This morning I took Bill to see his eye doctor. This appointment was for an eye examination for a new eye prescription for Bill so he could get new glasses. For the past year Bill's eyesight has deteriorated significantly.
Last year Bill had cataract surgery. That was quite an ordeal. But after his cataract surgery Bill still had trouble seeing. Like really a problem, he couldn't even make out the top big letter on the eye exam chart which is E.
Back to the eye doctor. After several examinations it was determined that scar tissue had formed around Bill's replacement cataract lenses. That scar tissue had to be removed by more laser surgery. Then this I take Bill back for yet another eye examination. Yes, dilation fluids, waiting in the waiting room, and all that.
Back to the eye chart. Bill still can't see the top letter on the eye chart. His doctor comes in, examines his eyes and discovers that Bill has macular degeneration. Yes, Bill is slowly losing his vision. His doctor said he had "dry" macular generation which isn't as bad as "wet" macular generation. Still, at age 90, Bill is losing his sight.
Bill as often said if he loses his sight he doesn't want to live. He's being very dramatic of course but still, losing one's sight is a serious matter. I guess I should be thankful that Bill doesn't have dementia or other serious physical ailments like diabetes or worse. Bill still mows the grass and performs handyman work around the house. I think his activity is what keeps him healthy. One of my biggest worries these days is that I will die before Bill.
Yesterday when I woke up I was very dizzy and disorientated. I couldn't seem to get my balance. Then waves of nausea swept over me. I felt like I was drunk. I laid down to steady myself. When I got up again the dizziness came back with the nausea. I was scheduled to go to work. I called in and said I couldn't go to work the way I felt. I laid down again and had a good sleep for about two hours. When I got up I felt fairly normal again. I called into work and said I could go in. Now the whole point of this narrative is that my condition caused me to think, what if I died before Bill? That's my big worry these days folks, especially after today's diagnosis of Bill's eye condition.
Having said all this, today was a beautiful spring day. We're enjoying each day, together. All part of life folks, especially the part of growing older. Even though we're running into more problems at this time of our life, we still have a good life and are very fortunate. Could be a whole lot worse.
