Author Topic: This last year  (Read 3446 times)

This last year
« on: 13 November, 2018, 10:40:17 pm »
I've been meaning to share some of this for a few weeks, but have waited until I had some idea of outcomes. Also, not sure whether this belongs here or in t'Pub really. Anyway, here goes.

It's been a bit of a tough old year. At the start of January we lost an old and close friend, suddenly and unexpectedly. Her birthday a few weeks ago was a painful few days.

Then, later in January I had emergency surgery for a peripherally detached retina. Fortunately this was succesful, but it meant that I missed the funderal.

Following the surgery, it took some time for me to feel my sight ha dstabilised enough for me to purchase new glasses, but that has led to a host of new issues. One of the consequences of the vitrectomy carried out whilst fixing my retina is a development of a cataract. The surgeon warned me about this, but I have since researched both how they can impact vision and how they tend to form. In my case the cataract formed and led to increasing short sight in my right eye and increasing aberrations and multiple images in the same eye. Two different opticians were unable to correct my vision beyond 6/9 (as seen thorugh a kaleidoscope), although I was convinced that the underlying visual accuity was much better. They didn't mind selling me specs though! Eventually, after months of poor vision, which makes my work more than a little difficult, I had to insist on beig referred to the surgeon again. He immediately diagnosed the cataract, observed on its optical impact and got me booked in for cataract surgery, which was completed on 31 October. The next evening I had excellent vision in that eye and was tested a week later at 6/5. This has been a real transformative change (I was -9 before the detachment). I remain frustrated that it took me insisting to force a referral to the surgeon in the first place.

Meanwhile, in early August, I developed problems with my left knee. These arrived out of the blue, and I found that was unable to walk for any distance wihout my knee becoming painful and stiff. On occasion I would be reduced to a hobble after 100yds. Again, I've been through a number of stages, albeit with more positive responses than I had to my eye issues post operation 1, and various tentative diagnoses. I saw the orthopedic surgeon last Friday following an MRI scan (very quickly arranged at Harrogate hospital) and he explained that I have damage/breaks in the intra articular cartilage in the patella femoral region and another within the tinial femoral region of the joint. I also have a cyst on a tendon in the back of the knee, which actually seems to be causing most of the immediate pain. After a discussion of optoins, he suggested that if it was his knee he wouldn't have surgery immediately, but would see what he could do. On the basis that nothing I do will prevent later surgery that is the current plan.

Some positives on the knee experience are that several medical professionals have accepted that being able to get up and decide to run 20 miles is actually my normal expectation and so is not in itself unreasonable. If I can't get back to that, then there is a real need from my perspective to be able to wlak around cities to visit clients - I hate th etube with a passion and often walk reasonable distances when visiting London, which has been curtailed somewhat. So, armed with the knowledge that I can go back if I can't get it to submit, I am back on the bike (which doesn't hurt) and trying to walk further again. In a couple of weeks, I intend to add some very short morning runs and see how that goes. I am a forefoot runner, which actually means I seem happier running than walking. This one is an ongoing challenge.

Finally, we lost my Dad a couple of weeks ago after a few years of decline through dementia, so that has been another layer to the year.

Unsurprisingly, my fitness is not what it was, but I am (perhaps strangely in the circumstances) feeling that we may, I hope, have turned a corner. My memories of my Dad have been reset following his funeral to the time before his illness when he was whole, my eye works and we have at least a plan for my knee. here's hoping for a better year from hear on in and in 2019.

Mike

ElyDave

  • Royal and Ancient Polar Bear Society member 263583
Re: This last year
« Reply #1 on: 14 November, 2018, 06:03:08 am »
A lot to deal with Mike, having a surgeon who understands your "normal" is a huge value. Hope all goes well with the knee.
“Procrastination is the thief of time, collar him.” –Charles Dickens

T42

  • Apprentice geezer
Re: This last year
« Reply #2 on: 14 November, 2018, 08:33:49 am »
Tough time to go through: I hope the eye stays good now, the knee behaves and nothing else dire intervenes.

