Butch With An Eye - A progress report

Shortly after we returned to Worcester, I sent Butch off to the stand-in ophthalmologist for an update and check-up, with me in tow. This was duly done, but the results were unsatisfactory. The doctor had nothing to add to the initial investigation; he shrugged his shoulders and, wringing his hands, told Butch he had neither good news nor bad news.

He confirmed that Butch had Central Retinal Nerve Occlusion in his right eye. Patience and time were needed. Time for healing. Time to get our heads around the loss of his sight and time to make changes to our lifestyle.

We weren't sure, but our gut feeling was that there should be some remedies or treatments to improve the situation. We couldn’t just sit and wait. My blog “A SPOKE IN THE WHEEL” saved the day when a friend phoned after reading it to tell us about her friend who’d had a similar experience.

She suggested we see Dr Carina Slazus, a renowned ophthalmologist specialising in the retina, near Panorama Clinic. Ironically, Butch had attended her wedding years before, as he is well acquainted with her husband. He felt comfortable immediately and implicitly trusted Dr Slazus.

An appointment was scheduled, and off we went. Her examination revealed much the same as the previous doctor had suggested. There was significant bleeding and swelling in the eye between the cornea and the retina, which made it difficult to assess the damage to the optic nerve. To address this and determine whether Butch’s sight could be recovered, medication and treatment would be required.

He was to continue with eye drops indefinitely, and she would inject his retina every month, initially for 3 months and possibly for a period of 6 months.

He has been undergoing treatment for two months now. The injections are painless and not uncomfortable. There has been a marked reduction in eye pressure, and the bleeding has decreased substantially. While these signs are promising, it remains uncertain whether his sight will be restored or what the long-term effects will be.

So far, Butch is cautiously optimistic, never complains, and seems to be coping very well, which is inspiring hope. I know he has moments of disappointment and frustration, but his resilience encourages us all to stay positive despite setbacks.

In the meantime, I’ve got my learner’s licence for driving vehicles up to 10 tonnes, and I’ve taken my first trip behind the wheel. Overcoming this challenge has boosted my confidence, and I look forward to future adventures, knowing I can help with the driving, which is quite stressful and tiring in a huge truck.

The flight path of the emergency evacuation helicopters is directly above me as I type, and the loud, rhythmic wop-wop of the tail rotor as it descends to land at the hospital is a stark reminder of how vulnerable we are and how quickly our lives can change. At this time of year, when people have such joyful expectations of long-earned holidays at the seaside, only to have them dashed by a motorcar accident or sudden illness, it is heartbreaking.

I want to make a special mention of Dr. Stephan Van Dyk, Butch's initial ophthalmologist, who examined Butch, made an accurate diagnosis, and was spot on. He gave him sound advice and the correct treatment. Just a few weeks ago, before Butch left the office, Dr. Van Dyk called to check in on how he was doing, whether he had managed the drive up to Zimbabwe, and how he was doing. Butch was deeply touched and really appreciated Dr. Van Dyk’s interest in his well-being.

He agrees with the treatment regimen Butch is following. It is rare for a busy professional to have the time to call a patient, and we are both grateful and impressed. Thank you, Dr. Stephan Van Dyk. Your kindness and interest are immensely appreciated.