Medical Update: Operation Vitrectomy

 

Good evening, and Merry Christmas, to friends and fans of this blog. The last update on my medical situation was on the 13^th. Last week I had appointments with my doctors, at Ben Taub, and also had an ultrasound done on my liver, related to the melanoma in the left eye. I am still waiting for results from this test and blood tests, and need to go back for another blood test related to determining proper Phenytoin pill level (An anti-seizure med).

As for my right eye the eye drop treatment, that has lasted a month, was not clearing up the condition of the eye sufficiently and this concerned the docs, as there are risks of a retinal tear having caused the issue and retinal detachment as well. The bleeding in my eye needs to be cleared up sooner, rather than later, considering the issues with my other eye, and so they suggested an outpatient procedure called a Vitrectomy. It takes 90 min. to 2 hours to complete, and 2 to 6 weeks to recover from.

I will have the operation sometime this Friday.

A Vitrectomy is “the surgical removal of the vitreous gel from the middle of the eye. Removing the vitreous gel gives your eye doctor (ophthalmologist) better access to the back of the eye. The vitreous gel may also be removed if blood in the vitreous gel (vitreous hemorrhage) does not clear on its own.”

My situation is serious enough that they felt another week of drops wasn’t going to change the situation and they explained to me about the procedure, and had me also talk with an anesthesiologist, as well, so I would understand that part of the fun and games. My concern was to be enough out of it as to not feel the pain, and know the details.

I also had an EKG done and when I started to return to the anesthetist with the results (A-OK) I happened to look at the form and saw I was listed as “female”! I promptly returned to the EKG folks and said “Um, can we make a correction here? Last time I checked I was still a dude!”

“Eye drops are used for several weeks or longer to allow the surface of the eye to heal. A gas bubble may be placed inside the eye to keep the retina in place. If a gas bubble is used, sometimes a certain head positioning has to be maintained, such as face down or sleeping on the right or left side. The gas bubble will dissolve over time, but this takes several weeks.”

The cost to me will be a $75 co-pay, to be billed as this is considered an emergency procedure. My sister Violeta will arrive here tomorrow, after a 2 day drive from SoCal, and stay with me until the morning of the 1^st. She will drive me to and from the hospital, and help me care for myself the first week after the procedure.

As for the melanoma and the application to be treated by MD Anderson…I have copies of the various documents required to turn in. If they approve my application then either I will be 100% covered, financially, by them, or will be responsible for payments on 50%, unless I have another way to pay that off with assistance.

I am going to apply for Social Security Disability, and the Federal Disability, maybe foodstamps, and rental assistance, even though I do not know how long it will take to get any of it. My unemployment runs out this weekend so unless I use my IRA I do not know how much longer than through next month I can pay my current rent.

Amidst all this upheaval I have begun, in case you haven’t noticed, a remodel of this blog, and Meowsings, starting today, with the help of a friend. The reason ties in to the thoughts expressed in the 800^th blog post special posted yesterday.

As we remodel the donation buttons are still parked in the sidebars of both blogs, but also at the top of the page here, and here, on Meowsings.

As the cats and I head into the New Year we face many challenges, but I have hopes and dreams, and will do my level best to not let my troubles keep me from taking steps to accomplish them.

As always, your thoughts and prayers, and the purrs and purrayers of Felinity Assembled, are more than welcome.

****500th Comment!!! - New Year's Eve 2012****

I wish to thank the remarkable Sphynx, Harry Spotter, for being the 500th comment on this blog since it began in October 2007! (See below)

Thank you for the kind words of support, my friend, from myself, Nikita, and Elvira Mistress of Felinity.

****End Update****

Comments

[Amanda Socci]

You can absolutely count on me for prayers, definitely.

You have written this blog post beautifully and equisitely. I love your ability to summarize the facts so well. And through it all, your sense of humor is intact.

I do not know what was meant by the whole female identification thing, but I loved how you dealt with it.

God bless you and your cats. I think it is wonderful that your sister is going to help you during your time of need.

[Mog]

Wow! You have a full plate here. Glad your sister will help. Social Security disability only kicks in after you have been disabled five months although worth applying as you do have cancer and should be able to get something because of that. You should be able to get the food stamps and rent assist earlier as it is obvious you won't be able to work for a while. You know I'll be praying for you and Ritzi can be counted on for some purrs.

[Samantha, Clementine & Maverick]

Oh Kiril!! All our thoughts and payers are with during this time! We are glad your Sister is coming to help you!! We will pray & purr for good results at the Drs!!
(((((((LOTS OF HUGSSS & PRAYERS)))))))))) from your TX furiends,

[jansfunnyfarm]

Kiril, you have such a great attitude in the midst of trials. We are praying for your surgery to go well Friday. It's great your sister is able to come stay with you and help. {{{hugs}}}

[The Florida Furkids]

We're purring like crazy for you here. We hope things go well and that this step will be behind you quickly. We're also purring and praying for approval and $$$ assistance. Mom keeps hoping the UE thing gets straightened out before the 29th.

The Florida Furkids

[GM Roper]

Kiril, my prayers and thoughts are with you.

[Alasandra, Fenris, Tuiren Socks & Scylla]

Wishing you a speedy recovery and a healthy 2013.

[Harry Spotter]

You have been through so much for one person. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and we wish you a speedy recovery. heres to a happy and healthy new year!