I get up, it takes 15-20 minutes for my vision to clear. The opthalmologist suspects there may be something very wrong with my carotid artery. Yikes.

I'll have to get on the phnone tomorrow and find a neurologist that is on my insurance plan, because we don't have one locally. This scares the crap out of me because there is a family history of carotid artery blockage. I also have to get on the phone and get all my Denver medical records sent to my doctor. I was given some, but no specific test results except the stress/treadmill test. I also have to think back to every single eye doctor I've ever been to, find their numbers, and get my records. Good grief.

The neurologist part scares me the most.

It could all be worse, but I just wasn't up for this today. I guess I wouldn't be up for it any day, but I've had enough going on right now.

I came home and bawled.

~~~~~~~

On a school-related note, things have been better. We've been getting into the habit slowly but surely. Book learning is going on again in our house, which is a very good thing. We've decided to work really hard so we don't have to use the entire summer (or month of June) to catch up.

I talked to my dad on the phone yesterday and he sounded so good -- better than he did when he was in the hospital. That did wonders for my heart and soul. It is so hard being so far away.

I asked Bob to take the afternoon off tomorrow. He readily agreed. I just need him to be close right now. He's good at chasing off the scary monsters in the closet, so to speak.

We're supposed to get up to six inches of snow tomorrow. Good grief, it's April already! Snow, snow, go away, please come back another day...preferably next winter.

Here's hoping next week is better!

7 comments:

Bobbi said...

Well I can comment a little bit on the glaucoma. My dad has had glaucoma diagnosed in this 30s - he's now in his late 50's. There are many more options now on how to stop the progression than back then. He's currently showing excellent pressures given his history and just on a particular eye drop every day.

Interesting on the rosacea. I have some "tears" drops too for my horrid dry eyes and they really do help me so I'm hoping that you'll "see" a similar instant comfort change :D

((hugs)) about everything else.

Meg_L said...

oh my FRANKIE.

I'll be thinking about you.

Unknown said...

Frankie,

I will keep you and your family in my thoughts.

My hubby is the same way about chasing away my monsters. He doesn't seem to understand how powerful his hugs are.

Anonymous said...

Oh Frankie. Sending you more hugs. I've had rosacea on my face for years, but not the eyes. Definitely something you can live with, as long as you keep an eye (so to speak lol) on it.

Yay for your Dad, and yay for your husband. I hope the doctors gave you orders to relax again this weekend :)

Appletini said...

((Frankie)) I'm so glad you can lean on Bob. It's good to have someone you know will catch you when you fall. I wish I could do something for you.

Garden State Kate said...

((hugs))Wishing you warmer weather, and a doc you feel comfortable with
who is on your plan.
I hope all goes well with your tests!

Elisheva Hannah Levin said...

Oh, my goodness!

I am thinking about you, and I hope that there is a simple and treatable explanation for your blurry eye.

At least school is getting back to normal for you. It's good to have something going along steadily.

And I am glad your dad sounds so good.

Be well! I mean that!