"You're a True Disciple for This"

Hey there!

Last Monday, I had my one-month post-op appointment!  I meant to update this sooner, however, I have been very busy over the last week!

Everything went really well!  My vision has remained stable since my last appointment.  I can still read parts of the 20/15 line, so they consider that 20/20+.  Dr. D. is still amazed that I have had virtually no complications or setbacks, despite having such horrible vision before.  I think he was expecting there to have been some regression, and begin talking about some "touch-ups" (not uncommon), but I was good to go!

Dr. D. told me I am a "true disciple" for LASIK, and to continue spreading my experience to others.  He mentioned that there are many people out there trying to stop LASIK procedures in the US (mainly because of the bad seeds out there who jump to perform the procedure on people who may be considered 'high risk').  Those individuals (and somewhat rightfully so) had horrible experiences and clearly want to shut the whole operation down.  There are definite risks with LASIK eye surgery, as with any surgery, and it is important to "shop around" when looking for the right doctor.  I chose Nashua Eye Associates because they have been familiar with my case since I was seven years old.  They have been my primary eye doctor for virtually 20 years ... it was a no-brainer.  Also, they don't rely on LASIK corrective procedures to stay afloat.  They are eye doctors first, and offer refractive surgeries as a side-gig, almost.  They recognize the awesomeness that is LASIK and want to share the experience with others, like myself, who long for decent-to-perfect vision without aid.  There are businesses out there (and yes, they are businesses) who are solely out there to perform LASIK procedures.  That isn't a terrible thing, however, I've heard horror stories about individuals walking in, being instantly approved, second-guessing themselves, and visiting another doctor who ultimately refused to perform the surgery because the individual's corneas were too thin (a disaster for LASIK).  The long and short of it is, do your research, and do it well.  These are your eyes.  You don't have a spare hanging around in the wings if something goes wrong.  I contacted many LASIK offices, talked to individuals who have had personal experiences, read reviews, literature ... basically, I exhausted all areas to make sure I was making the right decision, and I believe I nailed it.

I was cleared to stop taking the steroid drops, and my eyelashes are so happy with that decision, I can tell!  I no longer have the filmy look on my eyelashes, which sometimes caused a fog in my vision.  Now, I can truly "see" how I am supposed to be seeing ... it's incredible!  Last Sunday was the first time I woke up without dry eyes!!!  What a cool feeling to experience after weeks of feeling as though I slept with my contacts in.  I woke up, felt comfortable, and most importantly, could SEE!  And really well!  I am still continuing with my Restasis drops, since Dr. D. explained to me that my eyes are still healing, and the best way to help them heal is to keep them moist.  He said, even if I feel like my eyes are fine, I still need to keep with the Restasis drops.  There have been a few mornings where the dry eye feeling has returned, but it is usually when I haven't had a lot of sleep (or haven't hydrated myself very well the day before).  Another awesome part of the appointment?  I was finally cleared to wear makeup again! AMEN!

I went away for the weekend with John for St. Patrick's Day; the first time since having the surgery.  As I was packing, I felt as though I was forgetting to pack something that I knew I needed.  It was a nagging feeling!  As I was driving, I realized what it was: my contacts, cases, solution, and glasses!  Of course, I didn't need them, but I've never left home without those essentials before, so it was a really cool experience to figure out what it was I "forgot" and realizing I didn't need them anymore!  I am going away to Virginia this coming weekend, and can't wait to not pack my contacts again!

Basically, my eyesight kicks butt, and my recovery has been incredible.  I couldn't be happier.  I go back to visit Dr. D. in June for my 3-month post-op and will post around then, unless anything crazy happens in between!

Still Can't Believe It!

I had another moment last night where I remembered I was seeing without the help of contacts or glasses.  I have these moments every now and then, and they are never any less exciting!  It just kind of occurs to me and I have a "woah!" moment and look around at everything.  I think this will continue for a long time, if not forever!

My sight is awesome.  I have no complaints.  My only "issue," and it really is a nonissue, happened last week when I was bridesmaid dress shopping with friends.  We were at the bridal shop and it was a sea of white, white, and more, well, white.  On top of that, the lights were super bright.  We were shopping for 3+ hours (the bride shopped for her dress as well) and it really took a toll on my eyes.  I started to get an "eye-ache" ... basically a headache in my eye.  I just continued with my drops, figuring dryness might be a contributor, and took some ibuprofen when I got home ... no big deal!

What a difference a week makes, because I should have had a similar occurrence yesterday (with the whole "eye-ache" thing).  I took my dog, Remmie, to play with some of his doggie friends at my friend's 100-acre plot up north (a dog's paradise).  We finally got snow last week (first real snow fall of the winter ... seriously) and stayed outside for 3 hours.  The snow was bright ... so much so, that we all got some color on our faces.  I was surprised that I didn't have any sort of headache or eye pain after that, considering what happened at the bridal shop the week before.  Pretty sweet!

I can't tell if my eyesight at night is getting better (light glare/starbursts), or if I am just so used to it now that I don't even notice it.  Either way, it doesn't bother me anymore, so I don't really care what the answer is.  I drove in the snow storm last week, at night, and was completely fine.  It's not even a second thought to me anymore.

I am still fairly careful when I'm showering and washing my face.  I am also not rubbing my eyes at all, however, I'm getting braver with lightly brushing away any residue from drops under and to the sides of my eyes.  I still have to clean my eyelashes, as the drops leave a lovely film on them that seems almost impossible to get rid of.  Not having the ability to rub my eyes has been easier than I originally thought.  I have become pretty creative with ways to alleviate an itchy eye and get rid of "sleepies" in the morning.  Overall, not a big deal at all!

My eyes are still a little dry, but only in the mornings.  I rarely have to wake up in the middle of the night to put drops in.  In fact, I never wake up because I have dry eyes ... I often just decide to put some drops in if I happen to randomly wake up.  I still have my steroid drops and Restasis, as per the doctor's recommendation.  I go for my one-month post-op appointment on Monday, the 12th, and I'm hoping I can stop with at least the steroid drops and *fingers crossed* start wearing mascara again!

I started working out again at CrossFit TUFF, and it is so great to not deal with my contacts shifting mid-workout and making my vision fuzzy.  I'm all about consistency and planning, so it is great to know I can rely on my eyes to be consistently awesome!

I still can't believe I actually had LASIK done and have had tremendous results!  Wohoo!