You know… that Blog?

Prepping for surgery

Written By: Jenn - Feb• 18•10

I am so excited.

All my life I’ve been living with horrible vision, which has held me back from so many things I’ve wanted to do! When I was little I wanted to be a pilot. A fighter pilot, actually, and then a commercial pilot. Kinda need to have good eyes for that. Then of course, my passion was swimming. I was a synchronized swimmer, and it put such a damper on things when I couldn’t see my team clearly, and missed moves, etc. Gave that up eventually. Even vacations were a pain – scuba or snorkeling was limited and I never did it enough to justify the money for a prescription mask, so missed out on many adventures!

It’s been a crutch I’ve used, too, but this isn’t a post about negatives.

But no more. On Monday I’m finally doing what I’ve dreamed about since laser vision correction became available, years ago. Finally I can afford to SEE. Finally I can justify doing something just for me.

I feel as though I’m in a chrysalis stage, waiting to awaken to a whole new world.

Am I building this into something unrealistic? Do I really expect my whole world to change in an instant, and have everything I’ve ever wanted realized? Nah. But things will change. And I cannot wait.

So I won’t be here next week. PRK correction takes longer to recover from, and I won’t be online or driving for about a week. I will be depending on the kindness of strangers for rides (ok, loved ones, not strangers) and scheduling a few posts (the haiku, of course, and maybe a couple others if I have time) and I’m awaiting a guest post from ShaMoo that will hopefully arrive in time to be scheduled for that time too.

So excited. See you soon!

 

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22 Comments

  1. Thom says:

    I’m real happy for you. That’s great. I was so glad when I had my lasik done. It was one of the best things I ever did. You must be having more than just that. I was up and at ’em later in the afternoon.
    .-= Thom´s last blog ..Scenic Sunday 83 =-.

    • Jenn says:

      Thanks!

      Because my corneas are thin, my pupils are larger than average, and my prescription is high, I didn’t qualify for lasik, so the PRK is my only option. PRK does not involve a Lasik “flap”; it takes the epithelial layer off entirely, then does the corneal correction. You wear protective contacts for several days, until that layer regenerates (which is a bit painful I understand) and due to that, the vision is blurry for the better part of a week, and you have to be very careful about the drops and whatnot so no scar tissue develops. I also have to go back for a checkup the next day, and then every other day for a while. It’s rather involved, but totally worth it.

  2. ShaMoo says:

    Very excited for you!! So, does this mean that you’ll be quitting the quartet in favour of synchronized swimming now?!?

    ;)

    Don’t forget to ask for help that week….we’re all here for you :)

    • Jenn says:

      That’d be a NO. Not only am I way too long in the tooth, it is highly unlikely I’ll be seen in a bathing suit any time soon! I shudder at the mere thought.

      Thanks for the offer, I may be calling!!

  3. Hey I was a synchronised swimmer too! I gave it up because I just didn’t have the time to train and man I used to get the worst cramps in my feet doing damn ballet leg!

    Anyway back to you and your surgery – I am excited for you too. Remember to ask for lots of help, use it as an excuse to be waited on hand and foot! I wish you a speedy recovery and excellent vision!
    Jade
    .-= Jade @ No Longer25´s last blog ..Scrabble Words =-.

    • Jenn says:

      Really? That’s so cool! I loved synchro – growing up I was either in the pool, or on horseback (my other passion). I really didn’t want to give it up, but it got to be too much. Plus I am also allergic to chlorine, and I suffered big time with the amount they used in those pools. Used to live on chlortripolon pills! Ah well.

      “Waiting on me hand and foot” – yeah, that’ll never happen. Maybe Wee One would love to do that (for an hour) but it’d get old real fast. ;) I’ll probably get lots of rest though! I need to catch up on that. My mother tried rubbing something off of my eye yesterday, telling me I had too much makeup on – only I wasn’t wearing any at the time! It was just dark circles under my eyes from not sleeping well. Great to know I look like I got socked in the eye(s) :P

      Talk soon!

  4. Tortuga says:

    Best of luck to you! I’ve had many surgeries, but never on my eyes. You’ll be fine and back here soon enough!

  5. Autumn says:

    You’re SO LUCKY!!!! I can not WAIT to get mine done. I’m planning on it being in the next year or two if not sooner. Lucky, lucky, lucky you!!!!
    .-= Autumn´s last blog ..Happy Birthday Ashlie!! =-.

  6. Teri says:

    I had it done about 10 years ago. Definitely one of the best things I’ve done for myself!! Good luck!
    .-= Teri´s last blog ..Bloggography: shutter speed =-.

  7. Annie says:

    Life is brilliant. See it clearly.

    Good luck with your surgery. We will be thinking about you and will miss you next week. Does this mean you won’t be able to cook dinner all week? Sounds glorious! If I were you, I would “milk it” for all it’s worth.

    PS. Please blog about all the gore details.
    .-= Annie´s last blog ..nuthin’ =-.

  8. Betty says:

    Good luck! I´m trying to convince my hubby to have laser eye surgery done. Can´t wait to tell him about yours. Hope it will fulfill your expectations.
    .-= Betty´s last blog ..Sweet sweet rain! =-.

  9. quilly says:

    Take care! I said a prayer for you.
    .-= quilly´s last blog ..Three Word Thurday #45 =-.

  10. Jen says:

    I’ve had many surgeries but never on my eyes. My father was an ophthalmologist (I worked in his office) Many patients had this and Lasik and were so happy with the results. Here’s to seeing better!
    .-= Jen´s last blog ..How Not to Leave a Comment =-.

  11. JennyMac says:

    How awesome! I had LASIK done bc my vision was in the 20/2000 range. YES, one simple procedure can change EVERYTHING.

    So happy for you and cant wait to hear how it goes. Good luck Jenn!
    .-= JennyMac´s last blog ..Not exactly how I would like to spend twelve hours on my back… =-.

  12. Amanda Moore says:

    Very very excited for you Jenn, not just because you’ll see but because it is something your doing for yourself, I can tell from your post that is important to you! I will be think good vibes at you on Monday when you get your Bionic eyes!LOL!
    .-= Amanda Moore´s last blog ..New Blog of the Week: C.C.W.A.! =-.

  13. Autumn says:

    There’s an award for you on my blog, Friday’s post

  14. CONGRATULATIONS!!! Oh Jenn, what a marvel of technology to allow you to have crystal clear vision. I will be thinking of you nonstop until we hear of your results!

    Be brave, young grasshopper, be brave.
    .-= Alixandra Hice´s last blog ..Better Late Than Never… =-.

  15. Nessa says:

    Good luck. I am praying for you. I hope it is all you want.

    Mad Hatter
    .-= Nessa´s last blog ..Don’t Wine About Snow =-.