Diary of My Eye Disease Treatment
Day Six
© 2014 Jennifer Gutierrez
JENNIFER | SEPTEMBER 15, 2014
Woke up at around 6:00 to use the restroom and returned to my bed. I was able to snooze a little longer so that was good. Then, the nurse came in a little after 7:00 to check on me. Ten to eight was breakfast time.
Last Night
In the last couple of nights, last night in particular, I noticed that my face has been breaking out. I have acne on my chin and the left side of my face. I immediately knew that the steroids have been causing this. I shared it with Aya and she did some research on her tablet. She confirmed that one of the side effects of being under steroids is having acne. Just wonderful! So, what I did was ask the nurse/doctor (I can’t really tell who’s who) that I needed some alcohol pads to dry those pimples out. At first, she thought it wasn’t a good idea. After speaking with Aya, who helped me translate, she gave me a couple of packets.
Woke up at around 6:00 to use the restroom and returned to my bed. I was able to snooze a little longer so that was good. Then, the nurse came in a little after 7:00 to check on me. Ten to eight was breakfast time.
Last Night
In the last couple of nights, last night in particular, I noticed that my face has been breaking out. I have acne on my chin and the left side of my face. I immediately knew that the steroids have been causing this. I shared it with Aya and she did some research on her tablet. She confirmed that one of the side effects of being under steroids is having acne. Just wonderful! So, what I did was ask the nurse/doctor (I can’t really tell who’s who) that I needed some alcohol pads to dry those pimples out. At first, she thought it wasn’t a good idea. After speaking with Aya, who helped me translate, she gave me a couple of packets.
© 2014 Jennifer Gutierrez
Rounds
At times I stay up late because I want to either finish writing my articles or translate them. One of the doctors did her rounds and wanted to make sure that I was all right after seeing me typing at around midnight. There are only two people in this room and I am the only who stays up late. The other lady may have more complications and she's usually bedridden. She doesn’t speak any English, but occasionally we attempt to communicate in Japanese. I went to bed shortly after midnight and got enough rest.
Breakfast
Instead of the average two people whom I sit with at meal times, this time Takeshi, Aya, Yurie and I filled an entire table. We discussed Aya’s possible departure. Now she says that she might end up leaving tomorrow. I know she is more than excited and it isn’t because she’s worried, but the mere fact that she wants to go shopping. She’s pretty funny.
At times I stay up late because I want to either finish writing my articles or translate them. One of the doctors did her rounds and wanted to make sure that I was all right after seeing me typing at around midnight. There are only two people in this room and I am the only who stays up late. The other lady may have more complications and she's usually bedridden. She doesn’t speak any English, but occasionally we attempt to communicate in Japanese. I went to bed shortly after midnight and got enough rest.
Breakfast
Instead of the average two people whom I sit with at meal times, this time Takeshi, Aya, Yurie and I filled an entire table. We discussed Aya’s possible departure. Now she says that she might end up leaving tomorrow. I know she is more than excited and it isn’t because she’s worried, but the mere fact that she wants to go shopping. She’s pretty funny.
© 2014 Jennifer Gutierrez
During breakfast we talked about one of the items of food that we were eating. I wasn’t sure what it was. It was a mix of oriental radish and then she taught me a new word, かみかま (which is pronounced kamikama). What is that? It’s imitation crab. We had tofu and konjac. For those of you who don’t know, Konjac is a plant that is most common in the eastern part of Asia, such as Japan and southern parts of China as well as Indonesia. We also had soup with seaweed and bamboo shoot, which I love, and of course rice. The oriental radish was mixed with the imitation crab. They served milk, but I drank green tea instead.
Afterwards, I went to my room, got my anesthetic tape and received a call from dad. He gave me some good insight as to what I should do with my diary. I won’t go into details about that, because I want to make sure that it happens. We had a good conversation, some laughs and then I headed back to my room to wait for the eye injection.
