Glory to God!

4/12 I woke up with a huge black area in my left eye,  sign of another emergency!

We talked with the project team about the next few days, packed clothes, toys, snacks, and headed for the eye specialist in the capital.  He could not do the needed surgery-removing my lens, removing my vitreous, lazer surgery on my new tear, and filling my eye with silicone oil. My specialist called the chief of surgery at (UNO) Eye Trauma Center for all Guatemala.

4/13-6:30 a.m. Bernard, Sarah, and I walked into the (UNO), took a number, and waited to give my paperwork  As I looked around the room, after 12 years, I knew that many had traveled hours on the bus just to get there.  #21, I was taken past the 200 waiting their turn for paperwork, the 100 waiting on a long ramp for their turn with the doctor, the 100 waiting for their drops, and put in a small room with a cushioned couch and TV to wait for the “boss” to check my eye.  As I got my drops, my original surgeon ran past and said, “I decided to come by in person—everything is in the works”  In less than 1 ½ hours,  I had been examined, was approved by Social services for a 50% discount, and was scheduled first on the “boss’s OR schedule the next morning.  

As we passed the original waiting room, I couldn’t help noticing the young- pregnant mother of a little girl the size of Sarah with an obvious eye injury still waiting in the same metal chair where she was when we first arrived.  I couldn’t help feeling sad, because she surely should have gone before me.

4/14-6:30 a.m. Entered the OR Suite, filled out new paperwork and received my first of four drops in my right eye.  I explained that it was my left eye, Bernard was a little nervous---This happens in the US too!.  Sarah was really stressed seeing all the people (with one good eye) in such a little room, so I encouraged Daddy to take her to McDonalds for breakfast and play time.  The hardest part of this “eye thing” has been not being able to pick Sarah up and just Mother her,.  Bernard waited for me to change into my “designer” gown and robe before he and Sarah kissed me goodbye.

Antonio,a diabetic with a detached retina and I were the first  to begin the day.  The two of us “stylish” as could be walked through the door, pottied, and walked down a long hallway into the Operating Suite with 30 rooms. 

Just as I layed on the table, I saw a familiar face.  The anesthiologist for my initial surgery in the MD’s office walked in.  Hi! Trish, “Well the routine is the same.  IV sedation for 5-10 minutes,  we anesthetize your eye, then you are awake for the entire procedure.  Just relax, listen to the music---BP 120/68   Pulse 68---take a deep breath of 100% oxygen”---Next thing I knew, 10 minutes had passed and the “boss” was giving instructions for the procedure.  1hour 30 minutes later I was wheeled to a small room

to relax before changing into my clothes.  My “friend” Antonio had also just arrived and was sitting quietly.  I didn’t see much for the rest of the day, my head had to be facing the floor continuously.

4/15-7 a.m. Everything looks good.  Pressure good   Rest for 3 days  Come back Tues.

In 4-6 weeks, if no more tears in my retina develop, they will place a permanent contact lens.  Since my original trauma was so severe, I was myopic in that eye, and I am about to be 68, the risk is very high that there will be another tear.  They are trying to retain, at least, peripheral vision in my eye.  Anything else is an added blessing,  I can have this procedure one more time, if necessary.

I believe the Lord spoke to my heart 2 weeks ago as I tried to regain my balance after miss-judging a bottom step in the dark.  “Will you give glory to Me, no matter what happens to your eye? “  I answered, “Yes, Lord”

Through this newest situation, I have not had one minute of fear or anxiety about the surgery or my eyesight.

 

This Chief of Surgery and the Anesthesiologist together + all post op appointments cost  $173.40 + $1.60 for parking each time.  Our hotel bill is $50/night for an apartment with complete kitchen.  I must stay in the capital for 7 nights (barring complications).  All my lab work was good from the last two surgeries.  I was told that my three surgeries to date would have cost between  $20,000-$70,000 in the US.  We have no medical insurance.

 

Thank each one of you for the constant prayer on my behalf.      For His Glory, Trish

 

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