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Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Eye, Matey!

Today I had a pre-op exam with my general practitioner, Dr. Rosen in Plymouth.  Sunday, Shirl and I will drive over to Lebanon, and take a room at the Courtyard by Marriott, close to the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center.  Monday, I will undergo a vitrectomy in my right eye.

According to WebMD.com, "Vitrectomy is the surgical removal of the vitreous gel from the middle of the eye . It may be done when there is a retinal detachment, because removing the vitreous gel gives your eye doctor (ophthalmologist) better access to the back of the eye."

My need for this surgery is a result of my diabetes, and I must say I consider myself blessed in that my vision has remained quite good for most of the twenty years since my diagnosis as a diabetic.  Lately, my right eye has been seeing a narrower image than my left, leading to eye strain if they are used in concert for an extended period, as in driving or reading.  So, I hope for an improvement from this surgery.

Another blessing is evident in the fact that Monday will be the first time I have been given total anesthetic since 1947, when I was "put under" while an orthopedic surgeon at White Plains (NY) Hospital set my both-bone fracture of my left forearm.  Sixty-eight years ago!  

Following the operation, I shall return to the Courtyard to spend another night there with my bride, as I have a post-op visit scheduled for Tuesday.  Frankly, I am looking forward to it all!