Sunday, May 15, 2011

A not so short update

From the mom - before the update, I just want to thank you all for your concern, good wishes and prayers.  So far my vision has improved enough to where I have been able to go bak to work; I missed two days completely last week then worked half days for two days then worked all day this past Friday.  I saw my eye doc last Saturday (5/7) when the problem started, then last Monday, the specialist on Tuesday then back to my local eye doc on Thursday and then again tomorrow (Monday, 5/16) - if there is anything new I will try to update after that.

Ok - in case anyone is interested, a little info about what is causing
this - I am blind in my left eye (this has been this way for years) so that when I do experience vision problems in my rite or "good" eye - that is what makes the problem so bad and a real emergency.  I have had 3 cornea transplants - my last one was last year.  As some may no, any kind of a transplant requires some kind of a steroid or prednisone which is suppose to guard against infection, inflammation and rejection of the implanted tissue - which in my case was the cornea transplant which requires an eye-drop as the means of getting the steroid to the cornea.   This eyedrop also has 3 side effects - cataracts, herpes eye infection and glaucoma - I have developed the first two - I was able to have the cataract removed but as for the herpes eye infection, as with all herpes infections - once you have one, it never totally leaves your body (goes into a sort of remission but can and does recur without any prior warning).  Yes, that is what has happened - a recurrence however it is on the mend.  Ok - the infection was only the beginning - there is another problem and it is also a life-long battle.  The rite side of my face is paralyzed (another long story for another day).  However it is this paralysis that stops the normal supply of any nutrients (blood, oxygen and whatever else there mite be) to my rite eye which in turn means the surface of my eye (epithelium) tends to be fragile - I have what mite be thought of as a skin tear (like when a dog can tear the top layer of your skin when their nails come in contact with your skin - no, that is not what happened with my eye, one of the B-bratz did not make contact with my eye - they are not allowed near my eyes).  It is not known for sure what causes the skin on my rite eye to tear, besides being fragile but it could be any infection weakens an already fragile condition.

Ok - now that you all have been educated, whether you wanted it or not and probably more than you ever thought possible (I know I have learned more about the eye than I ever wanted to - never knew there WAS such a thing as a Herpes eye infection or Herpes Keratitis until I first developed it years ago);  I will end for now.  The B-bratz are both behaving themselves as much as Beagles can.  They are such a great comfort to me all the time but rite now - they mean more to me than any other time - I don't know what I would do if they were not here (that would definitely NOT be a good thing).  Will be bak when possible.

11 comments:

K9 Katastrophie said...

I am so sorry your eye has been bothering you lately. I will be praying for you that your eye may heal and be strong.

We used the coupon code that we won! We bought a professional dog jump! Thanks again for hosting the give away!

Love,
Kim (Ruthie's Mom)

Jenner said...

First of all, I just noticed your music and OMG, that is one of my favorite songs! Snoopy rules!!

One of my Siamese cats is plagued with herpesvirus in one of his eyes. He saw a veterinary opthamoligist, who had him on a number of eye drops, but remained blind in one eye. There are a lot of holistic treatments you may want to research plus taking L-Lysine on a daily basis!

Anonymous said...

Jeez! What a mess! So sorry you're having to deal with this :(

Sure hope they find a remedy soon!

(((HUGS)))

The Roo Family

Anonymous said...

I hope your eye gets all better soon and doesn't give you any more trouble:)

3 doxies said...

OMD, Beagle Momma...I hads no idea your eyes was likes dis! I am so terribly sorry you has been goin' through all dis (insert sad face).

You is definately in our thoughts and prayers and I is sending you da bigeest get well vibes.

Puddles

Frankie Furter and Ernie said...

I have been following your eye problems for a long time. I know how scary it is for you. I am sooooo glad that it seems to be improving now.

Please keep us posted. We are all missing your wonderful posts and comments. You are just a delight.

I know that Shasta and Shiloh are such a comfort and Joy for you.

ALL Paws Crossed fur you to be back to 100% very much soon!!

Two French Bulldogs said...

No more eye troubles. Our paws are crossed
Benny & Lily

Golden Woofs! SUGAR said...

Woof! Woof! Golden Hello ... I am back from my Spring Break. Glad to hear you are doing well. Golden Thoughts to your eyes. My mom is currently in denial that she needs reading glasses. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Amazing - a lot of your problems with the eye infection sound just like our Dad. He just came back from the eye dr. this morning and the nasty viral infection is active again in his eye. He takes an oral medication every day to try to keep it dormant and now he too has to up the number of times a day he takes the anti-inflam meds too. He also has glaucoma and the steroids aggravate the glaucoma. It is a constant balancing act to try to keep the eye in good shape. He has been told that he will need a corneal transplant one day but so far things are OK.

We sure hope your eye problems resolve with the new meds. Paws crossed for things to be better.

Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara

Cinnamon and Mint said...

I am so sorry you've been suffering from so many eye problems for such a long time. I hope your eye doctor will find a way to prevent any more infections and damages in your eye.

georgia little pea said...

My dear, you're such a cheerful person and have such a happy blog that I never for a moment thought you might have so many medical issue. I am in awe of your positive spirit.

I hope you eye gets better soon. Until then, my very best wishes and a big hug xox