Farm Journal - 2025

[sKePTiKal]

No dark glasses; no pirate patch (asst assured me he'd have one next time) and I wasn't really "out" - and the procedure was over quickly. Then a few minutes talking with post-op nurse who walked me out to B in the jeep. The weirdest thing was the laser; the eyecup suctions around the eye to keep it open. There was some kind of electric zap and a very bright light at the end.

Now that the dilation has worn off, I had to take that lens out of my glasses. Vision is still a bit blurry but will improve over the next week. Eyedrops 4x a day.

I don't see myself driving yet, and I'm a bit not sure where my body is in space - I expect tomorrow will be better. But both Hol & B can drive me places.

[lighter]

Sounds much different than my surgery experience.  I wasn't aware of much ...maybe the light.  Once.

You sound good, Amber....I hope you're back to, an improved,  normal soon

Lighter

[sKePTiKal]

Maybe the difference is that I had two procedures. The first was laser; to correct a bit of astigmatism and break up the cataract. The 2nd was robotic, to suck out the old fuzzy lens and insert a new one. I tried to pay attention.

The nurses told me, that with the anasthesia I was given, I'd remember some things but not all. I was very curious about the procedures; worried about how they'd feel, etc. I remember a lot of that. But I think I lost some time in post-op and don't remember how I got into a chair. Which I suppose is a good thing. It helped me avoid the feeling of invasive physical trauma while nothing was going on.

[Hopalong]

SOOOOO happy the procedure's behind you, Amber!
And for the excellent report.

I CANNOT BELIEVE YOU CAN FREAKING TYPE, THIS SOON!

Thanks for the post-op update.
Many good wishes for a just-boring and pretty-quick recovery.

Put Stinker in charge; he knows what you need.

big hugs,
Hops

[sKePTiKal]

Sigh. The board is loading faster now. But now reply is sticking for me.

[sKePTiKal]

Hops, this is really a "miracle of modern science", IMO. I'm not even a week past the surgery, and I can't describe how much more I'm seeing. And that's kind of opened all the rest of my senses again too. I know I rely mostly on vision, but I didn't know it was impacting other senses. Now it's the eye behind the glasses that doesn't seem "right". Things seem magified; almost a fisheye lens affect in the eye that gets done this week.

I've not ever paid attention to any vanity anti-aging stuff. But given it's been 2 years since I was told I had cataracts, and the glasses I got then, didn't help much I really wish I'd been convinced to do this sooner. Educated in how simple the surgery is. I wouldn't even call it an "inconvenience", even tho I'm tired of the schedule for eyedrops already. The whole surgery takes about 10-15 mins; and the whole appt is about as long as a good massage.

I've adjusted to the uncertainty of moving a good bit now (day 5) and I'm thinking that will go away as soon as the other eye is done and it starts healing up. Honestly, the degradation in my sight was contributing to some unsteadiness for me, that I thought was more related to strength and loss of balance... but I guess I was dependent on my sight for the finer points of balance, too. Every move I make is more direct now; less "remote control", if you can figure out what I mean.

I am in a good spot to exercise that eye, now that the leaves are mostly down. All those bare trees, with big limbs, smaller branches, and tiny twigs are becoming clearer, even over 100 yds. The middle distance - where I move - is waaaay clearer. And even the close up is less blurry than it used to be.

The downside is, I'm seeing everything I've missed previously, housecleaning. LOLOLOL.

I figure I might be driving by Thanksgiving again. I'm ALLOWED to drive now, but I want to wait till I have two good eyes and better sunglasses. I have been driving the ATV; we have enough road on the property and I never drive it fast anyway.

[lighter]

What a great outcome, for you, Amber!  So glad to read your update.

I'm wondering.....do you have blue back?  That's what I really noticed....I saw blue again.

[sKePTiKal]

No, no noticeable difference in color perception. My gains have all been in clarity, resolution at distance.

2nd eye isn't happening Thursday. Doc's office called, said he was reviewing my "measurements" and thinks I have dry eyes... to try to more aggressively use the artificial tears and go in tomorrow for a recheck on those measurements. Well, OK. But the artificial tears just made my eyes crust up, itch, and felt sticky. So, I'm trying another brand w/o the propylene glycol in 'em.

