Butch With An Eye - Update

This nightmare started 8 months ago and has changed the way he sees. Everything. In the blink of an eye, Butch’s plans and dreams changed when he suffered a “stroke” in the Retina, known as a retinal stroke or central retinal vein occlusion, which differs from a brain stroke. The diagnosis was central retinal vein occlusion.

Going from having clear vision, he was left with minimal vision in one eye (only peripheral) and had to make a mental shift overnight. Recognizing the importance of early diagnosis, we now see how crucial prompt medical attention is for such conditions. We’d never heard or considered that one could have a stroke in the eye. We always assumed it happens in the brain. Of course, we know the consequences can be fatal, and we’re aware that if it happens, one needs immediate medical attention and rehabilitation. We were literally left in the dark, thinking it would disappear in time. One Doctor just shrugged and said, “Give it time”! Time was exactly what he didn’t have.

After months of injections into the retina to reduce swelling and blood accumulation in the affected area, Butch’s doctor suggested he undergo bilateral cataract removal in the hope of brightening his vision, as well as to see the best-case scenario and what the treatment would be in the future.

Like a sheep to the slaughter, he went. The cataract was successfully removed, and a lens was inserted. The next day, Carina removed the eye patch, and we waited with bated breath. He opened his eyes and saw the light. Sadly, the vision in his bad eye had not improved at all. But. He adhered to instructions and administered his drops and douched his eye as prescribed. At night I’d wake up periodically; my first thought was “the Eye,” and I prodded him in the ribs, this time not because he was purring, but to turn himself. For a week he could not put any pressure on the eye, even in sleep.

He was the model patient, and his recuperation was painless and swift. We’d go out, and he’d swagger off with the darkest spectacles I could find in my box of discarded specs. During the day, he has no problems driving, but his night vision is a little dubious. I take the wheel.

His left eye, the good one, also had a cataract, and so it was that he returned to have that done, and a lens was implanted to improve his vision. He took extra special care in his recuperation and dutifully followed Dr.'s orders. Everywhere we went, a little cool bag accompanied him with his drops and paraphernalia, which he had to administer religiously.

My heart broke when I picked him up at the Eye Hospital. A forlorn figure sat quietly on a bench, hands folded in his lap, patiently waiting for me. The large white eye patch dominated. With trepidation, I walked up and took his arm, which he shrugged off dismissively, and he walked unaided to the car, using his dodgy right eye. I was impressed.

He returned to Dr. Carina Slazus on Tuesday for his post-op examination. She was bowled over when he read all the letters perfectly. He got a perfect score when reading even the tiniest letters. The operation was an enormous success. Recuperation is still ongoing; in a month, he will know the results and his prognosis. Although compromised, he is confident the news will be good! His ongoing recovery reflects resilience and encourages hope for others facing similar challenges.

During a visit with a friend, a GP in Canada, the “eye” was brought up. After listening patiently, he asked. Why did it happen, and has Butch had a physical examination to find the cause? If it could happen once, it could surely happen again. He wisely suggested that Butch see a Pulmonary and Vascular Physician. He saw Dr. Roos on Tuesday. A thorough physical examination was done, many tests were performed, and samples were collected for the Pathologists. This helps address concerns about recurrence and emphasizes the importance of ongoing monitoring and preventive care.

I am relieved to know what we’re dealing with now. Exercise, diet, a regimen of medications, and permanent lifestyle changes will have to be made and followed. It is difficult; the shock has been great, but Butch is determined, and I know he has the will to overcome his setbacks to continue a long life of adventure, fun and travel. Onwards and upwards is our mantra.  He is still the guy with the biggest bow tie, best stories and a great sense of humour.

Once again, I realise it’s not what we do in the latter parts of our lives that will determine the quality of our lives in our dotage; it is what we did when we were young and carefree that will determine the quantity of time we have at our disposal. Sometimes, of course, hereditary diseases will determine our lot; fortunately, we are forewarned, but should take them seriously. My Millennial son reminds me constantly that they have all the answers and will be the generation that keeps the Baby Boomers’ ball rolling. Google is their friend after all. I hope so, as I remind him hindsight is 20/20, I say with foresight.

Butch will always be grateful for the support he receives from the many hundreds of readers of my blogs, our friends, family, colleagues and strangers who have shown an interest in his well-being and progress.  Your kindness and encouragement have often been the motivation he needed during difficult times.  We thank you for your kindness. A friend in need is a friend indeed.