When you reach your seventies, it’s not uncommon to spend time in an ER. A little over a year ago, my husband suffered a small stroke and tried to get help by dialing 911. His speech was impaired and 911 hung up on him three times. He called me. By this time his speech was so disabled that I thought he was goofing around until I heard him say the word “stroke.” I told him to call 911. left my grocery cart and sped home. I could’ve called 911 myself, but I wasn’t thinking. Somehow, by the time I arrived home, an emergency team had already arrived.
Yesterday, my husband started experiencing distorted vision and tingling in his arm. Remembering our last experience, we decided to make a trip to the clinic instead of using 911. We got there and were told to go to urgent care. We got to urgent care and they told us to go to the ER, which by the way is only a few blocks from our home.
During this time of running around, my asthma started to act up and I began hyper-ventilating. Thoughts of the two of us going to heaven together ran through my mind. We finally got to the hospital. Two hours later we were ushered into a room. A nurse came in, got his information, followed by a doc who examined him. They decided to page an eye doctor, thinking there might be damage to the eye. He closed the curtain and left.
We sat for another two hours, looking at each other. Our creative minds became bored. Maybe we could use the disposable gloves as slingshots and fire spitballs into the hallway to get attention. We might blow air into said rubber gloves and make balloons out of them, surprising the doc whenever he did arrive.
We twiddled our thumbs, had a puppet show with Paul’s hat, danced with happy feet while sitting and waited again. We thought of the possible outcome. Would his sight return to normal? Would Paul be able to paint anymore. Were they sure it wasn’t another stroke? What would I do without this man I’ve spent a lifetime with. We had to do silly things to keep our minds away from those thoughts.
At last the doctor arrived and diagnosed a small hemorrhage in the retina caused by macular degeneration. This is treatable, but the doc suggested getting right into a retinal specialist asap. Five hours after our initial departure, we arrived home. Feeling relieved, but still concerned.
The waiting continues, since he can’t get into the clinic until Friday. Just what do you do while you wait? I’d really like a few suggestions, since it will probably be a common occurrence from now on.
atimetoshare.me 
oh dear lord—
Gregory was having flashing lights in one eye—afraid it was a detached retina which is not uncommon for jewelers, he saw first our family doctor who told him to see our eye doctor—she examined him and told him very much what Paul was told—a hemorrhage or slight tear of a nerve in the eye—once it broke away, the flashes should stop and his vision should then be fine—she told him to come back in a month. He went back this week and she said from peering into the eye that the nerve did sever away and that all seemed well….go figure…
prayers that Paul’s will be as eventless….
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Thanks for the encouragement. I’m praying for him and will for Gregory. The eyes are very important to both of them.
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Praying for Paul’s full recovery.
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Thank you. He’s pretty tough even in his silver years.
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I love your sense of humor during the wait time! Praying that all goes well for you both.
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There’s nothing else to do except laugh😂
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Praying for you and Paul. Having turned 70 a couple of months ago, I can relate, I already have difficulties remembering. Saw a show over the weekend about Alzheimer and began to wonder if I’m at an early stage. I’ve dismissed that thought for now, but will be alert to other tell tale signs. As to your question, I have no idea other than to pray and enjoy your life together while you can. (Assuming you have already taken care of legal and the other necessary arrangement’s.)
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So many of our friends ate passing away or terminally I’ll. We’re fortunate to be as healthy as we are. I thank God for giving us more time of grace.
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Thanks for your prayers.
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So for relief, I would tell you that retina surgery (laser welding) is a commodity these days and the only problem is that you have to spend time to do it.
It will not be an issue at all, but he WILL have to keep his eye open!
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Thanks for the advice, Alan. Eye knew I could count on you. We’re not too worried about it, but anything with the eyes is scary, especially when you make your living with them.
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Prayers my friend
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Thank you, Wally. Just another test.
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