My eyes water copiously at night, in the evening. I don't know what standard he's using but I'm questioning this "dryness" definition. Every yawn, sometimes just a cough, or a sneeze will do it.

We'll see what's what tomorrow. Meanwhile, I drove into our local town yesterday - just fine. I notice a little irritation from I presume is the incision; I take it, it's healing. The followup appt is Dec 1, and if it's still bugging me any, I'll let him know.

[lighter]

Try not to rub that eye, Amber.
Happy healing.
Lighter

[Hopalong]

All in all, it sounds SO good, Amber.

It must be a mildly born-again kind of experience for you to be seeing the way you're seeing now. I can imagine the joy of discovery, the return of clear focus. WOW.

Very joyful to read, and I hope the dry-eye delay will soon be resolved.
Dunk your head in a bucket of eyedrops and worry not!

hugs
Hops

[sKePTiKal]

Yeah, I'm really questioning the definition of "dry eyes" Hops; it sounds terribly subjective. Arbitrary even. Especially when the artificial tears (2nd brand even) make my eyes feel gritty and itchy. They water just fine at night! Nevertheless, I'd rather he retested/measured BEFORE the surgery, than after. The eye that has been improved just keeps getting better! Even at close distance. Today's test is going to be, mending a pair of leggings. They don't hold up to murder mittens making biscuits on my leg 3x a day! Pickles, the velcro cat, is gonna make me look for kevlar leggings.

It's interesting to notice, that as my right eye heals (almost there!) the left eye - even with glasses lens - starts to feel gross. Kinda achy; like eye strain too. There's still significant distortion between the two eyes - but the focal distance differential is about gone.

The best part; the part I haven't quite assimilated yet - is that this is permanent. My vision won't degrade every year. And while I'm not expecting perfection (though wouldn't that be great?) I can cope with whatever glasses I end up with pretty easily.

With all the things we've had going on this fall - I'm glad we don't have any major plans for Thanksgiving. I am looking for menu ideas for "other" ethnic foods. One year I made enchiladas. One year, mediterranean. None of us are fans of turkey. And ham ain't all that either. I do still have a giant brisket in the freezer that needs cut in at least half to fit on the grill; maybe 3rds. I don't know - taking suggestions from everyone here. Maybe I should look for something chinese?

Baking-wise, I'm thinking to cut back on the number of things I make. But making recipes that store well - so far, that's biscotti and lebkuchen. (sort of a gingerbread cookie) Pralines hit my brown sugar nerve well, but they don't keep long. And candies tie up the kitchen all day. I think I did get some fresh yeast... maybe rolls & breads.

I'm just looking forward to feet of snow; not going anywhere; eating whenever... and snowball fights.

[lighter]

Amber, snowball fights, baking and the joy of selecting new holiday menus! 

To play again! 
Undistracted.....
immersed....
fully present. 
Yes.

My sister uses Biotrue eye drops.....a pack of 2 from Amazon, for her dry eye dx.  I just had little leather pouches made, for us all.... sister's in red, with little phone, eyedrop and chapstick pockets.....hoping it solves her trail-of-small-things falling out her bra, esp in the yard.

Yikes.....the exhaust fan in upstairs bathroom, is sucking wind....just started making more normal powered noises, but clacking, still, a bit.  I cleaned it......while off, but it's not normal....might be, for a bit now it's heart started.  Another unfinished contractor job.

A friend shared her roast chicken recipe, years ago.....easy, but SO special.  Chicken, brined would be helpful,  fresh garlic and olive oil roasted over day old torn French bread croutons.....stacked along the pan's side, so each piece is soft, at the bottom. Chewy in the middle, and crunchy at the top.....bread, at the bottom....eats like dressing. Perfection!  Sometimes potatoes and thin long carrots.  More garlic....rough chopped.  More olive oil.....maybe some butter and bone broth, if too dry, at the end.....lots of sweet onions.  I'm making that for our small, early Thanksgiving dinner.  Everyone here enjoys my Grandma's stuffing, yams, squash casserole recip s....so, it's pretty traditional for us this year.

