If you have been following my own personal See gate saga, that title is not a cry for vision insurance.
- Although I wouldn’t mind having it
- Ah, the good ol’ days of corporate insurance
Instead, the title is an observation on how much clearer things look with a plan.
Ack – more vision puns.
The Three Phases of Shock
When I was first diagnosed with a damaged cornea, it was like a punch in the gut.
My appointment was supposed to be a pre-cataract surgery visit – not a discovery of a permanently damaged body part.
Each phrase from the doctor delivered another blow ~
- Damaged cornea
- Corneal disease
- Irreversible
- Corneal transplant
Shock enveloped me at the news.
I had no idea there was another problem lurking in front of that cataract.
The experience thrust me into the three phases of shock.
- Paralysis
- Education
- A Plan
The Paralysis Phase
Your coping mechanisms for shock may differ from mine, but no matter the cause, my process is usually the same.
Initially, the shock leads to paralysis.
- Information overwhelms
- Questions go unformed
- Paralysis sets in
I acknowledge the fear and reach out.
Family and friends support no matter how much I whine. And for that, I thank them.
Education
The paralysis subsides. The brain kicks in and shouts ~
You need to figure this out
Education is called for.
- I researched my corneal disease (keratoconus)
- I reviewed the treatment my doctor described
- I learned what were “normal” symptoms
I was not thrilled with the idea of needing to wear a hard contact lens in the damaged eye. Possibly, in addition to glasses.
In fact, that was my chief whine – well that, and the fact that my vision was blurry.
- At least now, I had knowledge
- I prepared my questions for my next visit
Finally – a Plan
That visit was today.
- My vision was tested
- The doctor answered my questions
- Finally, we have a plan
I will wear a hard contact lens. But, the doctor is hopeful that will be all.
For now, it will have to wait until after cataract surgery on my other eye. Hopefully, all will go well since that eye is going to lend support to the damaged one.
Funny, how the thing I whined the most about is no big deal.
We all want to be in control of our lives.
When life throws us a curveball, it’s easy to experience paralysis and fear.
- But, then we pick ourselves up
- Dust ourselves off
- And get back into the game
There are far worse things in life than a damaged cornea.
A plan helped me see how blessed I really am.
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Live…Laugh…Love
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I think it was Dear Abby who said that 98 percent of what we worry about works out in the end anyway. 🙂
Glad to hear the plan is in the works, Cathy. And you’re right — you are blessed with talent, love, and peace – things to really bring it all into perspective.
Hugs, dear friend.
Thank you, Lori. You (and Dear Abby) are right – it does work out in the end. Sometimes it just takes me a bit to catch up with the plan. 🙂
Hugs back, my friend.
Glad to hear you have a plan, Cathy, and that it doesn’t require a transplant. 🙂
Me, too, Sharon! 🙂
I don’t know if it’s a good idea or not, but there is a tendency with physicians today to reveal every possible scenario, including the worst case scenario. Sadly, that is a by-product (at least here in America) of all the lawsuits brought against healthcare providers.
Hi Cathy,
I’m really sad 🙁 I hope things go well for you and you’ll be in my prayers today.
I’ll share a story with you about how I healed myself from gum disease. Maybe it will work for you too. I had terrible bleeding every time I brushed my teeth and I healed myself by saying this affirmation: “My teeth and gums are healthy”
I repeated the affirmation every morning for 10 minutes straight and within 2 weeks my gums stopped bleeding. Maybe you can create an affirmation about your eyes.
It will work. Trust me. I’ve been doing affirmations like that for years.
Don’t stop saying the affirmation! You have to do it every day until your eyes are healed.
Here’s what you have to do. When you’re ready to begin your affirmation set your alarm clock to buzz 10 minutes later than the current time. If it’s 8 am set your alarm for 8:10 then begin saying your affirmation over and over until the alarm buzzes. You could even do it for 15 or 20 minutes at a time.
Give it a few months and you’ll see the power of affirmations.
Read the book “Key to Yourself” by Dr. Venice Bloodworth so you can learn about the power of the mind to overcome anything. Here is a description of the book from Amazon and a link.
….Key to Yourself combines modern psychology and the same principles taught thousands of years ago by master teachers such as Jesus. In searching for her own spiritual enlightenment, Dr. Venice Bloodworth found the root of happiness based on concepts of spiritual psychology that disclosed the power of the mind to think itself to wellness, prosperity, and peace.
Here’s the link:
http://www.amazon.com/Key-Yourself-Venice-J-Bloodworth/dp/1612034322
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Hi Ramiro-thanks for the nice words and the prayers! I appreciate you sharing your story and the book reference. I do believe the mind and a positive approach to life works wonders.
Again, thank you for your concern, Ramiro.
ah Cathy… plans really do help. I love the way you’ve outlined your fears and how you worked through them. Great stuff to share.
When will you have the hard contact?
Thanks, Anne. It won’t be until well after the second surgery, which is scheduled at the end of November when I get back from San Diego. They need both to be completely healed so they know what they are going to have to do from a refractive standpoint.
Wow, Cathy, I can only imagine how shocking it was to receive such news. You have such a positive attitude – and a plan for how to proceed. You’re right about doctors’ tendencies to paint a “worst case” scenario. As you mentioned, educating yourself is critical!
Hi Kimberly-good to see you here! 🙂 It took a bit for me to come around, but I usually do once I get over the shock factor. Educating yourself is so much easier with the internet. Makes you wonder what we did before, 🙂
Thanks for stopping by, Kimberly.
Hi Cathy,
Wow! All I can say is that I’m sorry and I sincerely hope it works out for you.
Thanks, Laura. I appreciate the kind words and I’m sure it will all work out. Thanks for dropping by.
You’re an inspiration as always Cathy. Big HUGS and lots of love.
Aw, shucks, thanks, Jenn. 🙂 I ♥ my support group. 🙂