This morning 'himself' paid a visit to his ophthalmologist for the bi-annual check of his glaucoma. The good news was that the pressures are still fine and to keep using the drops as per usual.
The piece of surprising news was that he is booked into have the cataract in his right eye operated on on 31 July next. Seems this cataract has grown quite quickly since his last visit in December so time to be done. Good eyesight is so important especially when driving.
The problem is that he has to be at Bethesda Hospital in Claremont at 6.30 a.m. on the day of the procedure. That would be all of about 15 km (10 miles) north of us which would probably entail a driving time of between 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic density. It is an extremely busy stretch of road and even if I could drive locally in an emergency (I do have a current licence) I wouldn't contemplate driving that distance at any time.
I can't ask anyone to be up early enough to pick himself up before 6 a.m. although I am sure one of the family would be available to pick him up after the procedure and bring him home. It will mean having to rely on a taxi arriving at our place on time to deliver him to the hospital by 6.30 and these days I have heard taxis can be somewhat unreliable. I have used the fare calculator which tells me it will cost between $30-35. That seems quite reasonable so will book a cab in advance and trust all will be well.
The following day himself will have to pay a visit to his ophthalmologist to have the bandage removed but that is not much of a worry as I am sure someone in our family will help out if they possibly can.
I very much regret the fact that I no longer drive but my arthritis is at the stage that I do not have sufficient confidence that my reaction time would be quick enough in an emergency. Even my hands don't have a very firm grip nowadays and goodness knows what my back or knee may do should I suddenly have cause to slam on the brakes. I always used to love driving and years back thought nothing of driving 300-400 kilometres and I miss it so much. I feel I am letting 'himself' down in not being able to be there for him in July and, even though I know he understands, a feeling of sadness comes with the knowledge that this task is now beyond me. Big sigh!!
To the young these events are just accepted and got on with but when we age much more planning and thought needs to go into even a simple trip to a hospital.
How I hear you. MS means that neither I nor anyone else would be safe if I drive. Mostly, this is not a problem. The skinny one likes to drive and if I have to be out early I catch buses. After his surgeries it is an issue, and I feel very, very guilty. Which is both painful and pointless.
ReplyDeleteI shouldn't make a fuss as I only have degeneration of my joints and not a serious illness but I guess what affects me does affect me and mine. I so rely on Phil to drive me everywhere and he is so wonderful and never complains. Buses? Not sure I'd make it up the step these days but perhaps will try one day if need be. : )
DeleteThe taxi will be good at that time of the morning. I am often on the freeway by 7am and the traffic generally runs well. Wishing you both well. xxx
ReplyDeleteThanks Rae. Our wonderful son-in-law suggested he could take Phil to the hospital. Dear man would have to be up at sparrow's to get here in time (something like 4.30 a.m.) but he will gladly do the pick up from the hospital and bring him home. We are so fortunate to have him in our family.
DeleteOh Mimsie do not feel guilty. I am sure your friends or a family member would be overjoyed if you ask them to drive you I know I would.
ReplyDeleteWe are all going to be in this place someday I live rural too and both my girls live hours away so I can see this coming for us also. The taxi to here and the hospital seems like a great option it would be hard for us to get a taxi.
Take care and talk to someone. HUGS B
As said above our great son-in-law has wholeheartedly come to our aid so taxi in the morning and then pick up from hospital and home. We are in the metro area but there is a big river between northern and southern suburbs which just seems to make journeys a tad more difficult....not enough bridges!!!
DeleteThanks for your concern and good wishes. xx
Wise decision to book the taxi in advance. When booking mention that it needs to be on time as you need to be at the hospital for a surgery appointment, that should help. I've never driven a car, so don't miss it, but I used to ride a motor bike and boy do I miss that.
ReplyDeleteA motor bike no less!! Wow! Phil too used motor bikes as transport for many years and then began driving a car and got his car driving licence when in his 30s. I only went on a motor bike once and have to admit I didn't enjoy it at all. I drove cars from age 17 until recently when I realised I wasn't perhaps safe to my own and the sake of others' safety.
DeleteI will definitely mention time is important when booking and perhaps ring the taxi company just before to check someone is on their way.
Wishing him all the best with the cataract surgery.
ReplyDeleteThanks Delores. I knew my eyesight was waning before I had my two cataract ops and the difference afterwards was quite miraculous. He doesn't seem to think his sight has deteriorated all that much but I guarantee he will certainly notice the difference. Actually when driving today he closed his 'good' eye and realised his vision wasn't all that crash hot so a bit a wake up call for him.
DeleteI will pass on your kind message to the man concerned. : )
Try not to feel bad about not being able to drive. A cab is a great idea, and your hubby will be fine. I had cataract surgery about a dozen years ago, and have been very happy with the results. He will be so excited to see vibrant colors again!
ReplyDeleteThanks you Susan....I too found an amazing difference in my sight when I had both cataracts done a year or so back and I am sure he will too although right now he doesn't seem to realise his eyesight is not as good as it could be. It was the colours that surprised me too and the clarity of everything including being able to read the telephone directory without glasses.!!
ReplyDeleteI'm wishing you both all the best, and I agree, a taxi is a good idea! I suppose we take things for granted, and actually I'm off to the Eye Doctor this week as I'm not seeing as good as I used to, I think I need reading glasses so age is catching up with me also xo
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your good wishes; they are much appreciated. Eyes are so precious so hope your Eye Doctor can help. We all find that perhaps our arms aren't as long as they were when trying to read. lol I am sure you will soon be seeing clearly again and yes, age does play those little tricks on us.
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