 I thought about Chinese too.  I bought coconut cream, honey pecan and pumpkin pies....more special than I can make.  It's been a while since we made Grandma's caramel recipe....or a toffee with dark chocolate with nuts recipe.  If it's your thing, everyone can wrap their favorite apples in dough, and decorate, for homemade apple dumplings.  I fill mine with a cinnamon sugar mix, and baste with cider.  I think it's a lovely ritual, I might bring back this year.  Happy fellowship...always turns out beautiful and yummy.

To playing, and healing. 

Yes.

Lighter

[Hopalong]

Could I cook, I'd make Indian dishes with "soft spices" for a Friendsgiving.
As is, I'll either stay home and Netflix, or head to the UU congregation potluck with something bought, alas.

Just got a Tgiving card from my insurance broker. I'll get one or two more and that's so skimpy I don't put them on the piano any more. (Not that the piano top has an inch of room until I conquer it.)

Pup is better but had a return bout of his chandelier-shaking, roaring cough. Whooo.

Lastly, knowing your noses will be as happy as your eyes for this upcoming celebration, is a happy thing to ponder.

You might enjoy this one: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/HKqntuhZGek

[lighter]

We're celebrating on the 25th, Hops, so will be looking for something to do on 27th as well.  The idea of snuggling into Netflix, pug wedged at my side, beckons. 
Right now I'm hanging 100" long draperies.... readying the lake house for my friend's family week-long TG celebration/retreat. 

Friend, and I, have been cleaning, shifting, and making beds for the last two days.  It soothes my heart to picture the house filled with babies and people in need of respite, and a safe place to rest.....the mother of an 18mo and non verbal 3yo son, is finishing up chemo (her mother's in jail.)  The other young (mid 20's) parents of a 7yo and 18mo, live with them in a 2 br apartment.  Not gonna lie.....their situations terrifies me.

I didn't mean to ramble on your thread Amber. 

Sorry pup is unwell, Hops.  Maybe we'll build an Amazon bonfire, on Thanksgiving day....for everyone.

Lighter

[Hopalong]

Pup is much better, thanks! Although he did flunk out of training class in the first 10 minutes yesterday, alas. (My friend laughed so hard when she heard it; the more I pretend-guilt-tripped her the more she roared.) I will have to pony up for private sessions now.

I figured out some things yesterday: the problem is of course me, not him. Part One I believe its that the instruction is much too fast (for me) and with multiple quick steps. I just don't process or pivot quickly enough for the instructor's class pace, though she seems excellent and trains all over the region. I'll just explain that to her; like the dentist, I find a lot of professionals don't recognize my need for slower-paced info delivery for older brains, much less the ADHD ones. E.g., bend and wave the treat right in front of his nose and then lead his head around in a U shape, reward every time he looks at you for direction, use a clicker or use a word, avoid direct sight lines to other dogs, etc etc. My trouble starts with the quick repeated bending, which I've got about 5 minutes of before the back spasms. He's too damn short! I shoulda gotta greyhound! LOL. Part Two is me using self-discipline (I have heard of this concept, faintly) to do the homework daily. Part Three is keeping very flavorful training treats. I might try real bacon bits, which I already add to his food since he's so picky. Hot dogs are half chemicals and so slimy I hate handling them, ugh. Might as well take your dog to Arby's.

Now that I'm murdering chickens again (sob), your recipe made me drool.

Speaking of food, I decided with doc's approval to try a GLP-1 for three months. I just need to lose 25 pandemic pounds that I'd stapled on. Even if it just gives me a kickstart, I'm excited about it. The one she recommended is Zepbound which also has cardio-protective, anti-stroke and anti-dementia effects. Probably the extras only if you take it forever, which I'm reluctant to do unless the price REALLY sinks. The injection I could barely feel; the needle's the size of a spider's eyelash. Dunno if it's placebo effect, but I'm eating less already. Taking lowest available dose, and dunno if doubling that to the next dosage size after the three months will induce side effects. None whatever yet.

Hugs and I'm ready to move to your cottage now, Lighter -- the cold has arrived!
Hops