Eye Surgery #8 Update

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By Louis Cahill

I’m two weeks Post-op and things are going well.

I hate talking about my medical issues, but lots of you are asking for updates, so I’ll keep it short. That should be easy since, as of now, all the news is good. A lot went on in the run up to the surgery but I’ll just hit the high points.

Things were feeling a little sketchy the week before my surgery. The oil in my eye had completely turned to muck. Like spring run-off inside my eye. As a result, I developed glaucoma. Rising eye pressure threatened to damage my optic nerve. There was no choice but to remove the oil, however, the murky oil prevented my doctor from seeing the condition of the retina. He was going in blind and not happy about it. I won’t lie, it was scary.

Fortunately the surgery went well. Dr Alurkar flushed two liters of solution through my eye cleaning it out and the retina stayed attached. Statistically, the majority of folks in my situation, who do experience another detachment, do so during surgery. The vast majority experience it during the first week. I’m two weeks out now and my doctor says the retina looks fantastic! After a couple of truly awful days, my pressure has returned to normal so it appears I dodged the glaucoma bullet with no apparent nerve damage. I will not be in the clear for 60-90 days but things look really promising right now.

It will take at least 90 days to really know what I can expect for vision. It’s a mess right now but the double vision caused by the oil is gone and as of just last night my eyes have started trying to focus again. That’s very encouraging. Whatever I end up with, I’ll be very happy to have it. I’m struggling to keep my expectations in line. I’m just superstitious enough to worry about jinxing myself, but I’m starting to feel truly optimistic. I am sooooooo ready to get on with my life!

Thank you all for your continuing support throughout this nightmare. I can not tell you how good it feels to have so many people in my corner. I can’t imagine how difficult this would have been without that support. Hopefully I’ll be checking in with more good news in a couple of weeks. 

Thanks!

Louis Cahill
Gink & Gasoline
www.ginkandgasoline.com
hookups@ginkandgasoline.com
 
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18 thoughts on “Eye Surgery #8 Update

  1. Well, it’s sort of been an education to follow your story, aside from whatever feelings it might engender. As a guy who tries to explain things and enlighten people, you probably can appreciate what I’m saying. Anyway, I’m delighted to hear your hopeful news and my fingers are staying in the crossed position, hands at my sides in the 6 o-clock position. Life is grand, ain’t it?

  2. Thanks Louis for keeping us updated. Know you have been through quite a lot with this eye journey; and the optimism can be 90% of the battle so keep rocking.
    Looking forward to your continued healing…

  3. Louis, this series has been difficult for me to read. I have a real phobia about eye issues, and I don’t think there’s any way I could have got this far were I in your shoes. But I’ve kept up because even though we’ve never met, I care enough to work past my squeamishness…and trust me when I say I’m glad it’s been good news.

    I know from experience that only a small percentage of blog readers will ever take the time to comment, so be assured that the outpouring of support you’ve received represents only the tip of a very large iceberg. Thanks for your brave example, and everything else you do for the fly-fishing community.

    Keep doing well, and keep the faith! (Your own personal faith, whatever it may be.)

  4. That’s great news Louis, hope you continue to improve. We’re all thinking about you. G&G is an everyday read for me, I enjoy your blog very much and always learn something and get helpful tips along the way. Good job, thanks.

  5. Great news! Congratulations on your progress so far. Hard to imagine what all you have been through. Better days are ahead. Looking forward to chasing bonefish with you again at Bair’s.

  6. Man, I feel for your trials and tribulations on this. Dealing with physical issues as we age truly sucks. My curse is my back and neck-pretty much my spine. We’ve obviously never met, but I truly send my thoughts and prayers your way.

  7. Hang in there, Louis. You’ve been through the wringer to be sure, but I’m very happy things are trending up for you!

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