Thursday, September 13, 2007

Laser Treatment 2

This morning I endured 10 + minutes of throbbing laser surgery on my right eye. I'm very sore, but my spirits our high. I wanted to go into the office at noon, but my doctor, wife, and sister (who was with me) were much against it. I guess it wouldn't have been good since I was also sedated.

The only bad news I received was that my doctor is now going forward with laser surgery in my left eye. Yes, I was bummed, but it could be worse...

Sometimes you view these challenges in either two ways: 1. You question God's wisdom and timing and wonder, "Why me?" OR 2. You see opportunity and remind yourself that you are here to serve a great God.

I may be down, but not out. I may be on the jagged edge, but I'm in God's hands, and life doesn't get any better.

More laser treatments to go...hope never dies.

Sunday, September 09, 2007

Life...

A lot of things have been going on in my, and my family's, life lately. We are in the process of selling our house in West Marietta, and moving to a house in North Marietta. All this to be done within the next 3 weeks. But that's not the entire reason I'm writing this entry.

On Friday, September 7th, I was diagnosed with severe proliferative diabetic retinopathy. In English, there is bleeding in my right eye causing me not to see clearly. I can see objects, but nothing clear.

Thankfully, I saw a top-notch retinal specialist (by God's doing, not mine) who will take excellent care of me. We began laser treatments that will run weekly for the next 3-4 weeks. Sadly, I am now unable to exercise or cause my head to even move too much. I can't cause a rise in my blood pressure nor bend over. And yes, there is trouble in my left eye, too. From what I understand, and I could be wrong, blindness may happen over time even after treatment.

I'm trying to stay positive about all this news. The specialist said there was nothing I could've done to prevent this, since I've been a diabetic for over 30 years. Can't seem to accept that as a reasonable answer.

The answer I do know is that I am not going to give up. Every waking moment is now spent burning wonderful images of my family and friends into memory. Smiles, laughter, colors, all the little things we take for granted are being photographed in my mind. My bloodsugar levels are being watched more closely. My eating is much better too.

I have my other senses, my hands and feet. I am very blessed for all this and wonderful family and friends. I have a God and his Son, who are watching over me and comforts me during this trying time. I can't imagine ever going at this alone.

Please keep me, my family, and others who are going through this disorder, in your prayers. Our God is a loving Father who loves us deeply and feels our pain and struggle.