Diary of My Eye Disease Treatment
Day Five
© 2014 Jennifer Gutierrez
JENNIFER | SEPTEMBER 14, 2014
The nurse did a daily check-up this morning. Blood pressure-temperature-bowel movement frequency and so on. A short time later, I was brushing my teeth and prepared to get some breakfast. I looked in the mirror and noticed that I still have a small bruise from yesterday’s eye injection. The prickled spot manages to fade by the next morning, but this one has stayed there and gotten a little darker than the last ones. It isn’t big, just bigger than he previous ones. It could be that my eyes are being poked everyday and they have no choice but to get stained. Oh well, it is what it is. While brushing my teeth at the open sink area, I stumbled upon Aya. She’s been experiencing sleepless nights or at most 3 hours of sleep per night since she’s been here. I asked her if it is because of the fact that she may want to go home. She gave in, “Yes, I can’t wait to go home.” I could tell that there was a lot going on in her mind. I believe it is partly because her mother-in-law has been taking care of her two daughters and her husband lives and works on another side town. It can be a bit worrisome for her. Yesterday, her mother-in-law visited her and Aya stated she was looking a bit worn out. I hope none of this is working against Aya.
Prior to eating breakfast, I received a message from my former colleague’s wife. It was very kind of her to check up on me. I truly appreciate that. Soon after that, I went to the eating area. Sadly, I did not a take of picture of my meal. I know some of my readers look forward to them. I still have time to get a snapshot of lunch and dinner.
The nurse did a daily check-up this morning. Blood pressure-temperature-bowel movement frequency and so on. A short time later, I was brushing my teeth and prepared to get some breakfast. I looked in the mirror and noticed that I still have a small bruise from yesterday’s eye injection. The prickled spot manages to fade by the next morning, but this one has stayed there and gotten a little darker than the last ones. It isn’t big, just bigger than he previous ones. It could be that my eyes are being poked everyday and they have no choice but to get stained. Oh well, it is what it is. While brushing my teeth at the open sink area, I stumbled upon Aya. She’s been experiencing sleepless nights or at most 3 hours of sleep per night since she’s been here. I asked her if it is because of the fact that she may want to go home. She gave in, “Yes, I can’t wait to go home.” I could tell that there was a lot going on in her mind. I believe it is partly because her mother-in-law has been taking care of her two daughters and her husband lives and works on another side town. It can be a bit worrisome for her. Yesterday, her mother-in-law visited her and Aya stated she was looking a bit worn out. I hope none of this is working against Aya.
Prior to eating breakfast, I received a message from my former colleague’s wife. It was very kind of her to check up on me. I truly appreciate that. Soon after that, I went to the eating area. Sadly, I did not a take of picture of my meal. I know some of my readers look forward to them. I still have time to get a snapshot of lunch and dinner.
© 2014 Jennifer Gutierrez
Morning Grub!
I sat with Aya and Yurie again. The doctor gave Aya some news yesterday about the surgery she would have next Tuesday. Since he sees that she has made remarkable progress, he does not suggest that she goes on with it. Therefore, he cancelled the surgery. Now, she wants to know if she needs to stay in the hospital. She isn’t getting any other type of medication. Hence, she isn't sure what to do here. Her initial stay would have been up until the date of the surgery or the end of next week. Since that isn’t happening, she wants to ask the doctor to let her go home. She’s eager to leave now. I can’t blame her. She has a family and a ton of responsibilities. I almost told her to try to relax and forget about the outside world in order for her to be at peace, but that isn’t my place. I do not walk in her shoes and I don't know what her daily life is like. Thus, I kept my words to myself.
For breakfast, we had eggs with cheese. It was a little different than the average egg and cheese scrambled mix that I have had in my life. It was not as tasty. After a couple of tiny bites, I gave up on it. That same bowl had a few home fries. I had soup with onions and mushrooms, which I always enjoy here. They served two slices of white bread, a small jelly and margarine packet with milk, which I did not drink. I don’t like milk. I had green tea instead.
