Well Winter has arrived.
We've been fortunate by not having anything major prior to the Groundhog's appearance. Punxsutawney Phil's prediction of 'Spring: Right around the corner' seems a bit hollow after four rounds of shoveling today's Nor'Easter. At least the snow is fluffier than last Friday's storm that claimed about a half dozen limbs from my pine tree. Ya, I hate Winter.
I have two health updates to report. I'll speak to today's visit with Dr Christian Song at Mass Eye and Ear Infirmary, Stoneham.
Scheduling an appointment in February during rush hour traffic caused some angst. Weather reports were saying snow in the morning and getting heavier as the day progressed. I kept waking last night wondering (and worrying) how I would get there on time and in one piece. I woke up earlier than I wanted, but looking out the window I saw no snow. I had heard that the Governor directed non-essential employees to stay home. So, no snow and less traffic were conducive to a fairly stress-free ride to Stoneham.
I arrived and checked in. I didn't have to wait too long before Amy called me in for some initial tests. I ended up getting the whole barrage of eye tests/charts/lenses. I was given eye drops to dilate my eyes and was also tested for glaucoma. Very efficient.
Dr Song called me in and he reviewed my test results and also examined my eyes. He confirmed that I had 'a significant' cataract in my right eye and said I would 'benefit' from the corrective surgery. He did say that I also had an astigmatism in that eye and I would probably need glasses. I asked if this could be corrected with the cataract surgery. He said, "Yes, but the insurance won't pay for that portion." [Odd that insurance will cover eye doctors and corrective lenses, but not the 'fix']
At this point I told the doctor that I would prefer to have both taken care of at the same time and that I'll pay for the out-of-pocket costs. He said that he preferred to do that portion of the procedure with a laser. However, that would need to be be done in Waltham (versus Boston). [I'd prefer to drive to Waltham anyway.]
Dr Song said that he would want to see me once again, in Waltham for some 'measurements' for my new 'torque' lens. The surgery probably won't happen until June. I expressed concern that the cataract in my left eye may worsen by that time. I was happy to learn that my left eye has a 'slow' forming cataract unlike my right. [Never knew there were different types.]
So, I'll be hearing from his assistant Alyce soon.
I had a call from Dr Chatson's office confirming my next reconstruction surgery. The next procedure (nipple reconstruction and lipo on some areas to eliminate concavity) will take place at the end of March at Orchard Surgical Center in Salem NH. It should take a few hours.
I've been instructed to see my primary care physician some pre-op tests which have been scheduled a few weeks before the procedure.
It's been a year since I told Dr Rees about the lump in my breast. Hard to believe. So much has happened - and will continue. "What a long strange trip it's been."
More to come.
