Doc said, "99.9%!"

I had a follow up appointment with my retina surgeon this afternoon, and I spent all weekend anxious and obsessing over what the "flashes" I started noticing recently meant.  They seem to occur only when my eyes are closed and only in a dark room.  Still, I assumed the worst, and I braced myself for bad news.  I never lost my sense of hope and continued to pray, but I had this nagging pit of doom in my gut.

Happily, I can report that my "gut" was wrong this time!  My doctor ordered an imaging procedure for both eyes to thoroughly evaluate and record my condition.  He said my surgery eye looks very good, and he even said that he was "99.9%" sure that my retina will not detach from that eye again - yes, 99.9%!  Wow!  This is absolutely WONDERFUL news!  Of course, I am left with a cataract for which the surgery to remove it would be considered "elective," but considering where I was two months ago, a cataract is nothing over which to fret!

Tempering the excellent news, of course, was the unexpected.  My right eye, which I consider my "good eye," needs a little patch job (my words, not my surgeon's) for more lattice degeneration.  Fortunately, this is a procedure that can be done in the clinic, so I will not need to be admitted to the hospital.  I am also supposed to be able to go back to work the next day.  Obviously, this is immeasurably easier than the vitrectomy I endured for my left eye, so I should be happy.  If this treatment will prevent a detached retina in my right eye, of course that would be wonderful.  I just had hoped not to need any procedures for my "good eye."  However, I shall not be greedy.  I shall dutifully report back in two weeks for the laser procedure, and I will follow any instructions given to me.  I don't fool around with my vision.

So, my next steps are:
1. Laser treatment to right eye for lattice degeneration.
2. Meeting with cornea specialist about my cataract "options" for my left eye.
3. Figure out what all this will cost me through my high deductible insurance plan.

Sadly, it's the latter that troubles me the most.  The cost of healthcare is scary, even with insurance!  But, it's worth it, and I am thankful to live in a place where this type of healthcare is available, even if it does nearly bankrupt me.  (Thankfully, Kaiser takes payment plans!)

Overall, the news was very good today.  It is a relief to be "out of the woods" on my left eye, and the laser treatment for my right eye, while probably costly, should prevent a detachment in my "good eye."  There is still hope for a full recovery yet!

I cannot thank God enough for answering so many prayers, and I cannot thank my family and friends enough for bugging God with so many prayers about me.  Today is a day of gratitude!