Aya, Yurie and I were talking about being afraid of things. I did not share, because I was more intrigued by their responses. I can’t recall what Aya said, but Yurie was attempting to pronounce the word surgery. I helped her and in a couple of tries, she got it. She said, “I’m afraid of surgery.” That is completely understandable. I mean, we are talking about our eyes here. It’s the first part of our face that most people look at. Our conversation was nice and short today. We didn’t stay there for too long. Lunch ended and I left for my room.
I sat with Aya and Yurie again. The doctor gave Aya some news yesterday about the surgery she would have next Tuesday. Since he sees that she has made remarkable progress, he does not suggest that she goes on with it. Therefore, he cancelled the surgery. Now, she wants to know if she needs to stay in the hospital. She isn’t getting any other type of medication. Hence, she isn't sure what to do here. Her initial stay would have been up until the date of the surgery or the end of next week. Since that isn’t happening, she wants to ask the doctor to let her go home. She’s eager to leave now. I can’t blame her. She has a family and a ton of responsibilities. I almost told her to try to relax and forget about the outside world in order for her to be at peace, but that isn’t my place. I do not walk in her shoes and I don't know what her daily life is like. Thus, I kept my words to myself.
For breakfast, we had eggs with cheese. It was a little different than the average egg and cheese scrambled mix that I have had in my life. It was not as tasty. After a couple of tiny bites, I gave up on it. That same bowl had a few home fries. I had soup with onions and mushrooms, which I always enjoy here. They served two slices of white bread, a small jelly and margarine packet with milk, which I did not drink. I don’t like milk. I had green tea instead.
Aya, Yurie and I were talking about being afraid of things. I did not share, because I was more intrigued by their responses. I can’t recall what Aya said, but Yurie was attempting to pronounce the word surgery. I helped her and in a couple of tries, she got it. She said, “I’m afraid of surgery.” That is completely understandable. I mean, we are talking about our eyes here. It’s the first part of our face that most people look at. Our conversation was nice and short today. We didn’t stay there for too long. Lunch ended and I left for my room.
© 2014 Jennifer Gutierrez
I took my daily medication and a few minutes later came a nurse with the anesthetic tape. “Keep your face straight and look up.” And done. I have been sitting on my bed and glancing outside the window. I see the brightness of the day and it’s beautiful to me. I’m not jealous of being in here, but definitely enjoying the view even if I am simply looking at a building across the street.
Last Night's Visitor
I almost failed to mention that one of my colleagues dropped by for a visit yesterday evening. That was so nice of him to do. Everyone has a busy schedule and I completely understand that. Knowing that he has a family with two children and he could still take the time is something I hold dear. I know many people have been trying to see me but their work schedules, the distance from this hospital to their homes and our visiting hours conflict quite a bit. Most of the people I know live about an hour away if not longer. Who could blame them? One of my private students is planning to stop by around noon today and I am elated about that. She was the same person who helped me check-in when I first came to this hospital.
Monday is a holiday and a couple of people have told me that they would swing by. I thank all of those who do. And of course for those who cannot, I still thank them for thinking about me.
I am going to take some time to relax for a bit until I have something else to write about for today. It is only 9:12 am and there isn’t much to expand on.
Last Night's Visitor
I almost failed to mention that one of my colleagues dropped by for a visit yesterday evening. That was so nice of him to do. Everyone has a busy schedule and I completely understand that. Knowing that he has a family with two children and he could still take the time is something I hold dear. I know many people have been trying to see me but their work schedules, the distance from this hospital to their homes and our visiting hours conflict quite a bit. Most of the people I know live about an hour away if not longer. Who could blame them? One of my private students is planning to stop by around noon today and I am elated about that. She was the same person who helped me check-in when I first came to this hospital.
Monday is a holiday and a couple of people have told me that they would swing by. I thank all of those who do. And of course for those who cannot, I still thank them for thinking about me.
I am going to take some time to relax for a bit until I have something else to write about for today. It is only 9:12 am and there isn’t much to expand on.
