The Eye Saga In Which One Tiny Blood Vessel In One Little Eye Caused Such An Ordeal
I had a very long day with a bit of a traumatizing bit thrown in. Let me tell you the tale as to how we got here.
Dave and I finally got our eyes checked and got new glasses a month or so ago. It seemed as if I never got used to mine. Things seemed fuzzier than with my old glasses, but trying my old glasses again, it didn't seem to be the glasses.
I ignored it, but then things started getting a little more surreal. Then weeks after I should have done it, I did the cover one eye thing. I happened to be looking at the closet which, with a straight line, was the big thing. The left eye was a bit fuzzy, but otherwise, normal. The right eye seemed sharper, but, wait, why is the line curvy? And a blind spot?
I made an appointment for Monday, but Dave agreed to take me Saturday to see if we could do any drop-ins. We couldn't.
So, Monday starts this 3-Day-Long-Eye-Ordeal. I was able to work since the appointment wasn't until 3:30pm. He checked it out and first thought it was a busted blood vessel, but then thought it was a bump on a nerve. He set me up to see a retinal specialist Monday at 10:30am the next day.
I decided that I possibly could still go to work (laughs at herself knowing better now), but then the following happened.
The bus trip was seemingly simple enough on paper, so I decided I didn't have to leave extremely early. However, I missed my stop. The hospital wasn't as obvious as I thought it would be. Some lady said it was four blocks back. I hopped off and decided the lady wasn't counting the five blocks we just passed.
I walked and took out my form to get the number call the clinic to say I would be late. Then I noticed the little map. Where the office was located was much closer than where the hospital was. The office had to be where I had to go and maybe he only mentioned the hospital because it was near there? (Laughs again at self.)
So I finally get there 15+ minutes late, and it turns out he told me about the hospital because I was to go to the eye clinic there. But my faith in good people was more than once strengthened today. When she heard I took the bus, she made some calls to get me transferred to a doctor in that clinic.
But it was quite clear I wouldn't be making it to work, which with missing 3 days last week due to being sick, didn't look good. Any other job, I was well enough, but kids + germs = bad. I said I would definitely be back tomorrow.
So I sat. Then I had to fill out forms. Then I went to the washroom. I came back and a lady asked if I wanted my seat back. I almost laughed as I said, "I'll take this one." This one being right next to her. We ended up chatting for a bit, then she went back to her magazine and me to my iPhone.
I was finally called and photos were taken of my eyes. More waiting. Then I was talked to and examined. Then I was told it was a busted blood vessel, not melanoma like the other guy said (though all I was told was something about a bump), but to get a better look, I was going to be sent to the hospital for some angio-thingie pictures.
It was starting to look like a very interesting ordeal. I had no idea I would get pricked with any needles for my eyes.
I went to the front desk with my file and jokingly said, "Looks like I have to go there anyway." No laughs. It had been a few hours and I don't even think it was a girl who was around when the whole transfer was happening.
The doctor had told me I could grab something to eat while I was out, but the nurse made it sound so very urgent. It was agreed that a cab would be the best course. She even offered to give me money, which I stupidly rejected.
Cab was called. Cab came. I got in cab. Cab drove off. Cab dropped me off right at the door. Ah, luxury. So I got to the eye clinic, grabbed a number and felt a bit worried that she called 99 and I pulled 505. Until I realized it was only the last two numbers and it was about to roll over.
I got a nice plastic bracelet with a sticker ID on it and off I went to Pod 3. That's right. Pod 3. I don't know why, but I like it. I sat, I went to the washroom and when I came back, I was told that they were looking for me. So I poked my head in and was sat down by a cheerful nurse who explained to me what would happen.
We chatted as I was freaking a little. Then the prick and done. Giving blood more than I've been IVed, I expect worse than it is. Being stuck with a needle is going to be met with apprehension no matter what, though, I guess.
She did something with drawing a bit out and injecting some saline solution, which because of my fascination, I was aware of the vague warmth.
