5/12/09 - More Waiting

I went to see Dr. Rapoza last week and unfortunately, it looks like there is more waiting. Apparently, he needs to do another astigmatism adjustment (the stitches pulling procedure I described earlier). Unfortunately, I did not have anyone with me at the appointment and you need someone to drive you home afterwards, so I need to make another appointment. Unfortunately, or fortunately, I am going to Italy this week for some vacation, so I will have to wait until after I get back. After he does the procedure, I then have to wait about a month before it heals and I they can fit a contact lens to my eye. Oh well!

I am dissapointed, because I was hoping to see - it would have been nice to have the improved visiion for vacation, but I am still excited that it is coming up soon.

Something interesting that I learned at the last appointment is that the reason that I am still nearsighted is that the transplanted cornea donor was nearsighted and I inherit that aspect of the cornea. The guy was really nearsighted, because I can't see anything far away - my vision up close is actually pretty good right now (but very close). It is interesting to me that they can't screen for this - it would be cool if they could just use people with 20/20 vision. I am not complaining in any way, I just think it would be cool if they could do it....

At the Dr.'s office, it appears like I am getting to 20/30-20/40 corrected vision still, however, Dr. Rapoza said it was improved from the last time, so I am encouraged that it could get even better. The technician told me that very few people actually get down to 20/20 and that it is really more luck than anything else.

Oh well, I will report back after the next adjustment and hopefully in a month or so with the ability to see!

Also, I thought it would be fun to post a pictures of the little guy...he is getting SO big! These are from Mother's Day this past weekend...


The Family!


Bradley and his Mommy!


Hangin with Dad...


The kid is cute!

5 comments:

  1. Hello! I am 30 years old and live in Arizona. I was diagnosed with Keratoconus when I was 19 years old. I was told that I would need a transplant in my left eye about 1 1/2 years ago but then I got pregnant (Ruby, now 6 months) and had to put things on hold. At that time, I was searching on the internet for blog/diary of the surgery but could not find anything recent. About a month ago, I discovered your blog and was thrilled to see a recent account of someone close to my age sharing their experience. I am scheduled to get a transplant in my left eye on May 18th. Thank you for sharing your journey - I cannot tell you how much encouragement I get from reading your progress. I have sent a link to your blog to my family and friends so that they can get a better idea of what to expect before, during and after my transplant. Best of luck to you and thank you again!
    Sincerely,
    Jenny Manuel

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  2. Jenny,

    Thanks so much for the note! As you have read on my blog, I have been dealing with the Kerataconus since high school as well and finally decided to have the surgery. It is a long recovery, but I am sure that you will be so glad that you went forward with it - it is worth it to be able to see!

    As I mentioned on the blog, I can see really well at close ranges with the operated eye and seeing Bradley's features close up sharply in really amazing! I am sure that you will love being able to see Ruby!

    Good luck with everything!

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  3. Sorry you have to wait... again. ; ( I hope you have fun in Italy! Your family is soo cute! I just wish I could squish cheeks through the internet! He's so adorable!

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  4. Hey Brent,

    I have also been keeping track of your blog and really appreciate it. I've been struggling with the idea of having the surgery for a while. At 25 I have become lens intolerant in the right eye and will probably get the procedure soon. I was diagnosed about 5 years ago. It is very encouraging to see your progress, so make sure to keep posting and best of luck!

    Richard

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  5. Richard,

    Thanks for the note - I am glad that the blog is helpful - that is exactly why I decided to write it!

    I had a lot of problems with lens intolerance over the years and as I said to my wife, this was actually more painful than the surgery itself at times. I did have some success changing back and forth from piggy-back to just RGP back to piggy-back as sometimes I had dryness issues and sometimes I had issues with scratching of the RGP, etc. I will say that the new Acuvue Oasis lenses are a godsend as they stay wet much better than the previous generation.

    I hope that things improve for you and if you decide to have the surgery that all goes well - I will say that one piece of advice would be to make sure that you see someone that has a very good reputation - I did a lot of research before I found Dr. Rapoza (the guy is the best!)

    Good luck with everything!

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