© 2014 Jennifer Gutierrez
The Eye Injection
The doctor whose heavenly hands I fell in love with the last time gave me my injection today. I’m not sure what happened, but it was intense receiving the injection this morning. I felt the needle a bit and I just noticed that the needles are curved, which makes sense, because they are curved to the eye. She began by asking me if I speak another language, I said yes. She must have heard me speaking Spanish with someone in my family, because she asked me how I was doing in Spanish. That was very sweet of her.
What Analysis?
I can’t really confess that I was able to analyze much of today’s injection. I had expectations and that was a bad thing to do. The doctor asked me to look up, as they always do, the injection went in and I felt the discomfort in seconds. Maybe they took too long to administer the shot. I am not sure. I found myself moaning in intervals soon after the doctor and nurse left. Could the needle have poked the lower end of my eyeball? I couldn't tell, I almost felt like it did, but maybe it was the impact of it all. I lay in bed for close to 10 minutes and can only feel the sting of the alcohol pad as I held onto the area of the jab. Now, that it is all done and I am relieved. Again, my dormant expectations must have surfaced once I compared this injection to the other ones and thought they would only feel better each time. Next time, I will try not to expect anything and just allow it to happen in any way it takes place.
The doctor whose heavenly hands I fell in love with the last time gave me my injection today. I’m not sure what happened, but it was intense receiving the injection this morning. I felt the needle a bit and I just noticed that the needles are curved, which makes sense, because they are curved to the eye. She began by asking me if I speak another language, I said yes. She must have heard me speaking Spanish with someone in my family, because she asked me how I was doing in Spanish. That was very sweet of her.
What Analysis?
I can’t really confess that I was able to analyze much of today’s injection. I had expectations and that was a bad thing to do. The doctor asked me to look up, as they always do, the injection went in and I felt the discomfort in seconds. Maybe they took too long to administer the shot. I am not sure. I found myself moaning in intervals soon after the doctor and nurse left. Could the needle have poked the lower end of my eyeball? I couldn't tell, I almost felt like it did, but maybe it was the impact of it all. I lay in bed for close to 10 minutes and can only feel the sting of the alcohol pad as I held onto the area of the jab. Now, that it is all done and I am relieved. Again, my dormant expectations must have surfaced once I compared this injection to the other ones and thought they would only feel better each time. Next time, I will try not to expect anything and just allow it to happen in any way it takes place.
© 2014 Jennifer Gutierrez
~Random Thought~
“The past is the past, live in the present and you will surpass.”
Roommate
I did not have the chance to speak to the new roommate who was recently admitted. She kept to herself most of the time and today was her last day. She left and now there are only two of us in a room filled with six beds. More space I guess. I wish her the best of luck.
Follow-up
I went to see the doctor who by the way was able to speak English. I asked her what the eye drops she placed on my eyes were. She said it is anesthesia and it helps her examine my eyes through the machine. I also asked her about the progress of my eye injections and she went on telling me that she injects the liquid into the lower part of my eye, which may restore my vision starting at the bottom first and then the medicine will work its way up in due time. It is only day five of my eye injections and I have many more to go. I’m feeling confident about it all. I told her that I feel my vision is slightly blurry, but it’s not a big deal since I don’t have perfect vision anyway. She said that during the process and the administration of the medication some areas take longer than others to heal. It may fluctuate a little since the steroid liquid is starting to develop a corrective relationship with my system. I appreciate her hard work in attempting to explain my situation in English.
Lunchtime is approaching. Let’s see what I’ll munch on today.
“The past is the past, live in the present and you will surpass.”
Roommate
I did not have the chance to speak to the new roommate who was recently admitted. She kept to herself most of the time and today was her last day. She left and now there are only two of us in a room filled with six beds. More space I guess. I wish her the best of luck.
Follow-up
I went to see the doctor who by the way was able to speak English. I asked her what the eye drops she placed on my eyes were. She said it is anesthesia and it helps her examine my eyes through the machine. I also asked her about the progress of my eye injections and she went on telling me that she injects the liquid into the lower part of my eye, which may restore my vision starting at the bottom first and then the medicine will work its way up in due time. It is only day five of my eye injections and I have many more to go. I’m feeling confident about it all. I told her that I feel my vision is slightly blurry, but it’s not a big deal since I don’t have perfect vision anyway. She said that during the process and the administration of the medication some areas take longer than others to heal. It may fluctuate a little since the steroid liquid is starting to develop a corrective relationship with my system. I appreciate her hard work in attempting to explain my situation in English.