Then it was time for the photos. I didn't dare bend my arm. Many photos were taken. The doc said he was ready. My head was in the device as my arm was touched. It wasn't so much that I felt anything. It was more that I knew something was being put in me. More photos were taken and the doc joked that people always stop breathing with the solution is injected. I said, "It's because something is going into us and we get nervous."
So that was done. Needle removed, a few more photos and out to wait while photos were being printed. Then I was handed the envelope and sent on my way. Feeling a bit disoriented (Staring into bright lights and blinking red lights for a long time does that to you, I suppose.) I was undecided if I should stop for lunch like the doc suggested (and it was 2) or hurry like the nurse said. I went downstairs but did a few turn backs before I decided to text Dave to check with him to see if it was ok to spend a few bucks on lunch, which it was. I ate way too fast with the hurrying nurse still pushing at me in my head.
I called the cab and since it would be 15 minutes and it was cold, I waited inside. It turned out not to be a good idea. A cab pulled up about the time mine would, but this elderly lady with a walker went up to it. Whether it was hers or not, I didn't care. She needed it more. I was calling to see if I had missed it and to order another when a van pulled up. It wasn't for me, but no one else was out there. Someone came as we were figuring out what to do: He spin around again or just take me and come back. It was for her and her husband, but he needed to take another test.
He seemed rather strict about them being ready which seemed to fret the woman, but assuming they would be ready when he came back, it worked out. I would get a ride, and so would she and he would get two fares.
Not that he turned the meter on. He said I could pay whatever I wanted. I said the trip there was $6.40 and ended up paying $7 (I wasn't a reserved fare but I also didn't have that much.) Unfortunately, looking at the first bill, I was charged $7.40. Did I miss the extra $1 or was I overcharged? No matter.
I got back to the other clinic and more waiting. Then I was told they know what it was (not sure, but basically a busted vessel, I think) but not sure how it happened. Also, there seemed to be the same thing, though much milder, in the left eye.
He and his resident were chatting in big doc terms and mentioned something about presenting the case at a convention. I chuckled, "My eye is special."
He said to treat it, he would inject something. I kinda got stuck on "injected." And more tests.
So now here's the traumatic part. After some more waiting, the washroom and more waiting, I get in the chair and it's put into a laying position. Poor nurse. Anytime she put something near my eye and I say, "What's that?" I KNOW what the drop bottles look like, but I knew a needle was coming somewhere in this.
I get two drops and then something that looks like a needle and she finally just said, "I don't do the needle. Only the doctor does the needle." So another drop.
Then this metal contraption comes into view. I nearly jumped out of my chair and she explained it was to hold my eye open.
Ok, (SPOILER ALERT) I saw X-Men Origins: Wolverine a few months ago and a scene toward the end shows Deadpool on a table with his eyes being held open. I just had to ask Dave that last fact because I turned away at that point. Anyway, I was thinking of that at some point earlier in the day as my mind went over what this issue would resolve in.
So, in a way, having my eye being held open was sort of a nightmarish thing to me. Nor did anyone warn me it would happen. Oh well.
I was told not to squeeze. I couldn't help it. Our eyelids close when things come near it. I can't stop it. Anyway, I finally calmed down, and I was told not to move when the needle happens and I would feel it. I told her I WOULD blink, but I was assured it wouldn't be an issue.
Also, I find it really weird that while my eye was being held very wide open, I couldn't see anything.
Doc came in and I told him I was panicking a little. He chuckled expectantly and came close. I was tapping my foot, then stopped just as suddenly. He did it and asked something.
"It hurts. It hurts."
He said something comforting and I was just about to come back to coherency when the apparently evil, eye-hurting lady put her hand near my eye causing me to ask accusingly, "What are you doing?" She was just rinsing and then pulling the contraption out and then rinsing some more.
I was called a trooper. Which I have come to think means, "Wow, you really freaked out, but not enough to make this impossible."
The doctor is explaining some stuff to me while I'm still recovering from a procedure that, and I never thought I'd say this, that's more invasive than a pap smear, so I don't really recall much of what was said.
