My Detached Retina
Judith A. Levy, Ed.M., O.T.R.
author "Activities to Do with Your Parent Who Has Alzheimer's Dementia"
Exactly one month ago today I had a detached retina. Out of the blue I was unable to see to my right. I was driving when this happened and cars seen behind me disappeared, then miraculously reappeared in front of me. I thought it was a migraine. It wasn't.
I had surgery that same afternoon and ended up sleeping upright for the next 2 weeks. The procedure that was used puts gas bubbles into the eye which in turn helps to hold the retina in place as it reattaches. While these black bubbles do a miraculous job, they're disconcerting. They make it hard to see and their movement is nauseating. I have to get used to it. It's not easy.
Needless to say this diagnosis took me by unpleasant surprise. I was frightened and unprepared for both the surgery and the idea of possible blindness. I've been told that full healing can take 3 months or more. My doctor, my new hero, saved my vision. I was really fortunate.
Why am I mentioning this? Well, dementia can appear unexpectedly too. It hits you right between the eyes and you have to pay attention to it. It takes time to adjust to the thought of this diagnosis. It takes time to learn which doctors you need and trust and what questions to ask. It takes time to prepare for life changes and put plans into effect. It's not easy.
Dementia Specialist helps: Caregivers develop skills & strategies, manage challenging behaviors, make decisions
5 年Wishing you a full recovery.
Volunteer, Secretary of Forget-me-not Dementia Support Group
5 年Good luck with your recovery, I hope all is going well.
Elder Care Coach; Psychotherapist in private practice NJ/NY
5 年Well said Judith and hope you've healed well
Executive Director
5 年I just had a friend that experienced this twice in the previous 6 months. Then she has to go back again in a few months to get the oil removed. She said the pain was terrible. I hope your pain was tolerable. Good luck in your recovery.