Lunchtime is approaching. Let’s see what I’ll munch on today.
© 2014 Jennifer Gutierrez
Apparently, at this hospital, they are starting to punch patients in the face. I think that is the most innovative way of curing any of our eye problems. The photo you see above is proof! Okay, don't take me so seriously. Today, the eye injection left a big bump and I still have the scar from yesterday's injection on my right eye. Sexy! I have chosen to display images at my worst, because if we do not appreciate, love and learn how to deal with life at our lowest, how can we have the power and courage to reach our strongest? I have no shame. Why should I? Just a philosophical moment.
Woohoo, Lunch Please!
I had lunch with Aya and a man who is also going through therapy. He brought his IPad in order to communicate with me. We all chatted about language exchange, Apple products, the fact that he doesn’t eat enough here and how Aya sneaks food to satisfy her cravings and that she is fed up of being here. First, we were talking about what sports I am interested in. The man, whom I will name Takeshi, gives the impression that he is active. Once I told him and Aya what I liked I then found out that he runs marathons. I shared that I haven’t ran one yet, but I would love to start training soon. Then, we talked about shopping. Aya wants to leave the hospital early because she wants to catch huge sales that will end on Tuesday. Unfortunately, she was given orders to stay until Wednesday. I stated that I am not big on shopping for clothes like the average woman is, I love electronics and cameras and I get my high on purchasing those. Takeshi added that he would buy the new IPhone 6. He’s already reserved it. I haven’t been on the loop about what’s happening with the latest Apple products and that could be because Steve Jobs isn’t with us anymore. Either way, I will check it out and possibly get the watch sometime in the near future.
Woohoo, Lunch Please!
I had lunch with Aya and a man who is also going through therapy. He brought his IPad in order to communicate with me. We all chatted about language exchange, Apple products, the fact that he doesn’t eat enough here and how Aya sneaks food to satisfy her cravings and that she is fed up of being here. First, we were talking about what sports I am interested in. The man, whom I will name Takeshi, gives the impression that he is active. Once I told him and Aya what I liked I then found out that he runs marathons. I shared that I haven’t ran one yet, but I would love to start training soon. Then, we talked about shopping. Aya wants to leave the hospital early because she wants to catch huge sales that will end on Tuesday. Unfortunately, she was given orders to stay until Wednesday. I stated that I am not big on shopping for clothes like the average woman is, I love electronics and cameras and I get my high on purchasing those. Takeshi added that he would buy the new IPhone 6. He’s already reserved it. I haven’t been on the loop about what’s happening with the latest Apple products and that could be because Steve Jobs isn’t with us anymore. Either way, I will check it out and possibly get the watch sometime in the near future.
© 2014 Jennifer Gutierrez
Visitor
I got a visitor today and it was my private student. It was very nice seeing her today. She brought me some water and socks. Since I cannot eat outside food, she decided against it. She got me the cutest Halloween socks. I’ll be sporting them one of these days. We talked about what she’s been up to and what she’s planning to do this evening and she said she will be meeting some friends who are coming from different sides of town. That should be fun. She also said that the weather is warm, but dry.
I am back in my room about to do a Spanish translation for another one of the articles then chill if I give myself that time.
Until next time! Hope you enjoyed this article!
I got a visitor today and it was my private student. It was very nice seeing her today. She brought me some water and socks. Since I cannot eat outside food, she decided against it. She got me the cutest Halloween socks. I’ll be sporting them one of these days. We talked about what she’s been up to and what she’s planning to do this evening and she said she will be meeting some friends who are coming from different sides of town. That should be fun. She also said that the weather is warm, but dry.
I am back in my room about to do a Spanish translation for another one of the articles then chill if I give myself that time.
Until next time! Hope you enjoyed this article!
© 2014 Jennifer Gutierrez