Afterwards, I went to my room, got my anesthetic tape and received a call from dad. He gave me some good insight as to what I should do with my diary. I won’t go into details about that, because I want to make sure that it happens. We had a good conversation, some laughs and then I headed back to my room to wait for the eye injection.
© 2014 Jennifer Gutierrez
The Eye Injection
Today was a good day. The doctor seems to have been careful about the way she was inserting the needle. I am so grateful that she was being so attentive. She even apologized when I showed an inch of discomfort. I love the people here. They want to make sure that your stay is well worth it. It all happened so fast. She took the needle out, covered me with an alcohol pad and left. Then, the pain kicked in, it wasn’t any different than the last throbs I have described. The bottom of the periorbital area of my left eye swelled in a matter of minutes. It is not the first time that happens. Once the pain subsided, I slowly rose to a seating position and looked at the area more closely. I know I should stay in the moment, but one thought that came to mind was- “I always look forward to post-injection time, because I know it’ll be done.” I know I contradict myself at times, but don’t we all? I’m a work in progress baby!
As I was waiting for my name to be called into the office, I was making an effort to hold a conversation with Takeshi, who was also sitting next to me. We started talking about Steve Jobs. He liked him and I loved the legend's mind. He told me that he had rented the interview Steve Jobs did in 1995, The Lost Interview on his IPad. I was psyched about it, but I had to cut my conversation short.
I went for my shinsatsu. Can you remember what that means? Of course you do, the medical examination.
The Follow-Up
The doctor spoke to me in Japanese and although I had no clue what came out of her mouth, I got the idea. She pretty much asked if I was okay and that was all for today. If you want me to disclose that in Japanese than I am sorry to disappoint you. I just ran on my feelings. If there were any problems, they would tell me in English and have other people come in and describe it in more details.
Once I was done with my visit, Takeshi was sweet enough to allow me to borrow his electronic device so that I can watch the Steve Jobs interview. I was so excited. If anyone knows me well enough, they know how I feel about this innovator. He definitely changed my way of seeing the business world. So, I took Takeshi’s IPad and sat on my bed for the length of the interview, watched it, became even more enthralled and took notes. Shortly before lunch, the interview had finished. I returned it to him and thanked him.
Today was a good day. The doctor seems to have been careful about the way she was inserting the needle. I am so grateful that she was being so attentive. She even apologized when I showed an inch of discomfort. I love the people here. They want to make sure that your stay is well worth it. It all happened so fast. She took the needle out, covered me with an alcohol pad and left. Then, the pain kicked in, it wasn’t any different than the last throbs I have described. The bottom of the periorbital area of my left eye swelled in a matter of minutes. It is not the first time that happens. Once the pain subsided, I slowly rose to a seating position and looked at the area more closely. I know I should stay in the moment, but one thought that came to mind was- “I always look forward to post-injection time, because I know it’ll be done.” I know I contradict myself at times, but don’t we all? I’m a work in progress baby!
As I was waiting for my name to be called into the office, I was making an effort to hold a conversation with Takeshi, who was also sitting next to me. We started talking about Steve Jobs. He liked him and I loved the legend's mind. He told me that he had rented the interview Steve Jobs did in 1995, The Lost Interview on his IPad. I was psyched about it, but I had to cut my conversation short.
I went for my shinsatsu. Can you remember what that means? Of course you do, the medical examination.
The Follow-Up
The doctor spoke to me in Japanese and although I had no clue what came out of her mouth, I got the idea. She pretty much asked if I was okay and that was all for today. If you want me to disclose that in Japanese than I am sorry to disappoint you. I just ran on my feelings. If there were any problems, they would tell me in English and have other people come in and describe it in more details.
Once I was done with my visit, Takeshi was sweet enough to allow me to borrow his electronic device so that I can watch the Steve Jobs interview. I was so excited. If anyone knows me well enough, they know how I feel about this innovator. He definitely changed my way of seeing the business world. So, I took Takeshi’s IPad and sat on my bed for the length of the interview, watched it, became even more enthralled and took notes. Shortly before lunch, the interview had finished. I returned it to him and thanked him.