And +1 for medics who understand. Chum got a sleep specialist who thought that cycling 100k was bonkers and threatened to take his driving licence away when chum laughed in his face.
I've dusted off all those old bottles and set them up straight

Re: This last year
« Reply #3 on: 14 November, 2018, 10:38:09 am »
Mike
so sorry to hear about your year.  That sounds an awful lot to go through.  I hope and pray that next year will be better and that you get back to a fitness you enjoy and are used to.

Re: This last year
« Reply #4 on: 14 November, 2018, 10:54:03 am »
That sounds brutal.
Hopefully your eye issues are all behind you and your knee will sort itself out. Well done on finding a sensible surgeon who actually listens to you, and good luck with the training from now on...

Re: This last year
« Reply #5 on: 14 November, 2018, 05:19:16 pm »
Good luck and keep persisting.
<i>Marmite slave</i>

Torslanda

  • Professional Gobshite
  • Just a tart for retro kit . . .
    • John's Bikes
Re: This last year
« Reply #6 on: 14 November, 2018, 05:29:50 pm »
As someone once said to me 'That's a hell of a lot to deal with!' and none of it easy.

I have historic knee problems with a cruciate repair that didn't take properly and I really can sympathise. Can't think of much else to offer except try to deal with one thing at a time.

But don't forget to talk to us. Share if it's good, rant if it isn't. Without the forum as a safety valve I seriously doubt I'd be sane...
VELOMANCER

Well that's the more blunt way of putting it but as usual he's dead right.

Diesel

  • or Richard
Re: This last year
« Reply #7 on: 14 November, 2018, 07:48:36 pm »
Sorry to hear that Mike. Sending best wishes for better times ahead as you turn this corner

That's an awful lot to go through in one year. Hope you find the support you need and hope the cycling helps.

Re: This last year
« Reply #8 on: 19 November, 2018, 10:55:29 am »
Thanks all

Getting back into the swing and just waiting on next steps for the knee now.

Plenty to do at home as well as work...

Mike

Re: This last year
« Reply #9 on: 27 November, 2018, 09:20:46 am »
I recall feeling like I was caught in a tide going out at points in the last couple of years. I'm sorry to hear you've had such a rough time. I hope you are being kind to yourself.

barakta

  • Bastard lovechild of Yomiko Readman and Johnny 5
Re: This last year
« Reply #10 on: 27 November, 2018, 02:46:45 pm »
That cumulative effect of a thing, then another thing, then more things does make things much harder, especially when there's added frustrations in there. Well done for asserting yourself about your vision, so many people don't manage to do this.

When a surgeon says they don't wanna slice first that's always interesting and worth listening to. I hope the options suggested are helpful in rebuilding your level of activity and quality of life. It is good when a doc grasps what quality of life means for you.

Re: This last year
« Reply #11 on: 27 November, 2018, 03:19:00 pm »
An annus horibilis indeed. Good that you are getting out and about. Hope your knee issues are resolved soonest.
Get a bicycle. You will never regret it, if you live- Mark Twain

SJ

Re: This last year
« Reply #12 on: 04 June, 2019, 11:33:39 am »
Hi Mike, Gosh you really have had a lot to deal with - how are you coping?
I had a Vitrectomy on my left eye 7 weeks ago and it's been one hell of a rollercoaster - and you've had so much more!
 I thought (lol) that I'd be back in my bike after two weeks - I'm still not on the bike yet and I think it will be a few more weeks yet before I am. My left eye is fairing ok now albeit with some ghosting which is affecting my vision but my right eye, which was the poor eye, has a cataract which is preventing me from driving. I'm hoping that the surgeon will suggest a new lens. I had hoped to do a super s r this year but I think that will have to wait until next year now. This eye thing certainly is a learning curve. And, like you, I have just developed a knee pain which is preventing me from even walking at the moment! How long before your eye was ok?
I hope that you are or will soon be beck in your bike.
Sara

Re: This last year
« Reply #13 on: 19 August, 2019, 11:17:17 pm »
Hi Sara

You’ll be back by now, but I was about 10 or 12 weeks after the vitrectomy before everything was sound, and then, later, my cataract surgeon suggested that I give the eye at least 4 weeks before riding on the road (he was ok with gentle turbo after a week or so).