There was also mention that I was called ten minutes ago. What was it with my perfect timing to go to the washroom today?
After the contraption was removed, I couldn't open my eyes. I was growing concerned until I realized I hadn't tried yet. I willed them open and the doctor is still talking and I'm trying to listen at the same time as trying to tell myself that I'm ok now. It's over. I was NOT abducted by aliens that wanted my eyeballs.
Still in mental recovery, I get out front and hand her the stuff and she gets together requests for tests and tells me the date for the next appointment.
I'm confused, "But he said he wanted to see me in a week."
"He told me four weeks."
"We're gonna go with yours because I was kinda freaking when he told me."
Then I was told I had an appointment tomorrow for some skin test. I'm kinda curious how this turned into something bigger, but I'm trusting them. Especially when the resident told me that these people are Medical Doctors first with specialization in Opth... Eye stuff.
So then I ask where the 8 comes. I go the wrong way apparently and wandering around a bit I see Denny's. I had already decided that the second I see someplace I would go in, drink coffee or something and just wait for Dave to come get me. I was feeling a little traumatized, I had a long day, my eye was sore, it was dark and cold and I couldn't see well. I was done. If I couldn't be home right then, I could at least be somewhere warm.
We ended up eating supper there, which was much needed. I have such a sweet, loving husband.
But tomorrow morning it starts again. I'm getting dropped off by Dave rather than dealing with the bus. And I could walk to the building for the other two test clinics from there, both walk-in. If I'm feeling lazy, I may even spend a few bucks to get there by cab. I'm hoping it'll all be done before afternoon if not soon after noon, but I definitely called in. I left a message apologizing and saying I hope it doesn't look bad, but it's all just bad timing and unless something else pops up in the tests, I SHOULD be there Thursday.
I really should have been lying down, resting my tired eyes, but this was a little cathartic, so it's all good.
However, I am done at the moment. I have something to check and then teeth to brush and then my poor eye can rest.
P.S. ALL OF THIS WAS FREE! (Don't give me lectures about taxes or anything as I'm well aware.) I can't imagine how much it would have cost.
Dave and I finally got our eyes checked and got new glasses a month or so ago. It seemed as if I never got used to mine. Things seemed fuzzier than with my old glasses, but trying my old glasses again, it didn't seem to be the glasses.
I ignored it, but then things started getting a little more surreal. Then weeks after I should have done it, I did the cover one eye thing. I happened to be looking at the closet which, with a straight line, was the big thing. The left eye was a bit fuzzy, but otherwise, normal. The right eye seemed sharper, but, wait, why is the line curvy? And a blind spot?
I made an appointment for Monday, but Dave agreed to take me Saturday to see if we could do any drop-ins. We couldn't.
So, Monday starts this 3-Day-Long-Eye-Ordeal. I was able to work since the appointment wasn't until 3:30pm. He checked it out and first thought it was a busted blood vessel, but then thought it was a bump on a nerve. He set me up to see a retinal specialist Monday at 10:30am the next day.
I decided that I possibly could still go to work (laughs at herself knowing better now), but then the following happened.
The bus trip was seemingly simple enough on paper, so I decided I didn't have to leave extremely early. However, I missed my stop. The hospital wasn't as obvious as I thought it would be. Some lady said it was four blocks back. I hopped off and decided the lady wasn't counting the five blocks we just passed.
I walked and took out my form to get the number call the clinic to say I would be late. Then I noticed the little map. Where the office was located was much closer than where the hospital was. The office had to be where I had to go and maybe he only mentioned the hospital because it was near there? (Laughs again at self.)
So I finally get there 15+ minutes late, and it turns out he told me about the hospital because I was to go to the eye clinic there. But my faith in good people was more than once strengthened today. When she heard I took the bus, she made some calls to get me transferred to a doctor in that clinic.
But it was quite clear I wouldn't be making it to work, which with missing 3 days last week due to being sick, didn't look good. Any other job, I was well enough, but kids + germs = bad. I said I would definitely be back tomorrow.
