I had my first eye exam in over eight months with my retinal specialist, Dr. Falk, which could not have gone better.

My eyesight has improved slightly, which surprised me, and I don’t need cataract surgery.

The diabetes eye issues required three rounds of laser surgery a couple of years ago  – they are mostly cleared up – and I don’t need additional treatment beyond the eye drops I already take.

Dr. Falk doesn’t want to see me again until September.

Tuesday, I’m going to see my regular eye doctor in the Saratoga Hospital system to deal with the problem I’ve had lately with bright sunlight and snow and eye strain from so much computer time.

Sounds like old age and tired eyes to me.

Dr. Falk said I am not near ready for cataract surgery, but changes in my glasses and special lenses might make the bright lights and intense sun easier to deal with.

I sometimes forget how much time I spent writing in front of a computer. I never get tired of writing, but my eyes do.

This can be yet another issue triggered by my Covid experience. It seems I got the extended version, not the short one. It will take my immune system longer to recover, so I’ve been getting sick so often.

The politics of Covid have left older people somewhat abandoned and vulnerable;  the political extremists have made it illegal in many states to take any precautions at all.

It’s mostly older adults without health insurance who are dying now. Nobody else seems to care, Democrats or Republicans.

I am lucky. My doctors are looking out for me. I’m still coughing from my bout with bronchitis and am now on antibiotics for a urine infection. Enough.

I will meet with Dr. Daly, my podiatric surgeon, in two weeks, and we’ll decide about amputating my toe. I’ve talked to several people who had a toe or two removed, and I am confident the loss of the toe won’t affect my balance or walking.

People keep sending me stories of friends or relatives who had amputations, but every case is different, and other people’s choices have very little relevance to mine.

I am grateful for the good wishes. I trust Dr. Daly completely; she will be my deciding factor. I’m not seeking advice elsewhere; that would make my head spin.

Amputation is a significant and frightening word, but the procedure has come a long way from Civil War doctors with saws. It’s not a leg or a foot; it’s a toe.

If I go through with it, which I am inclined to do, I’ll be in a soft surgical boot for three weeks and then resume my everyday life.

I’m sure there will be some pain and discomfort; that is what happens after surgery of any kind.

A toe is now a key element in balance or movement; mine impedes both.

I’m back on another get-healthy campaign, losing weight and walking. I needed an occasional shock to keep me focused.

Monday, I see David at CPO to adjust my new brace per Dr. Daly’s request. I feel I’m getting back in control. The brace is meant to help my whole foot, which needs some structure; there is no help for the toe.

I see these issues as an opportunity to stay healthy and get healthier. I’ve lost a lot of weight and am learning more about the food I should eat.

I’ve discovered Eikhorn wheat pasta, for example,  one of the relatively few pastas that are good for people with diabetes.

I had never heard of it.

I can’t really trust labels in grocery stores any longer; they slap an “organic” tag on the food and often lie about how healthy it is.

I’m doing my homework.

It’s all in the details.

It’s wild to try to the write with dilated pupils in bright light; I have to get my face right up against the screen.

Maria said she couldn’t believe it when she looked in. She’s gone to belly dancing class, which she loves.

She is wearing a new ring one of her customers sent her; it’s an old and beautiful “spider” ring, perfect for belly dancing, among other things.

Maria’s new Spider ring. I suspect she’ll be wearing it every day.

I’m having a solid week, health-wise. Whining of any kind is forbidden. I love taking responsibility for my life.

More later.