Do watch out for the cataract post-vitrectomy. I can not describe how frustrated I was with the opticians I was seeing. I discussed this very frankly with the surgeon and he suggested an individual he trusts and she has been excellent.

Mike

Re: This last year
« Reply #14 on: 19 August, 2019, 11:19:47 pm »
Quick update also - I had a knee arthroscopy 6 weeks ago to remove the cyst and trim a small edge of mensical tear. It was b***** painful for nearly 3 weeks, but I can ride and, since yesterday, run again:)

It’s a lovely feeling to be honest, and you may hear a bit more from me again.

Mike

barakta

  • Bastard lovechild of Yomiko Readman and Johnny 5
Re: This last year
« Reply #15 on: 19 August, 2019, 11:55:46 pm »
Delighted things have started to get better for you Mike!

T42

  • Apprentice geezer
Re: This last year
« Reply #16 on: 20 August, 2019, 08:02:25 am »
:thumbsup:  It's bloody wonderful when everything works.
I've dusted off all those old bottles and set them up straight

Re: This last year
« Reply #17 on: 20 August, 2019, 09:50:19 am »
That is terrific to hear.
<i>Marmite slave</i>

Re: This last year
« Reply #18 on: 20 August, 2019, 10:16:09 am »
Good news, Mike - really glad for you.

Re: This last year
« Reply #19 on: 20 August, 2019, 10:59:03 am »
Mike so pleased to hear things are improving. I still look back on our Pilgrims Easter Arrow together as one of the great days of my life.

Hope we will see each other again on the road.

Re: This last year
« Reply #20 on: 25 August, 2019, 01:48:14 pm »
Thank you everyone

I am very grateful.

Sue and I were talking the other night and I observed that I found the whole process very difficult. Somehow, i expect to remain physically able and active at my age - only 53 - but I’ve been quite humbled by the sheer volume of younger colleagues and acquaintances who have been through similar and much worse surgery with less good outcomes. Equally, Sue’s current patient base is largely young with a range of challenging mental health issues, and it leaves me feeling both humbled and very blessed to be in the position I currently am. Obviously, we do not come with guarantees, and sometimes these things help recognize our own blessings as something to be thankful for.

Speak soon I hope!

Mike

SJ

Re: This last year
« Reply #21 on: 31 August, 2019, 03:34:18 pm »
Hi Mike, Great to hear that you are back on the bike😀.

I had my cataract done on my right eye 6 weeks ago and I'm eagerly awaiting a call from the hospital with regard to my left eye (retinal detachment eye) because the disparity between the eyes is causing all sorts of problems - right eye is now +1.25 and the left eye is -9.50.

I have been able to do lots of walking and can't wait until I'm back in the bike.

I went up to Fishguard today to see some of the Audaxers on the Giant's Tooth 500km - I managed to see Ivor and a few others😀.

Regards,
Sara

Re: This last year
« Reply #22 on: 06 September, 2019, 08:03:23 pm »
Hi Mike, Great to hear that you are back on the bike😀.

I had my cataract done on my right eye 6 weeks ago and I'm eagerly awaiting a call from the hospital with regard to my left eye (retinal detachment eye) because the disparity between the eyes is causing all sorts of problems - right eye is now +1.25 and the left eye is -9.50.

I have been able to do lots of walking and can't wait until I'm back in the bike.

I went up to Fishguard today to see some of the Audaxers on the Giant's Tooth 500km - I managed to see Ivor and a few others😀.

Regards,
Sara

It sounds like you're also heading in the right direction - my left eye is still 'au naturel', so I also have an interesting pair of prescriptions:-

Right eye post vitrectomy and with cataract got to -12 with no better than 6/9 vision, but post lens replacement is now +0.5 sph / -0.5 cyl and 6/5 unaided! A staggeringly good outcome and better than I've enjoyed since I was, perhaps, 4 (although I can't read without my readers of course)

Left eye, with no intervention, is currently -8.0 on a contact lens, or -9 and bit with glasses. I can't use glasses as the difference is such that the image sizes are too far off congruent. However, I seem able to tolerate daily wear of contacts and am very happy with the resulting vision. Age means I need my readers for this eye too.

You'll get there and it will feel wonderful.

Mike