For me, aging is much about accepting and evolving.
The body will change, and my choices are to change with it or perish. I’m not ready to perish, but I’m afraid I have to disagree with our President about getting old. I accept that there are things I can’t do any longer, so I don’t do them.
Aging is something for me to respect, not deny.
I’ve had laser surgery on my eyes twice with Retinal Surgeon Dr. Falk in Albany. I’ve had eye drop medication daily for several years. This morning, I went to Albany for my regular checkup and had the excellent news that my retinal swelling is gone (caused by diabetes, we think).
Not only do I not have to come back for a checkup until February, but I can stop all of the drops and eye medication. This is a big deal for me.
In recent years, I’ve taken on my leg, my teeth, my heart, and my diabetes. All are much improved and under control.
Dr. Falk is warm and open. She always encourages me to take my photos with her; she says she believes in being fully transparent. She laughs when I ask if I can take her photo. “Sure,” she says.
A few years ago, I feared I might go blind. Dr. Falk is one of those doctors who reminds me of what good doctors do. She did a wonderful job of restoring my sight.
Recently, my sight has been struggling with the power of the sun’s light, which is difficult for my photography. She thinks it might be time to see an optometrist about cataract surgery. I need to see the colors distinctly and clearly.
I’m game. They all take months to see an eye doctor, but I hope to get an appointment sooner.
My understanding of health care has evolved as I get older. For years, I wouldn’t see a doctor at all, seeing only holistic doctors. That nearly cost me my life, but I still believe strongly in holistic medicine.
It’s just that Western Medicine can do some things holistic medicine can’t. It works best for me when I use both. Aging is about perspective. I won’t join a gym or walk around a mall in sneakers every morning.
But I am taking my health seriously and healthier than I have been in a long time. I was happy with the visit. Now, on to the cataracts.
My neuropthamologist wanted me to get cataract surgery, but he left it up to my eye doctor. My eye doctor prescribed eye glasses, but we don’t have coverage because we’re both out of work and having trouble finding jobs. We use the state health exchange which only gives us health care. No dental or glasses coverage.
Unfortunately my neuropthamologist retired suddenly, so I’m on the hunt for another one. They’re a very specialized type of doctor, so they’re hard to find and book appointments with.
Jon, in my Optometrists office there are two paintings of the same location, by the same artist. One is muted, soft colors almost dreamlike; the other is bright, precise incredibly realistic. Both are beautiful.
One was painted before cataract surgery, the other after. The artist was painting exactly what he saw.
I had cataract surgery on my left eye a couple of years ago and it’s been great! I don’t need prescription lenses for it anymore. My right eye isn’t bad enough for insurance to pay for, yet, so it’s still nearsighted, so my glasses have a script lens for it and clear for my left eye. Most days at home I run around without glasses at all – haven’t been able to do that since I was 7 years old – turning 69 today! What a pleasure! The surgery and recovery was a snap. Super glad your eyes are better now!