So I sat. Then I had to fill out forms. Then I went to the washroom. I came back and a lady asked if I wanted my seat back. I almost laughed as I said, "I'll take this one." This one being right next to her. We ended up chatting for a bit, then she went back to her magazine and me to my iPhone.
I was finally called and photos were taken of my eyes. More waiting. Then I was talked to and examined. Then I was told it was a busted blood vessel, not melanoma like the other guy said (though all I was told was something about a bump), but to get a better look, I was going to be sent to the hospital for some angio-thingie pictures.
It was starting to look like a very interesting ordeal. I had no idea I would get pricked with any needles for my eyes.
I went to the front desk with my file and jokingly said, "Looks like I have to go there anyway." No laughs. It had been a few hours and I don't even think it was a girl who was around when the whole transfer was happening.
The doctor had told me I could grab something to eat while I was out, but the nurse made it sound so very urgent. It was agreed that a cab would be the best course. She even offered to give me money, which I stupidly rejected.
Cab was called. Cab came. I got in cab. Cab drove off. Cab dropped me off right at the door. Ah, luxury. So I got to the eye clinic, grabbed a number and felt a bit worried that she called 99 and I pulled 505. Until I realized it was only the last two numbers and it was about to roll over.
I got a nice plastic bracelet with a sticker ID on it and off I went to Pod 3. That's right. Pod 3. I don't know why, but I like it. I sat, I went to the washroom and when I came back, I was told that they were looking for me. So I poked my head in and was sat down by a cheerful nurse who explained to me what would happen.
We chatted as I was freaking a little. Then the prick and done. Giving blood more than I've been IVed, I expect worse than it is. Being stuck with a needle is going to be met with apprehension no matter what, though, I guess.
She did something with drawing a bit out and injecting some saline solution, which because of my fascination, I was aware of the vague warmth.
Then it was time for the photos. I didn't dare bend my arm. Many photos were taken. The doc said he was ready. My head was in the device as my arm was touched. It wasn't so much that I felt anything. It was more that I knew something was being put in me. More photos were taken and the doc joked that people always stop breathing with the solution is injected. I said, "It's because something is going into us and we get nervous."
So that was done. Needle removed, a few more photos and out to wait while photos were being printed. Then I was handed the envelope and sent on my way. Feeling a bit disoriented (Staring into bright lights and blinking red lights for a long time does that to you, I suppose.) I was undecided if I should stop for lunch like the doc suggested (and it was 2) or hurry like the nurse said. I went downstairs but did a few turn backs before I decided to text Dave to check with him to see if it was ok to spend a few bucks on lunch, which it was. I ate way too fast with the hurrying nurse still pushing at me in my head.
I called the cab and since it would be 15 minutes and it was cold, I waited inside. It turned out not to be a good idea. A cab pulled up about the time mine would, but this elderly lady with a walker went up to it. Whether it was hers or not, I didn't care. She needed it more. I was calling to see if I had missed it and to order another when a van pulled up. It wasn't for me, but no one else was out there. Someone came as we were figuring out what to do: He spin around again or just take me and come back. It was for her and her husband, but he needed to take another test.
He seemed rather strict about them being ready which seemed to fret the woman, but assuming they would be ready when he came back, it worked out. I would get a ride, and so would she and he would get two fares.
Not that he turned the meter on. He said I could pay whatever I wanted. I said the trip there was $6.40 and ended up paying $7 (I wasn't a reserved fare but I also didn't have that much.) Unfortunately, looking at the first bill, I was charged $7.40. Did I miss the extra $1 or was I overcharged? No matter.
I got back to the other clinic and more waiting. Then I was told they know what it was (not sure, but basically a busted vessel, I think) but not sure how it happened. Also, there seemed to be the same thing, though much milder, in the left eye.
He and his resident were chatting in big doc terms and mentioned something about presenting the case at a convention. I chuckled, "My eye is special."
He said to treat it, he would inject something. I kinda got stuck on "injected." And more tests.