Lunch Time
The four of us sat together again. We discussed a few topics, which I cannot remember much about. The one topic that stuck was obviously about Steve Jobs. I thanked Takeshi again and he had written on a web translator what his feelings were about the interview. It was quite in-depth and interesting to know his point of view. He works in Public Relations, so he can definitely use some Steve Jobs’ business methods as a reference when it comes to team building. We went into many other details and I noticed I got lost in that conversation. When it comes to business, I turn into a completely different person. Concluding our lunch, I felt an air of excitement and was motivated to pursue some of my biggest goals.
Visitors
Today should be a fun day. A few friends of mine will show up and keep me company for the rest of the afternoon. I guess we will talk about what has been going on in here, they will tell me about their fun adventures and we’ll share some laughs.
The four of us sat together again. We discussed a few topics, which I cannot remember much about. The one topic that stuck was obviously about Steve Jobs. I thanked Takeshi again and he had written on a web translator what his feelings were about the interview. It was quite in-depth and interesting to know his point of view. He works in Public Relations, so he can definitely use some Steve Jobs’ business methods as a reference when it comes to team building. We went into many other details and I noticed I got lost in that conversation. When it comes to business, I turn into a completely different person. Concluding our lunch, I felt an air of excitement and was motivated to pursue some of my biggest goals.
Visitors
Today should be a fun day. A few friends of mine will show up and keep me company for the rest of the afternoon. I guess we will talk about what has been going on in here, they will tell me about their fun adventures and we’ll share some laughs.
© 2014 Jennifer Gutierrez
Until then I will be translating yesterday’s article into Spanish.
Had a great time with my friends. Talked about whatever came to mind and I was quite happy about that. They brought me some snacks and eating utensils. We do not get silverware here, so I have to have my own. I know I can’t eat any snacks, but I am tempted. Okay! I am a trooper and I won’t do it. Plus, these pimples I am getting from the steroid injections are a little out of control. Yuck!
Today was definitely a fruitful day!
Dinner
For dinner, we had rice, soup, green beans and tomatoes dressed in ground white sesame and lotus root mixed with eggs. It was pretty tasty. I had the chance to sit with the gang or shall I say Takeshi, Aya and Yurie. Takeshi is definitely leaving tomorrow and Yurie will be leaving next week. I am the only one who will be here until the 27th. We chatted about what my plans are for the future. I asked them information to help me fulfill some research that I need for my business plan. I cannot disclose that yet, because it is classified and sensitive. All I can say is that they all noticed my passion. I did not disclose much, just gave them a hint of what I would like to do.
The most important part of today was being inspired and feeling the camaraderie.
I am going to keep it short and thank you for reading!
Had a great time with my friends. Talked about whatever came to mind and I was quite happy about that. They brought me some snacks and eating utensils. We do not get silverware here, so I have to have my own. I know I can’t eat any snacks, but I am tempted. Okay! I am a trooper and I won’t do it. Plus, these pimples I am getting from the steroid injections are a little out of control. Yuck!
Today was definitely a fruitful day!
Dinner
For dinner, we had rice, soup, green beans and tomatoes dressed in ground white sesame and lotus root mixed with eggs. It was pretty tasty. I had the chance to sit with the gang or shall I say Takeshi, Aya and Yurie. Takeshi is definitely leaving tomorrow and Yurie will be leaving next week. I am the only one who will be here until the 27th. We chatted about what my plans are for the future. I asked them information to help me fulfill some research that I need for my business plan. I cannot disclose that yet, because it is classified and sensitive. All I can say is that they all noticed my passion. I did not disclose much, just gave them a hint of what I would like to do.
The most important part of today was being inspired and feeling the camaraderie.
I am going to keep it short and thank you for reading!