So now here's the traumatic part. After some more waiting, the washroom and more waiting, I get in the chair and it's put into a laying position. Poor nurse. Anytime she put something near my eye and I say, "What's that?" I KNOW what the drop bottles look like, but I knew a needle was coming somewhere in this.
I get two drops and then something that looks like a needle and she finally just said, "I don't do the needle. Only the doctor does the needle." So another drop.
Then this metal contraption comes into view. I nearly jumped out of my chair and she explained it was to hold my eye open.
Ok, (SPOILER ALERT) I saw X-Men Origins: Wolverine a few months ago and a scene toward the end shows Deadpool on a table with his eyes being held open. I just had to ask Dave that last fact because I turned away at that point. Anyway, I was thinking of that at some point earlier in the day as my mind went over what this issue would resolve in.
So, in a way, having my eye being held open was sort of a nightmarish thing to me. Nor did anyone warn me it would happen. Oh well.
I was told not to squeeze. I couldn't help it. Our eyelids close when things come near it. I can't stop it. Anyway, I finally calmed down, and I was told not to move when the needle happens and I would feel it. I told her I WOULD blink, but I was assured it wouldn't be an issue.
Also, I find it really weird that while my eye was being held very wide open, I couldn't see anything.
Doc came in and I told him I was panicking a little. He chuckled expectantly and came close. I was tapping my foot, then stopped just as suddenly. He did it and asked something.
"It hurts. It hurts."
He said something comforting and I was just about to come back to coherency when the apparently evil, eye-hurting lady put her hand near my eye causing me to ask accusingly, "What are you doing?" She was just rinsing and then pulling the contraption out and then rinsing some more.
I was called a trooper. Which I have come to think means, "Wow, you really freaked out, but not enough to make this impossible."
The doctor is explaining some stuff to me while I'm still recovering from a procedure that, and I never thought I'd say this, that's more invasive than a pap smear, so I don't really recall much of what was said.
There was also mention that I was called ten minutes ago. What was it with my perfect timing to go to the washroom today?
After the contraption was removed, I couldn't open my eyes. I was growing concerned until I realized I hadn't tried yet. I willed them open and the doctor is still talking and I'm trying to listen at the same time as trying to tell myself that I'm ok now. It's over. I was NOT abducted by aliens that wanted my eyeballs.
Still in mental recovery, I get out front and hand her the stuff and she gets together requests for tests and tells me the date for the next appointment.
I'm confused, "But he said he wanted to see me in a week."
"He told me four weeks."
"We're gonna go with yours because I was kinda freaking when he told me."
Then I was told I had an appointment tomorrow for some skin test. I'm kinda curious how this turned into something bigger, but I'm trusting them. Especially when the resident told me that these people are Medical Doctors first with specialization in Opth... Eye stuff.
So then I ask where the 8 comes. I go the wrong way apparently and wandering around a bit I see Denny's. I had already decided that the second I see someplace I would go in, drink coffee or something and just wait for Dave to come get me. I was feeling a little traumatized, I had a long day, my eye was sore, it was dark and cold and I couldn't see well. I was done. If I couldn't be home right then, I could at least be somewhere warm.
We ended up eating supper there, which was much needed. I have such a sweet, loving husband.
But tomorrow morning it starts again. I'm getting dropped off by Dave rather than dealing with the bus. And I could walk to the building for the other two test clinics from there, both walk-in. If I'm feeling lazy, I may even spend a few bucks to get there by cab. I'm hoping it'll all be done before afternoon if not soon after noon, but I definitely called in. I left a message apologizing and saying I hope it doesn't look bad, but it's all just bad timing and unless something else pops up in the tests, I SHOULD be there Thursday.
I really should have been lying down, resting my tired eyes, but this was a little cathartic, so it's all good.
However, I am done at the moment. I have something to check and then teeth to brush and then my poor eye can rest.
P.S. ALL OF THIS WAS FREE! (Don't give me lectures about taxes or anything as I'm well aware.) I can't imagine how much it would have cost.